10 Tips for Mastering Any Job Interview (+ Examples)

10 Tips for Mastering Any Job Interview (+ Examples)

I came across this wonderful article by Diane Wong about her top 10 tips for mastering any job interview. A lot of these resonated with me, and some I had some additional advice to add!

Here is the top 10 list:

1. Pinpoint the type of employee the company is searching for.

👉 Why bother with a company that won’t match your personality or work style? Research Glassdoor and find out just what exactly is going on with the company as it relates to how they treat their employees. Also, check LinkedIn and see who’s working there and what they’re all about.

2. Outline your genuine strengths (not just your skills).

👉 Soft and hard skills all matter. Figure out what you can offer and how you can contribute on a daily basis to make their lives easier at the company.

3. Fit your answers to their questions.

👉 Check the job description and align all of your wins according to the tasks at hand. It’s best to keep the conversation flowing without beating up on any one particular project, and it will also boost your confidence since you’re ready to fire your appropriate narrative depending on their question. Also, tighten up your answers to those common “strengths, weaknesses?” and “tell me about yourself” behavioral questions.

4. Anticipate the difficult questions before they ask them.

👉 Check the technical aptitude and situational questions they may ask based on the job description. Sharpen up those answers accordingly.

5. Remember everyone’s name or one fact.

👉 This is good for your follow-up email/letter. And yes, do follow-up, please!

6. Be curious about the interviewer and the company.

👉 Interview them too! This is not a one-way interview. These are people you will be leaving loved ones at home for 5+ days a week to spend time with, so make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into.

7. Fit yourself into the company culture.

👉 Maybe, depends on your situation. Personality clashes are tough and I’d hate to see you start making bad career decisions when you don’t go with your gut. If the culture looks toxic, boring, etc. to what you perceive and wish to have as part of your next move, move on.

8. Don’t care about money.

👉 Maybe, depends on your situation. If it’s a passion-related role, maybe forgo the case for experience, network exposure, and skills acquisition. If money talks and you’re already in over your head at home with creditors, this may ring a different tune.

9. Communicate your emotions.

👉 Emotional intelligence is important. But don’t tell them your breakup story either. Keep this very professional as it relates to the type of person you are. They don’t want the water cooler to be your own personal therapy playground.

10. Emphasize what you can already do and how you can grow.

👉 Always be learning and improving. This goes without saying! But really communicate the ways you try to improve yourself or challenge yourself to grow as both a person and professional.

Chime in over here and leave your thoughts! Read the article here and check out the wonderful examples the author shared.