INTERVIEW TIPS - Ace Your Interviews Part 1: Prepping Before The Interview
Posted 16th March 2023 • Written by Ashley Stahl on forbes.com • • • • •
1. Read the company website.
Let’s start with the basics! You’d be surprised how many people go into an interview without ever browsing the company website. The home page gives an overview of what is most important to the company. It’s where you’ll learn about current projects or products and tidbits that are important to the company. But even more so, it delivers a bit of company personality.
Browse the “careers” page to find intel on corporate policy, DEI, company culture, and benefits. Read the company “about” page to learn what motivates the company, what their core values are.
2. Check out their social channels.
Not all companies are active on social, but most are. Social media gives a sneak peek at the human side of the company. It’s also a good way to find out the company’s involvement in community outreach programs. It’s one thing to write about give-back programs on a company website, it’s another to perform. And most often, that’s publicized through social.
Also, be sure to button-up your social channels. Surveys show that 70% of managers successfully hire candidates through social media, 67% research potential candidates using social, and 1 in 5 hiring managers said they likely would not hire someone without a social presence.
3. Look up key players on LinkedIn.
Part of the interview process is getting to know who you’ll be working for and letting them get to know you. Find out if you share any commonalities with new potential employers. Look for clues that will help you build rapport during the interview. Rapport is what will help you stand out from other candidates.
4. Talk to your network.
If you find a connection in your network, reach out. Ask questions about the company, the culture, and what it’s like to work for the company. Here are a few pointed questions to ask:
What do you like about working for the company the most?
What is something you wish you could change?
Does the company stand behind its commitments?
Do you feel like your voice is being heard?
Aside from doing your homework, you will want to practice interviewing. There are a number of interview software tools available and even companies that offer practice interviewing, like StandOut and Interviewing. One survey found that 92% of candidates believed the mock interview was the key to getting their dream job.
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