Interviews
The purpose of an interview is to demonstrate that you can do what your resume, CV or LinkedIn says you can do. Interviews are also a way for you and your employer to get to know each other, and demonstrate why you are the best candidate for the position.
Interview questions are designed to either showcase your past performance or to predict how you would behave in work situations. The objective of your answers are to paint a compelling picture of yourself, and bring your past experiences and training, your values, and your skills and strengths, to life.
When potential employers or hiring managers experience your personality, the quality of your answers and the level of engagement or enthusiasm in the interview, they can begin to imagine how you'll fit with the role, the team and the organization you're being hired for.
Interviews are also a chance for you to find out whether you would like this new role, the environment, and the people you would be working with. Explore the tabs below to access useful tips on how to make the most out of your interview preparation and delivery.
Before the Interview
Review what the job application is looking for, really highlight the key points that align with your personal strengths. From there try to think of questions you want to ask the interviewer after. If there is enough time, book a 1-on-1 session with us to review your interview skills!
1) Do Your Research
- Research the field, organization, and position. Use the company's website, social media, and press releases to learn about its mission and values.
- See what you can learn about the people who will be interviewing you.
- Review your resume and the job posting to understand the employer's stated and unstated needs. Answer the question: what problem will you solve for them?
- Confirm the date, time, and location of the interview to give yourself plenty of time to get there.
- Determine if the interview will be one-on-one, a group-based interview, or a panel-based interview.
Interview Skills
2) Practice
- Anticipate interview questions and prepare answers using past successes to illustrate your skills.
- Practice in front of a mirror, practice with a friend, and do mock interviews with a Career Advisor.
Tip
Review what the job application is looking for, really highlight the key points that align with your personal strengths. From there try to think of questions you want to ask the interviewer after. If there is enough time, book a 1-on-1 session with us to review your interview skills!
3) Consider the opportunity
Does this job have benefits? Paid Time Off? Opportunity to grow within the company?