Insider Guide Best Resources for Job Interview Preparation

Insider Guide Best Resources for Job Interview Preparation Interview preparation is key but the game has changed over the years.  Interviews arent exactly what they used to be. Companies are changing the way they vet top talent including curveballs, new formats, and questions that really make candidates think.  Therefore youll want to do your research in advance and think outside the box before you walk into the interview room. A simple google search will bring up everything you need to know but since there is a TON of content out there and your time is valuable, I thought I’d bring you some of my besties in terms of interview resources you’ll want to take advantage of. Smart Questions Youll Want to Ask If you’ve ever attended interview coaching with me, you’ll have heard me stress the importance of asking SMART questions in the interview.  Smart questions can be a game-changer if your interview is tanking, as they turn the direction of the conversation around to make the interviewer the focal point (and helping to reveal valuable info).  Here are some examples of smart questions via WSJ.  You might also want to run through these questions. Some Unique Questions You Might Have to Answer On the flip side, youll also be on the receiving end of the questions.  You can plan for the standard screeners companies use but you’ll still want to expect the unexpected.  Here are some questions you’ll want to have a think about just in case via Entrepreneur. Youll also want to think about how to answer these questions. For sales roles, familiarize yourself with some sales questions.  Annnd for those questions that might seem random, you’ll want to get a sense of how to decode what the company is really asking with this article. Insider Scoop Interviews questions and scenarios have evolved with the growth of the startup culture, stiffer competition and a hunger for top talent.    Candidates wishing to work at the “best places to work” should bring their A-game (including preparation around what to expect with the big industry players).  For insider info around what to expect at top-tier companies like Microsoft, Rolls Royce, PG and McKinsey, you’ll want to check out Glassdoor’s guide to interviewing at the top 25 most difficult companies to interview with. For companies like Facebook and Google, you can expect to be asked your opinion on their products.  For example: “What is the difference between Facebook and Google Ads?” “Should Facebook be available in China?” “What’s your favorite web browser and why?”  Interviewing at Amazon?  You’ll want to check out these questions. Bottom Line At the end of the day, it all boils down to preparation.  As I always teach my AmeriCorps groups in job search training, the only thing any company is really looking for is: “What is your story?” and “How does it fit into my story?”  If you know your experience and know how to use it to solve the company’s problem (via the role in question) then you have nothing to worry about. What about you?  What’s your biggest challenge when it comes to interviewing and how have you tried to overcome it? Did it work?  Scroll down and share your comments to get the convo rolling!   If youre still struggling with pre-interview nerves and need a little help, contact me for Interview Coaching that will have you owning  your interview and answering with confidence.