If there’s one interview prep guide to bookmark this year, make it this one!
Since we started recruiting back in 2015 we have seen so many different changes in interviewing and job-searching. So we decided to create an all-in-one interview prep blog for our job searchers who are tired of jumping from dozen’s of tabs on their browser. We’re answering all your most essential interviewing questions from the pre-interview prep to what you can do after the big day.
Here’s what questions we are answering:
What can I do before my interview to prepare?
What if my interview is online?
What do I wear to my interview?
What will I be asked in the interview?
How can I answer questions in my interview?
What questions can I ask in the interview?
What can I do after the interview?
Any other tips I can use to stand out in my job search?
Can networking help me gain interviews?
Remember to save this page or copy and paste what you need to know on your favorite notes app.
Let’s dig in!
Don’t wait till the last minute to prepare.
Running around trying to make copies of this and that an hour before you interview will leave you stressed…so don’t do it! Since there are plenty of things you can do before the interview to prepare yourself, we made a short list of what you need to do. Any prep you can do before the big day will help you form a good first impression (and you only get one chance to make a good first impression). Here’s a quick list of what you can do the day before interviewing including:
By following this short yet essential checklist and adapting it to your specific interview, you’ll be well-equipped to show your qualifications and confidently navigate the interview process. Remember, success favors the prepared! A little preparation fosters confidence, and confidence is key to a successful interview!
Nowadays you’ll be hard pressed to find an in-person interview off the bat. During the pandemic, interviewing online became the norm and it doesn’t seem that we’ll be going back to a pre pandemic routine anytime soon. Truth be told, there isn’t too much of a difference between an in-person interview and an online interview. But what if you could use a zoom interview to your advantage? Here’s how you can ace any online interview in minutes:
Learn more about how to interview online.
Whether it’s in-person or online, an interview is meant to show your preparedness and skillsets for the role. However it’s not just about the hiring manager interviewing you. You have the opportunity to discover more about the company and whether it’s a good fit for you! Keep scrolling to discover what questions you can ask at the end of your interview.
Did you know that you only have 7 seconds to set a good first impression? According to Science of People first impressions matter, especially in a job interview. Your attire sets the tone for your professionalism and can significantly impact how you’re perceived by interviewers. Whether you’re prepping for a traditional in-person interview or a video conference, this list will help you dress for success in any interview setting.
Even for an online interview, you should look your Sunday best! Type in “what is business professional attire for an interview?” in Google and you’ll get a great representation of what your attire should look like. You might be able to get away with pajama pants for comfort but sometimes wearing a complete outfit can help you mentally prepare yourself.
By following these tips and tailoring your outfit to the specific interview setting, you’ll project professionalism and make a lasting impression on your potential employers. Remember, dressing for success is an investment in your future career journey.
Since we help people connect to careers for a living, we want to share a little inside knowledge about how interview questions are set up. Interview questions can be broadly categorized into two main types: general and situational. General questions are questions that can be asked to anyone while situational questions are tailored to the position or the candidate’s experience. Here’s a breakdown of what you might be asked:
General questions
Situational questions
Past skills, experiences, situations…it can be difficult to answer these questions in a cohesive manner since we’re talking about your entire career condensed in a 30 minute interview.
But what if you could?
We recommend using the following interview technique to help you and the hiring manager navigate through any question you might be asked.
Do you find yourself stuck on how to answer basic questions?
Here’s a little secret that will help you shine in the interview and we call it the S.T.A.R method. Instead of rambling on with no destination in sight, this interview technique can help you create focused and results based answers. Take it from recruiters like us that hiring managers love hearing about results. When an interviewer throws a behavioral question like “Tell me about a time when…” You’ll answer with the confidence of a true professional!
Keep in mind these questions aren’t about your knowledge on paper, but how you’ve applied your skills in real-life situations. Here’s where the STAR method comes in, a powerful framework to craft compelling responses that showcase your capabilities.
Here’s what S.T.A.R means:
Situation – Explain what the situation that you needed to solve.
Task – Describe the overall project that was your responsibility
Action – What specific actions did you take to solve this problem?
Results – What happened afterwards?
Don’t over think this technique! Think of S.T.A.R as the ABC’s of past work problems and solutions from your career. Essentially, you start with a situation and explain the process of what you needed to do to get the job done. By mastering the STAR method, you can transform simple interview responses from commonplace to captivating. Just remember to practice and prepare a few STAR-powered answers beforehand, tailored to the specific role you’re applying for.
Learn more about the S.T.A.R Method.
The interviewer will always ask “do you have any questions?” at the end. This is where you can dig a little deeper and leave a lasting impression. Asking questions shows intent and that you’re curious about the company. Here’s a quick little list of questions you can pull out at the end.
Make sure to tailor your questions to the company (by researching). By asking insightful questions, you showcase your interest in the role, company culture, and professional growth opportunities. This makes a powerful closing statement and positions you as a strong contender for the job. So, go forth, ask with confidence, and land that dream position!
Remember those post-it’s we mentioned earlier? Put a question or two on a post-it or note card by your screen or keyboard. We have an even larger list of interview questions to ask.
Take a deep breath! Now that you aced the interview, here’s how to make that lasting positive impression. Here are a few key actions you can take to stand out from the competition:
This question can be answered in endless ways but let’s start with the easiest-to-use tips!
Did you know that not all jobs are posted online? According to Zippia, up to 70% of jobs are filled through networking.
Let’s be clear, networking can either directly or indirectly help you with your job search!
Local networking is a great way to expand your professional contacts in your area. Actually meeting people can connect you with the decision makers in your local industry or people in the know. Since Route Networking Group is based in Boise, we have a wide network and we even have a few tips to network right here in the City of Trees! Here’s are just two of our favorite networking events or groups:
Networking is in our name so you have any questions about how to bump elbows with local professionals here’s how you can learn more about networking in Boise and Idaho.
Job searching is a job in itself. As much as we try to make this a complete guide to interviewing, we know that job searching simply isn’t what it used to be. Make that job search a little easier and send us your resume for general consideration! We work with companies across western Washington, Idaho, and Montana and connect them with highly skilled professionals like you!
Are you ready for a brand new route in your career?
All you have to do is click the button below.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_btn title=”Contact Us” style=”custom” custom_background=”#35647f” custom_text=”#ffffff” link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Froutenetworking.com%2Fopen-positions”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
