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Interview preparation guide

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After fine-tuning your job search strategy and applying to roles, it's time to prepare for the interview process. Whether you've had many interviews or have limited experience, interviews can be intimidating, especially when you're unsure what to expect.

In our interview preparation guide, we want to equip you with the tools you need to have successful job interviews and increase the likelihood of securing a position. Below, you'll learn more about the interview process, common interview questions, and how researching the company inviting you for an interview can help you tailor your answers.

With these job interview strategies, you'll feel more prepared and be able to answer interview questions confidently. 

1. Get familiar with the interview process

Companies try to assess candidates on their technical knowledge, cultural match, and passion during the interview process. Depending on the organization's size, you may go through multiple stages and different types of interviews so they can be sure they choose the best candidate for the role.

Common interview stages

Companies conduct their interview processes differently or in a specific order depending on the role, needs, and industry. However, you'll most likely experience the following stages as a candidate:

  1. Screening: This is the initial step in assessing candidates' qualifications, with the aim of creating a shortlist for further interviews. 
  2. Skill assessment: Assessments often involve testing technical abilities relevant to specific jobs. This stage can happen before or after the first interview.
  3. First interview: The first interview is normally a one-on-one meeting with the hiring manager. It involves common interview questions that focus on qualifications, work history, and cultural fit.
  4. Second interview: Some companies conduct second interviews where candidates meet with different department heads or team members. The interview questions are more in-depth and often behavioral or situational in nature.
  5. Background check: Employers may check candidates' backgrounds or references before making an offer.
  6. Notification: Candidates who pass the skill assessment or first interview are notified of the hiring team's decision.
  7. Onboarding: If you're successful, you may accept the job offer, after which you'll be guided through the next steps of starting your new job.

Types of interviews

When preparing for job interviews, you should understand the kinds of interviews you may encounter. Each type has its own format and purpose.

  • Traditional interviews: A typical in-person interview type, traditional interviews help to determine someone's fit, qualifications, and skills based on their direct responses to questions.
  • Behavioral interviews: Companies may use behavioral interview techniques focusing on how candidates might handle specific situations based on their experience.
  • Technical interviews: In highly technical fields, companies may use interview methods that involve solving technical problems or answering industry-specific questions. These methods help evaluate a candidate's technical skills and knowledge relevant to the position.
  • Group interviews: One or more interviewers interview many candidates at the same time. They may ask potential hires to participate in group activities or discussions to observe interpersonal skills and teamwork.
  • Phone interviews: These interviews are done on the phone, often as an initial screening step to quickly assess your qualifications and interest in the position without requiring travel.
  • Virtual interviews: Similar to phone interviews, virtual or video interviews take place via video conferencing platforms. They have become an increasingly common method in remote hiring processes as they still allow visual interaction.
  • Panel interviews: Multiple interviewers assess one candidate. They may include different professionals from the same team and make collective decisions about each candidate.

2. Research the company and role

When you receive an invitation for an interview, do some research on the company and the role you applied for. That way, you can tailor your interview responses to align with the company's goals and the job post's listed needs. Companies often value candidates who demonstrate knowledge about their latest projects or initiatives.

Take the time to go through the company's online resources and job posts, paying particular attention to the following:

  • Products and services: Learn all you can about the company's products and services. Even if your role has no direct link to all of the products or services, a basic understanding of what they do and how they work will help you understand the company. The more you know about your potential future employer, the more prepared you'll be for your interview.
  • Company culture and values: Find out more about the company culture by checking the company's website, social media accounts, and employee review sites. This will help you grasp the company's tone, personality, and core values. You want to make sure your values align with theirs and the culture is a good fit for you.
  • Recent news and innovations: Informing yourself about the company's latest developments shows that you are genuinely interested in the the organization and its work. This enthusiasm can positively impact interviewers and lead to deeper discussions. It also lets you formulate thoughtful questions about the company's projects, innovation, and future plans.
  • Job description: Reading through the job post again will remind you of the requirements and responsibilities associated with the position. Look into similar job postings and reviews from others in similar roles to gain insight into their daily activities and expectations.

3. Prepare your responses to interview questions

After researching the company, similar roles, and industry trends, you will be able to demonstrate a genuine interest and understanding of your work expectations as you prepare your answers to potential interview questions.

Interview tips

Here are a few general and phone interview tips to remember during your preparations and on the day of meeting your interviewers.

  1. Confirm details: Verify the interview date, time, and location at least a day in advance. Familiarize yourself with directions and parking to avoid delays. If it's a phone interview, know who will call you.
  2. Give yourself enough time: Plan to arrive a few minutes early for your interview to demonstrate your professionalism or place yourself in a quiet area with no interruptions for the phone interview.
  3. Prepare materials: Bring multiple copies of your resume and relevant documents or certifications. Having these on hand shows organization and preparedness.
  4. Stay focused: Avoid fidgeting or checking the time during the interview, as doing so can indicate nervousness or disinterest. Maintain good posture and make eye contact to convey confidence.
  5. Practice active listening: Listen carefully to the interviewer's questions and take a moment to gather your thoughts before responding. If needed, ask for clarification to ensure you understand.
  6. Be authentic: Let your personality shine through during the interview. This will help you stand out and allow the interviewer to gauge your fit within the company culture.
  7. Show enthusiasm: Express passion for the position and the company, demonstrating your commitment.
  8. Follow professional etiquette: Greet the interviewer with a farm handshake, maintain a respectful tone, and show gratitude throughout the process. Thank everyone you interact with.
  9. Dress for success: How you present yourself illustrates your desire for the role. Always aim to dress in a style that is a step above the company's typical work attire.
  10. Smile: Even if you're interviewing over the phone, smiling can positively influence your tone and convey enthusiasm.

Mock interview preparation

A mock interview allows you to practice or rehearse your responses to common interview questions, receive feedback, and improve your interviewing skills in a low-pressure environment. Ask a family member, friend, mentor, or career coach to help you practice for an interview scenario to feel more at ease, prepared, and confident for the real thing.

Here are some mock interview preparation tips:

  1. Research common interview questions: Familiarize yourself with typical interview questions relevant to your field or position.
  2. Practice your responses: If you get an uncommon interview question, use the situation, task, action, and result (STAR) method to formulate an answer. This approach helps you provide clear and concise examples from your past experiences.
  3. Record yourself: If possible, record the mock interview session and watch the recording to help you identify areas for improvement in your body language, tone of voice, and overall presentation.
  4. Reflect on your performance: Reflect on what you're doing well and what could be improved.
  5. Repeat as necessary: Consider conducting multiple mock interviews with different people or varying formats to build confidence and adaptability.

Common interview questions

Here's a list of sample interview questions, along with tips on how to best answer them:

  • Tell us about yourself. Provide a concise overview of your educational background and experience, focusing on aspects that relate to the job you're applying for.
  • What are your strengths? Identify two to three strengths that can link to the position. Use specific examples from your academic, extracurricular, or internship experiences to illustrate how these strengths have helped you achieve results.
  • What are your weaknesses? Choose a genuine weakness, but frame it positively by discussing how you work to improve it. For example, mention a skill you're developing and the steps you're taking to enhance it.
  • Why do you want to work here? Mention specific reasons, such as the company's mission, values, culture, or recent projects that resonate with you. Explain how your goals align with the company's objectives.
  • Describe a challenge you faced and how you overcame it. Use the STAR method to structure your response. Describe the challenge, what you needed to accomplish, your actions, and the positive outcome.
  • Where do you see yourself in five years? Share your aspirations while linking them to the role you're applying for. Emphasize your desire for growth and learning within their company, showing that you see it as part of your career path.
  • How do you handle pressure? Provide examples of stressful situations you've faced in school or work and describe the techniques you used to manage stress, like time management, prioritizing tasks, or seeking help.
  • Why should we hire you? Mention your skills, experiences, and enthusiasm for the role. Highlight what makes you unique and how you can contribute positively to the team or organization.
  • How do you prioritize your work? Describe your approach to managing tasks and deadlines. You can mention techniques like creating to-do lists, using digital tools, or prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance.
  • What are your hobbies or interests outside of work? While this question may not sound work-related, you can share hobbies or interests that showcase skills relevant to the job or preferred qualities of candidates. For example, if you're involved in team sports, that shows collaboration, and engaging in art or literature highlights creativity.

4. Have questions to ask the interviewer

Remember that interviews go both ways. Asking thoughtful questions can indicate your interest in the role and help you assess whether the company is a good fit for you. Keep in mind that you're also interviewing the company—you want your next position to be a perfect fit for your personality and career goals.

Here are some insightful questions you can consider asking the interviewer:

  • How do you measure success in this role? This question provides insight into performance metrics and expectations.
  • Are there opportunities for professional development within the company? This shows your interest in long-term growth and career paths within the organization.
  • What do you enjoy most about working at this company? This personal question invites the interviewer to share their experiences, which can give you a sense of employee satisfaction.
  • How would you describe the company culture? Understanding the work environment helps you assess if it aligns with your values and preferences.
  • What is my potential supervisor's management style? Knowing how your future manager leads can help you determine whether it aligns with your preferred working style.
  • What are the next steps? This question demonstrates your eagerness to move forward while clarifying what to expect next.
  • When can I expect to hear back regarding this position? Asking about timelines shows your continued interest and helps manage your expectations.

5. Follow up after an interview

Following post-interview etiquette gives you another chance to leave a lasting impression on potential employers. It demonstrates professionalism, gratitude, and continued interest in the position.

Here are a few quick tips on how to follow up after an interview:

  1. Send a thank-you email: Send your email within 24 hours of the interview, thanking the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to learn more about the company and position.
  2. Follow up: If you haven't received feedback within the timeframe indicated during the interview, sending a polite follow-up email is appropriate. Keep it brief and reiterate your interest in the position while inquiring about any updates regarding your application status.
  3. Request feedback: If your interview was unsuccessful, contact the interviewer or recruiter if it's appropriate. Politely ask if they could provide insights into areas where you could improve. Use it as a learning opportunity to enhance your skills.
  4. Keep networking: If you had a positive interview experience, consider connecting with the interviewer or team members you've met on LinkedIn. This helps maintain professional relationships that could benefit you in the future.

Remember that rejections are a common part of the job search process. If one interview doesn't work out, keep applying for other positions that interest you and trust in your abilities. Each interview brings you closer to finding the right opportunity.

Apply to join Intuitive

At Intuitive, we encourage everyone to be themselves, from interviewing to onboarding. Intuitive advances minimally invasive care, helping patients get treated more quickly so they can return to their lives.

We're always looking for unique individuals who have a passion for making a difference and will enhance our company culture. Learn more about our hiring process or browse available roles at Intuitive today.