Many emotions come along with landing an interview: excitement, stress and sometimes even doubt. If you are feeling any of these emotions, you are not alone. It is very common to have mixed emotions when going into a job interview. The best way to conquer theses unsettling feelings is preparation! In this blog, I will share some tips and tricks to help you walk into that interview with confidence!
To Prepare for a Job Interview, You Should Practice the Three R’s
Research
Research the names of who is doing the interview (on LinkedIn or the company website), their products/services, and online reviews (on Google or Glassdoor).
The job posting provides a concise overview of the duties of the job and qualifications needed for the job. Review the posting carefully by taking notes of the skills, experience and competencies outlined (this can also be a clue about the type of interview questions you may be asked).
Review
Review the job qualifications carefully (on the job posting). Know your skills and assets as outlined in your resume. Be prepared to demonstrate how your skills match the needs of the position. Be ready to identify evidence and stories that showcase how you possess those skills
Rehearse
Rehearse your answers out loud with your friends, family or with us at TEAM Work Cooperative via our mock interview services. This will help you feel more confident and ensure you are saying everything you want to say clearly and concisely.
Interview Clothing
Prepare what you are planning to wear the night before:
Ensure clothing is appropriate, clean and not wrinkled.
"Appropriate” for a job interview means considering what you might wear on the job at that particular organization, and dress one notch better than that. Think conservative in your choices, stay away from:
Flashy or chunky jewelry and loud distracting colors.
Prepare the shoes you are going to wear in advance.
Many workplaces are scent free so avoid heavily fragranced products.
Interview Travel Plan
If you are going to the interview by car/bus, make sure of the following
Make sure you know how to get there. If possible, do a practice travel beforehand to familiarize yourself with the location, the travel paths, as well as the parking spots.
If you are not familiar with area, use Google Maps to find the shortest route.
Consider traffic, construction and weather.
If traveling via bus, leave 15-20 minutes earlier to account for any unexpected delays.
Tips for the Day of the Interview
On the day of the interview, make sure to:
Get up early – give yourself extra time to get ready and act as a buffer for unexpected delays.
Double check your travel plan and check your timing,
Have your paperwork ready – include extra copies of resume, cover letter, a notepad and a pen,
Not matter what, eat a light meal or snack and drink water,
Make the most out of the last-minute bathroom stop on your way to reception
Check your reflection for any stray pieces of food, loose threads or dirty glasses.
This is also a great time to practice smiling!
Turn off your cellphone!
What to Bring
Extra copies of resume, references or cover letter,
Certificates/ licenses,
Notebook and pen,
3 to 5 questions for the interviewer.
Sample work if needed,
Personal care package (water, tissues, pain medications, mints),
A good attitude!
What Not to Bring
Friends or family (unless you need a support person like an interpreter),
Shopping bags,
Snacks, candy, gum, energy drinks, or soft drinks;
Reading materials,
Pets (unless it’s a guide or service dog),
Perfume or any scented products,
A bad attitude!
STAR Formula
One of the most effective ways to prepare for potential interview questions that requires you to tell a story – and to keep yourself focused during the interview – is to utilize the STAR formula. Your answer will be most effective and complete if you touch on all four aspects of STAR:
Situation – describe the circumstance of the situation so the interviewers have context. Be concise.
Task – specify your role within the situation. What was it that you were responsible for?
Action – Outline the steps you took to address the situation. What were your actions?
Result – Discuss the outcome of the situation and any lessons learned. What happened as a result of the actions you took.
It is important to practice answering some common interview questions using the STAR formula. Searching for common interview questions online can give you a better idea of what to expect at the interview. To get the best results, try answering each question out loud at least 2 – 3 times.
To give you a better idea of how to incorporate the STAR formula with your interview responses, look at our examples below:
Tell me about a time you made a mistake?
Situation: In my final year of university, I was tasked with leading a group project for a marketing course. Despite my efforts to delegate tasks effectively, there was a breakdown in communication among team members, which resulted in missed deadlines and subpar deliverables.
Task: As the project leader, I took responsibility for the situation and immediately called for a team meeting to address the issues. We openly discussed the challenges we were facing and brainstormed strategies to realign our efforts and salvage the project.
Action: Recognizing the importance of clear communication and accountability, I implemented a new communication protocol and established regular check-ins to monitor progress and address any issues promptly. Additionally, I took on a more hands-on approach, providing additional support and guidance to team members who were struggling.
Result: Although the project didn't meet our initial expectations, the experience taught me valuable lessons in leadership, communication, and teamwork. Moving forward, I've applied these insights to subsequent group projects, resulting in smoother collaboration and more successful outcomes."
After The Interview
After the interview, an employer will often ask if you have any questions for them. It is vital to prepare questions not only to gather information but also to demonstrate your interest in the open role. Make sure to prepare 3 to 5 questions to ask the interviewers after the interview, and never ask questions about salary, paid time-off or vacation days.
Appropriate questions to ask the employer after the interview includes:
What do you personally like most about working for this organization?
What does a typical day look like in this role?
What qualities are the most important for succeeding in this role?
How do you help your staff grow professionally?
How do you evaluate success in this role?
How is your organization addressing challenges in this field?
What are the next steps in your recruitment process before you can make an offer?
For more guidance on asking smart questions after the interview, read our blog that talks about the 5 Smart questions to ask the interviewer by clicking here!
Interview Debrief
If you aren’t successful in an interview, request an interview debrief to learn how you did and how to improve for next time.
Here are some tips:
Ask to schedule the debrief when you are called about not getting the job, or shortly afterward. Don’t ask for a debrief on the spot.
The debrief should be with the hiring manager and in person.
Don’t expect details about every answer or each score; and never ask details about other candidates.
Go into the debrief with the objective of finding out how you may improve your interview approach.
Have More Questions About Preparing for an Interview?
Still unsure if you're fully prepared? At TEAM Work Cooperative, we offer free in-person and online workshops on all things employment-related. Thanks to our partnership with Job Junction, we now offer the 'Ace the Interview' workshop. This 2-day hybrid session gives you the chance to practice your job interview skills with a mock interview and receive real-time feedback.
To register, visit our events page, click 'Learn More' next to ‘Ace the Interview,’ and follow the simple steps to secure your spot.
Got more questions? Just scroll to the bottom of the page and fill out our contact form—we're here to help!
About Emily Lane
Born and raised in Nova Scotia, it was a no brainer for Emily to stay local for university. She is in her final year of her Bachelor of Management from Dalhousie University. Emily decided to join TEAM Work for her internship because she is a strong believer in equality for all. Emily is passionate about art and history but also considers herself an avid dog lover! Emily plans to continue her education to obtain her Human Resources designation after her graduation in the spring.
