A job interview is about more than answering the employer’s questions. It's your opportunity to showcase your skills, personality, and fit for the role. Interviews can take place over the phone, over a video call, or in-person. No matter where your interview is taking place, this is your first and best chance to make a lasting impression with the employer. To prepare for interviewing, we’ll review doing your research and how to walk into an interview feeling prepared and confident.
Do your Research
Researching the company you are interviewing for is one of the best ways to prepare for an interview. Remember, not only is an employer looking for a good fit for their company, but you should be looking for an employer and job that’s a good fit for you too. Once you know more about the history, vision/mission, and/or culture of the company, you can go into the interview with confidence and knowledge surrounding the company and role. A classic question asked in interviews is, “Why here?” Employers want to know what you like about their company, and you should too!
To further prepare for questions, you can research common questions asked in interviews. Not all interviews are the same, but they all have the same goal. The interviewer wants to get to know you and how you are as an employee.
Here are some common questions asked in interviews:
· Why do you want to work here?
· What are your strengths and weaknesses?
· Why did you leave your last job/why are looking to leave your current job?
· Can you tell me about a time you faced a challenge at work and how you handled it?
· Why should we hire you?
· What are your salary expectations?
Researching possible questions and preparing your answers before an interview will allow you to step into the interview with knowledge and confidence.
The First Impression
When you first meet someone, it takes approximately 7 seconds for you to make an impression on them. This means that when going into an interview, the employer will form a base-level impression of you before you even have a conversation – so let’s make it a good one!
When you meet the employer that will be interviewing you, greet them with a firm handshake. While it may sound “old-school,” a confident handshake shows an employer that you respect them and appreciate the opportunity to meet with them. One way to show an employer that you’re prepared before you begin answering questions is to bring a printed copy of your resume for the employer to reference. Many times, the employer will already have a copy printed, but bringing an extra physical copy to provide them shows professionalism and preparedness on your part.
An Employment Resource Specialists from one of our Career Centers advises clients to “dress for the job you want, not necessarily for the job you have or are interviewing for.” Whether you’re interviewing for a position at a store, a restaurant, an office, or physical labor job, dressing professionally for your interview speaks volumes. To bring you peace of mind, dressing professionally for an interview doesn’t always have to mean suit-and-tie attire. Depending on the clothing you have and the position you’re interviewing for, there are many options of outfits that will leave a good impression.
Know Yourself as an Employee
The information that you showcased on your resume is what leads an employer to want to interview you. During the interview, they will ask you about your previous experience and qualifications. This part of the interview is a great time to let an employer know who you are as an individual and as an employee. Consider the ways your knowledge, skills, and experience make you the ideal candidate for the position.
Aside from the common interview questions, employers will often use the qualifications listed on your resume to ask more specific questions regarding your skills. For example, if you list on your resume that you are proficient in Microsoft software such as Excel or Adobe software like Photoshop, an interviewer may ask you to describe the projects you have completed using these software programs. Being prepared and honest during these questions is very important. If you are being asked about specific skills, you would most likely be using them when working in that role.
Stay Committed to the Journey
Finally, keeping a positive attitude throughout the interviewing process is what will keep you moving forward in your job search. Looking for jobs and interviewing may feel like a long (and sometimes disheartening) path. To keep your morale up, think of each interview as an opportunity to practice your interviewing skills. Even if you don’t end up with an offer, insight into the questions companies ask will help you overcome your own nerves a little more each time. These interviews mean you’re one step closer to receiving an offer.
Our next post looks into a part of the job-hunting process that is less talked about – what to do post-interview!
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Posted By: Rinni Finley - Goodwill West Texas Communications & Marketing Coordinator
February 25, 2025
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