If you’re reading this, it means either you are considering a move to another job or you’ve already started putting out applications.
It also means you recognize just how important it is to be prepared before an interview and that preparation starts with pre-interview questions that you should ask yourself.
So let’s get started.
Pre-Interview: Preparation before Interviews
Questions to Ask Yourself before Interviewing to a Job
Here are the 6 key pre interview checklist questions:
1. What Type of Work Do I Love to Do?
This is by far the most important pre-interview strategy you can put into practice, because it will help you focus on finding jobs that you will be happier doing, in finding your career path, and in growing.
This doesn’t mean you only look for your dream job and accept nothing less. The idea is to help you better focus. Doing something is always better than doing nothing.
2. What is the Job Description and how can I match my Resume to the Job?
Never work with a generic resume.
It will hinder your chances of being called for an interview. You should carefully review the job description and the posting requirements and then tailor your resume to that specific job position. Focus on highlighting your skills and experience that are directly related to the requirements. You’ll significantly increase the likelihood of being called for an interview when you show the hiring manager how good of a fit you are for the position.
3. What do I Know About the Company?
These days it’s pretty easy to research a company because most of them have a website or at the very least you can find reference to them online.
Search for news, articles, company history, financial information, etc. Don’t be afraid to check around at the local level. Ask lots of questions.
Your goal is to learn about
- The company’s reputation – You can then decide if it’s someplace you’d like to work.
- The company’s vision, goals, and mission statement – Knowledge is power. The more you know about the company prior to your interview the more likely you are to be able to answer questions without missing about. You’ll also be able to ask intelligent, relevant questions.
- The company’s wages and benefits – Both salary and benefits are important and will play a huge role in whether you are interested in working for the company or not.
4. What Questions Might I be Asked During an Interview?
A number of the questions will be fairly generic across the board no matter what the position.
The balance of questions should be easy to answer if you study the job posting in advance, review the company information, and just slip into the hiring managers shoes for a bit to see what type of questions might be asked.
5. What Should you Wear to Your Interview?
At a glance you might think, “what’s the big deal, you know what to wear?”
And you probably do, but don’t leave putting your outfit out for the interview until the day of the interview, where suddenly you find yourself with not enough time to make the right choice. By getting your outfit ready the night before you can give it the attention you should. It gives you a chance to spot stains, broken hems, etc. You should always wear business attire to your interview even for causal jobs.
6. What Should I Bring to my Interview?
Bring along several additional resumes, and letters of recommendations.
It’s a good time to hand out letters of recommendation to your interviewer(s).
“Pre interview questions are a bit like a pre nuptial – make sure you know what you’re getting into before it’s too late.”
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