Pre-interview jitters? Don’t worry—Gun.io has got your back.
Congratulations! You’ve made it to the interview round! The job hunt is smooth sailing now, right? …Right!? Even the most seasoned professionals can still flub an answer or two.
While many of these points may seem like common knowledge, when it comes time to interview and the room feels a little bit warmer, reviewing these tips beforehand will help you stay cool and focused.
Preparing for the Interview
Let’s break it down into manageable chunks so you can walk into that interview room (or Zoom call) with confidence.
1. Research the Company
First things first—know who you’re talking to. Spend some quality time on the company’s website, read their mission statement, check out recent news, and see what they’re posting on social media.
Why it matters: Interviewers love candidates who have done their homework. It shows you’re genuinely interested and proactive. It helps you tailor your responses and ask meaningful questions.
Pro Tip: Tailor your answers to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the company’s goals.
2. Prepare for Behavioral Questions
Behavioral questions are designed to understand how you’ve handled situations in the past. The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is your friend here. Reflect on past experiences where you demonstrated critical skills and abilities.
Why it matters: Using the STAR method ensures your answers are structured and concise, making it easier for interviewers to understand your thought process, allowing your achievements to be clear and impactful
Example Question: “Tell me about a time when you had to solve a challenging problem without much guidance.”
Answer using STAR Method:
- Situation: Describe the context within which you performed a task or faced a challenge at work.
- Task: Explain the actual task you had to complete and the purpose.
- Action: Detail the actions you took to address the task or problem.
- Result: Share the outcomes of your actions—make sure they are tangible and positive.
3. Think About Your Fit (Culture and Clothing)
Company Culture:
Be ready to discuss why you’re interested in the company and how you fit with their culture. Reflect on your values and how they align with the company’s.
Example: “I’m particularly drawn to your focus on sustainability and innovation because I believe in creating tech solutions that not only advance our capabilities but also contribute positively to society.”
Why it matters: Companies want to know you’re not just a technical fit but also a cultural one. Authenticity goes a long way here.
Pro Tip: Have examples that illustrate your alignment with the company’s values.
Dress the Part:
For both in-person and virtual meetings, dressing professionally helps set the tone and boosts your confidence.
Pro Tip: Ensure your camera, microphone, and internet connection work smoothly before the interview. Be somewhere quiet and free of noise and/or distractions. Wipe your camera lens for a clear image, and use good lighting and a clean background.
4. Brush Up on Technical Skills
For technical positions, it may be beneficial to review key concepts and practice coding problems or technical exercises. (I felt the eye roll. We don’t love them either.)
Why it matters: Demonstrating your technical prowess is often a significant part of the interview process, especially for roles requiring specific technical skills. Not everyone you interview with is going to be technically savvy, and sometimes this is the best way for them to understand your skills.
Pro Tip: Don’t just memorize solutions; understand the underlying principles. This will help you adapt to different variations of problems.
5. Prepare Your Questions
Remember, an interview is a two-way street. This is your chance to find out if the company is the right fit for you.
Why it matters: Asking thoughtful questions shows you’re seriously considering the role and helps you gather crucial information about the company’s work environment and expectations.
Example Question: “What does success look like for this position in the first six months?”
Pro Tip: Prepare a mix of questions about the role, team, company culture, and future growth opportunities.
6. Be Clear and Concise
Whether you’re answering or asking questions, clarity is key. Avoid rambling; stay focused on the topic at hand. Clear and concise communication reflects well on your ability to convey ideas effectively.
7. Be Authentic
Genuine answers and questions lead to better conversations and a clearer understanding of fit for both parties. Don’t try to be someone you’re not; your unique perspective is valuable.
Pro Tip: Bullshitting a response is worse than not knowing. If you don’t know the answer to a question, it’s okay to admit it. You can say something like, “That’s an excellent question. I don’t have the answer right now, but I’d love to explore it further.”
Putting It All Together
Here’s a quick recap to keep in mind:
- Research the Company: Know their mission, values, and recent developments.
- Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Use the STAR method.
- Think About Your Fit: Reflect on how your values align with the company’s culture.
- Brush Up on Technical Skills: Practice and understand key concepts.
- Prepare Your Questions: Have thoughtful questions ready for your interviewers.
- Be Clear and Concise: No tangents about your cats and/or plants (Note to self.).
- Be Authentic: The best way to show up is as yourself.
Remember, interviews are as much about you finding the right fit as they are about the company finding the right candidate. You got this!
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