Recently the format of a job interview has changed dramatically, with video being the go-to channel as people try to limit their travelling as much as possible.
If you want to prepare for your next job interview – via video or in-person – read our tips below:
1. Research the company
Before the job interview, make sure you have a good understanding of the company you’re applying for – company websites usually have a ‘company’ or ‘about us’ page. Always a good idea to try the product as a customer (download an app, create an account) and do not forget to mention that you have done it during the interview!
2. Read press articles
To further research the company, have a look at articles where they have been mentioned. A quick way to find this is by searching “company name” on Google/search engines and selecting the news. This also gives you another point of view.
3. Familiarise yourself with the job description
Read the job description so you understand what is expected if you are to work for the company. Try to think about what you can bring to the role from your previous experience. Look at each task/problem/skill they identify and plan ahead what experience you can demonstrate for each.
4. Provide examples to support your experience
It’s all well and good saying you can do X or have experience in Y but you need to confidently show evidence of it. Try to give an example each time you identify a skill or expertise you have to prove you are capable.
5. Update your SmartMe profile
If you are a PitchMe user you should ensure your profile is the most up-to-date version. Check your documents uploaded and your linked digital profiles. Can you link anymore? Employers on PitchMe will regularly check your profile right up until the interview.
Note: If you do not have a profile yet you can create one in minutes for free. By linking your digital profiles and documents like a CV or portfolio our platform identifies your soft and hard skills. Use this to help prepare your answers.
6. Prepare questions you’d like to ask the interviewer
One way to impress your interviewer is to ask more questions about the strategy or business model which will demonstrate your interest in knowledge of the company. Ask about how the company is different from its competitors and what is a long-term strategy. This not only shows intent, but it does provide you with answers you might really want to know. ‘What is the culture of the company like?’, ‘What is the best thing about working at the company for you?’
7. Practice
Like any task, it is important to practice to identify how you’re going to approach the interview. Try to practice with someone you know and ask for feedback on your strengths and areas to improve. Maybe an answer you think is great actually sounds a bit too long-winded to the receiver. If you can’t practice with a friend you can also record yourself and play it back – it’s easier to critique yourself this way.
8. Test your video settings
If your job interview is going to be on a video call you’ll want to troubleshoot before. First, make sure you have access to the platform the interviewer wants to use. Then test the settings of the video and audio. Some platforms let you do this but if they don’t, try to test by calling someone you know. Lastly, test the placement of the video to see what is in your frame. Try to keep the background minimal so nothing can distract the interviewer.
9. Think positive
Don’t dwell on the negatives in the interview, even if the question asks for it. If you’re asked about something you didn’t like, you can answer with what you did like or answer how you turned it into a positive. “I found task X really difficult at first but by changing Y it became something I was very competent at.”
10. Print a copy of your CV/resume
Your interviewer will usually have this document printed themselves and occasionally will try to trip you up with what you have written. By having it in front of you, you can refer back to it if you are struggling to remember something. It also helps if the interviewer has forgotten/misplaced their copy!
Read our tips on how to write a CV/resume, what to include and what to leave out.
11. Don’t give up
Sometimes interviews don’t go the way you planned. You can prepare as much as possible but on the day it can be unpredictable. Don’t give up! Think about what didn’t go to plan for you and make a note of it so you are more prepared next time. You can also ask for feedback from your interviewer to identify why you didn’t get the role and what you can work on.
These 11 tips should help you to prepare for your next job interview and hopefully, it is successful for you!
If you’re looking for work opportunities we currently have 100+ tech/creative/business roles. You can sign up and create your profile in minutes which shows your true professional profile, highlighting your hard and soft skills.
Try it now – it’s free!
Download our Free Guide for IT Professionals:
Send download link to my email: