Congratulations! You’ve just landed an interview with your dream employer. Now that you’re ready to move forward with this opportunity, let’s ensure you’re setting yourself up for success on your big day. Here is how to prepare and approach your interview like a well-deserving finalist.
- Do Your Research
First, start by reviewing the organization’s website. Study how they talk about themselves.
Do they share information about their mission? Is there a vision statement or strategic plan listed anywhere? How about a list of key leaders? This information should be readily available and will help you understand who they are, gauge progress on their organizational goals, and learn where they aspire to go next.
If you’re in the U.S., next, dig a little deeper and see if you can find information about the organization through its IRS Form 990 filings. Websites, such as GuideStar.org, will allow you to search these documents for free and help you understand how the organization is financially performing.
This document will also answer any questions you may have about their key activities, governance structure, and executive salaries.
- Know Who Will Be Interviewing You
Find out who you’re going to spend time with during your interview.
Look at their LinkedIn profiles and try to deduce what their responsibilities are, how they fit into the larger organizational structure, and understand if there are any relationship dynamics between your interviewers.
Also, it won’t hurt to see if you have any mutual connections with these individuals. After all, if you’re in the same career field, there is a potential likelihood you may share some connections worth noting.
- Prepare for the Obvious…
Interviewers want to know you’re a good fit for their organization. Be prepared to answer questions about yourself as well as the position.
- Why do you want to work at this organization?
- What resonates with you about this specific role?
- What are your short- and long-term goals?
Include anecdotes that highlight your successes, as well as how they they relate to this role, and allow your interviewers to see who you truly are.
- …As Well as the Unexpected
Your conversations will likely go in a myriad of directions throughout the day.
Just because you’re interviewing for a specific position doesn’t mean they’ll only ask questions about that role.
- Have you brushed up on your leadership philosophy lately?
- What projects have you worked on with a DEI lens?
- What is a professional weakness you’re actively working on?
Be prepared to talk about all aspects of your career history as well as points about the specific role.
- Have Follow-Up Questions Ready to Go
Interviews are two-way conversations. Remember that you should also be interviewing your future employers to see if they’re a good fit for you.
Take time to ask what’s really on your mind.
- Do you want to know more about the daily responsibilities?
- What’s the organization’s stance on hybrid schedules?
- How about questions regarding advancement opportunities or chances to receive professional development?
Be prepared with at least three to five questions to show you’re interested in the organization and have the desire to understand if this is also right for you.
Now, prepare your favorite professional outfit, practice copious amounts, and get ready to make a good impression.
Next time, we’ll talk about how to negotiate your well-deserved job offer!