There are a few things that are absolutely critical to interview success. Knowing what to do before a job interview can make all the difference between standing out as the top candidate or getting lost in the shuffle.
If you want to get a job offer, do these five things before every interview.
Research The Company
Before you go into an interview, whether it's a phone screen, in-person, group, panel, or virtual interview, you must do your homework on the company. You want to understand the companies to which you're applying before the interview. That way, when the hiring manager asks, "So, what do you know about us?" you'll have a solid answer and won't be flustered. The last thing you want to say is, "Oh, not much. I was hoping you'd tell me!"
Research the company's mission, values, recent news, and key projects to show your genuine interest and proactive mindset. Take time to review its website, social media accounts, and any press coverage. The goal is to familiarize yourself with the industry and the company's competitors, which will make it easier for you to understand the company's pain points and explain how your skills and expertise will alleviate that pain.
Understand What Salary Range Is Competitive
BigstockAlways, always, always understand what's the going rate for your position in your industry. The hard truth is you might not make the same salary as your last job. You need to understand what's a competitive salary before you apply for a job (and especially before you get into the interview process). Otherwise, you risk pricing yourself out of the job right off the bat, or worse, selling yourself short.
Use resources like Glassdoor, LinkedIn, or salary-specific websites to gather insights on what others in similar roles are earning. Then, prepare a range that reflects both your experience and the market value, giving yourself room to negotiate. This preparation demonstrates to employers that you’ve done your homework and know your worth.
Know What You Bring To The Table
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Know exactly what you bring to the table in terms of value. Why are you going to be an asset to this company? What problem are you going to solve and how will you solve it better than the "other guy"? You need to understand this inside and out. Otherwise, you're going to have a hard time selling yourself to the interviewer.
Take the time to identify specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your ability to deliver results. Practice articulating these points confidently and concisely using the "Experience + Learn = Grow" method when answering behavioral interview questions. This will set you apart as a valuable, must-have candidate.
Prepare Some Examples Of Your Wins
BigstockExamples help you back up your claims. They're proof that you've been there, done that, and did it well. Prepare some relevant, quantifiable accomplishments that you can bring up during the interview to reinforce your skill sets.
Review the job description thoroughly and align your examples with the key qualifications and responsibilities listed. This will show the interviewer that you understand the role and are ready to hit the ground running. Another tip for what to do before a job interview is to practice weaving these examples into responses to common interview questions, ensuring you can share them naturally and confidently.
Practice Your Delivery
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Practice makes perfect! The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll be when you're in the interview. You'll look calm, focused, and confident. Consider doing a mock interview with a friend or career coach beforehand to get you warmed up for the real thing!
Knowing what to do before a job interview helps you stand out and ensures you're ready to showcase your skills and make a lasting impression. Preparation is the foundation of confidence, so don't forget to research the company, decide on a salary range, determine your value, prepare some examples of your accomplishments, and practice your delivery. By doing these key things, you'll be one step closer to acing your next job interview and getting an offer. Good luck!
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