Congratulations! Your application caught the eye of your potential employer. Now it's time to prepare for the interview. Remember, interviews are a two-way street; they're as much about you assessing the company as they're about them evaluating you. Preparation is critical to ensuring this job fits both parties correctly.
Research, Review, and Re-Read
Effective interview preparation helps you navigate the conversation with confidence and clarity. Even if the discussion veers off-course, a solid foundation can help you stay grounded and focused.
Research the Company
Get to know the company inside and out:
- Dive into the details: Understand its size, history, and culture.
- Stay updated: Check recent news, blog posts, and social media activity.
- Know your interviewers: If you know who's interviewing you, find their recent contributions or appearances on platforms like LinkedIn.
- Spot the trends: Look for recent project announcements, expansions, or notable changes. If they've raised money or recently laid off people, you will almost certainly want to ask about this.
Review Yourself
Revisit your application materials to ensure you're familiar with what you've shared:
- Refresh your memory: If you've tailored different resumes and cover letters, know what you sent to this company.
- Check your online presence: Ensure your GitHub, personal website, and any relevant projects are live and presentable.
- Prepare for questions: Don't be surprised if a project you mentioned in your cover letter is mentioned during the interview. Instead, be prepared! Take this opportunity to describe at a high level what your projects do, what you learned from them, and what problems you solved when building (and fixing!) them.
- Address gaps: Be prepared to explain any resume gaps or potential red flags.
- Know your strengths and weaknesses: No good employer will expect you to be perfect! Honest self-evaluation is valued by employers who appreciate growth potential over perfection.
Re-read the Job Description
Carefully review the job description and any communication from the company:
- Highlight key points: Note the primary responsibilities and requirements. If any aspect of the job description is unclear, note it so you ask about it during the interview.
- Prepare questions: Have insightful questions ready for when you're asked, "Do you have any questions for me?"
Prepare for Your Video Interview
If the interview will be on a video call, ensure everything you need is working before the last minute.
- Stable internet: Reliable connectivity is crucial, especially for remote positions.
- Test your equipment: Ensure your microphone and camera are working perfectly.
- Software ready: Have the necessary video conferencing software installed and tested.
- Rest well: Here's an easy one: a good night's sleep will help you stay alert and focused.
By following these steps, you'll enter your interview with the confidence and preparedness needed to make a great impression. Remember, this is your opportunity to shine and confirm if the company is the right fit for your career aspirations. Good luck!