How to quickly prepare for your job interview

What happens if you have a job, your contract is ending soon, or you’ve been job hunting for a while, and out of the blue you get a call from a prospective employer? They want to meet you regarding a recently open position, however the only opening they have is this afternoon. It’s short notice, but you’re interested in their offer. So, what do you do?

Take a breath and don’t stress out, there are ways you can quickly prepare for your interview. Preparation isn’t always a tedious process; I know that it may seem like a lot of work, but according to HR software company Ideal Candidate, you can get ready for an interview in 30 minutes or less. Ideal Candidate provides tips to help you quickly prepare for your interview, like how to understanding the job and the company, preparing answers about your past experience, and always remembering to ask questions. Take a look at the infographic below:

Infographic: How to prepare for your interview in under 30 minutes

How to prepare for your interview in under 30 minutes

Just 25 minutes of prep could be the difference between landing your dream job and going back to the drawing board. The most common employers cite when hiring is an obvious lack of preparation by the candidate. Whether you’re prepping for a phone interview or in-person interview, it’s essential you brush up on your selling skills. Investing just 25 minutes in prep and displaying the sales skills of research, rapport building, and effective questioning will go a long way during an interview.

Understand the job

Review the job description you’re interviewing for. Pay close attention to skills and experience required.

Time commitment: 5 minutes

Understand the company

You should have some general knowledge of the product or service’s unique value proposition, its price model, its customers, and its competitors.

Time commitment: 10 minutes

Prepare answers about your experience

Brainstorm answers that showoff your talent. You’re going to be asked about your experience and what you can bring to the team. Here are a few questions graphic designers might be asked.

  • What qualities and skills should a good graphic designer have?
  • How do you work with collaborators like copywriters, developers, and project managers?
  • Describe your creative process.
  • What brands do you most admire and how do they influence your work?
  • How do you meet tough deadlines?

Remember, in an office you sell a product or service but in an interview you sell yourself.

Time commitment: 5 minutes

Always ask questions

Come up with 3-4 questions about the job, product/service, company, or job interviewer based on your research. Ask questions that you’re genuinely interested in to help you decide if the job is the right fit for you.

Time commitment: 5 minutes

Finally, confirm the date and time of your interview

Time commitment: 1 minute


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