6 Tips for Interview Preparation

 

Navigating a job interview successfully requires strategic preparation and a thoughtful approach.

Bohler’s Talent Attraction team explores essential tips to help you put your best foot forward. From researching the company and anticipating questions, to utilizing the STAR method for behavioral interviews, our TA team covers key strategies to enhance your confidence and make a lasting impression.  

We’ll also discuss the importance of creating a comprehensive list of references, providing examples of your work, and preparing insightful questions for the interviewers. Mastering these aspects will not only showcase your qualifications but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the position and the company. 

Here’s how to ensure you’re well-equipped for your upcoming interview. 

 

1. Research the company and interviewers.

Research the employer’s website, social media, and recent press releases to understand their objectives. This will help you confidently align your background with their needs during the interview.

 

2. Prepare anticipated questions and your responses.

Craft a succinct and compelling elevator pitch that efficiently communicates your identity, highlighting the value you could contribute to the company and the specific role.

 

3. Utilize the STAR Method.

In a behavioral interview, employers assess candidates by examining past actions. The STAR method can help you prepare giving a structured approach to your response. Here’s the breakdown:

 

4. Create a list of references.

Your interviewers may request a list of references either before or after your interview. Preparing a reference list in advance enables you to promptly fulfill this requirement, facilitating a smooth progression in the hiring process.

References can include both current and former colleagues, including Managers/Supervisors, clients, friends or even people you have volunteered with. Providing a variety of references will provide the hiring team with a well-rounded perspective of your strengths and what it is like to work with you in varied environments.

Be sure to let your references know that you included them in your list, and provide them with some details about your skills and strenghts that are most applicable to the job.

 

5. Provide examples of your work.

In the course of the interview, you can anticipate inquiries about your specific work experience relevant to the position. Following a thorough review of the job description, consider drawing from your past roles, involvement in clubs, or volunteer positions to showcase instances where you have demonstrated the necessary skills and achieved success in performing the required tasks.

Come prepared with examples of your work. These can include engineering plans, renderings, calculations, or detailed outlines of projects you successfully worked on.

 

6. Prepare a list of questions for the interviewers.

Interviews involve a mutual exchange of information. Employers anticipate your inquiries, as it indicates your genuine interest in understanding the work environment. Here are several questions you might want to pose to your interviewers:

• Could you elaborate on the day-to-day tasks associated with this position?
• What traits would you use to characterize someone who would thrive in this role?
• How would my performance be assessed, and how frequently?
• Which departments does this role regularly collaborate with and how is that typically facilitated?
• Can you provide insights into the workflow and processes involved?
• What current challenges are you confronting in your role?

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