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So you’ve landed the interview for the job you want, but now you’re nervous about actually getting through the interview. Not to worry, there are a number of steps you can take to ensure that you interview successfully.
Once your interview is scheduled, you need to figure out how to best get through the interview so that you leave a lasting impression and increase your chances of getting called back for a second round and, ultimately, getting an offer.
You should take the following steps:
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Do Your Research
Without a doubt, your interviewer will ask you questions about the company and you will want to have answers prepared. Questions can include basic things like the company’s history or its mission, but the more you know the better.
“Researching employers is one of the best ways to become a stand-out candidate during the hiring process. By putting on your detective hat and investigating potential employers, you’ll discover details about the employer that will better prepare you for any interview. – Heather Huhman“
You should have a good understanding of the company’s products and markets and how the role fits into the overall organization. While you’re at it, try to find out as much as possible about your interviewers by looking them up on LinkedIn. By being well-versed in the company, you will be able to convince the hiring manager why your skills and experience would be a good fit for the company.
Be Ready to Go into Depth
The questions you’ll face at a job interview are anything but typical yes/no questions, so you want to make sure you’re mentally ready to go into as much detail as possible about your experience and the industry.
Remember to focus on the skills and experience that will convince the hiring manager you are the best one for the role. You may be asked about specific experiences from your prior jobs and, when you answer those questions, make sure you provide an answer that will satisfy the question.
You need to let them know just why you would be a perfect fit for their company.
Using his twenty-five years of experience, New York Times bestselling author Martin Yate has established a set of rules for job interviews that is sure to get you noticed.
Be Confident
Confidence can go a long way toward ensuring you do well in your interview, so you want to be sure that you project that trait as strongly as possible.
you need to figure out how to best get through the interview so that you leave a lasting impression and increase your chances for getting called back for a second round and, ultimately, getting an offer.Click To TweetRemember that you’ve made it this far in the process; so making it through the interview is just one more challenge to overcome.
You should practice interviewing by having mock interviews with friends and family before the real thing.
Have anyone that you practice with prepare the questions rather than doing so yourself. This will help you think on your feet, which you will inevitably have to do when the real thing comes around.
It’s no secret that job interviews are nerve-wracking, especially if you feel the position is a much-needed stepping stone into a fulfilling product management career. Take a look at CareerAlley's interview resources to improve your interview skills and nail your next interview.
Don’t Panic
This can be considered an extension of not being confident and it’s important enough to get its own point. When entering a job interview, you want to keep a cool head and stay in control.
When asked a question, it’s perfectly fine to take a moment before you answer (remember, you’ve already practiced for this. So take that time if you need it. It will allow you to think about the question and come up with a strong response that the interviewer will like.
One really important thing that part of the interview process is to ask questions of your own. Not only will this keep things from being too one-sided, but it will show your interest in the company and its goals, making you that much more memorable in what might be a sea of potential hires.
Being well prepared can go a long way toward helping you ace the interview. Whether you’re working with a hiring manager, a professional recruiter, or anyone else who may interview you in our job search, you want to convey that you are the best one for the role.
Examples of Soft Skill interview questions
