You’re about to have your first interview at your dream company, and you’re feeling unsure about how to prepare. It’s a pivotal moment, filled with both excitement and anxiety, as you’ve been aspiring for this opportunity for years. All you have is the names of the recruiter and the technology exec who will be interviewing you, not much else to go on. So, how can you make sure you’re ready?
Start by conducting thorough research on the company.
Google their name and carefully review any news articles relevant to their activities. If you know the specific organization or department you’re interviewing for, try to gather information about them as well. Apply the same investigative approach to learn about the recruiter and tech executive you’ll be meeting. Utilize LinkedIn to study the tech executive’s profile and background. It’s worth mentioning that almost everyone in the business world today has a LinkedIn presence, and you should too (it’s free!). Remember, knowledge is power!
To succeed in your interview, review the job description to understand the position’s requirements fully.
If a job description is unavailable, it’s a good idea to reach out to the recruiter via text or email to kindly request a copy. In your message, you might mention your enthusiasm for the position and express your eagerness to understand more about the responsibilities and requirements. The more you grasp the expectations of the role, the more effectively you can prepare yourself for the interview. This proactive approach not only helps you, but also demonstrates your genuine interest to the employer.
Anticipating the interviewing style of the person across the table can be quite challenging since it varies greatly. Some tech executives take a casual approach, treating the interview as a conversation, while others adhere to a more formal structure with a set list of questions. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to remain calm and at ease throughout the process. Present yourself as a professional, demonstrating confidence and competence. Remember, you are conversing with an experienced technology executive, yet their expectations for someone in their first job are not exceedingly high. Hence, by maintaining composure and posing thoughtful inquiries, you have the opportunity to pleasantly surprise them.
Do not allow intimidation to deter you; the individual before you holds no power over you.
The worst outcome is them not granting you the job, but fear not, it is far from a catastrophic event. Remember, throughout your career, there will be numerous other interviews awaiting you, each offering its own unique opportunity. Every interview is a chance to learn and grow, to refine your skills and present your best self. While it may feel disappointing in the short term, not securing one position doesn’t define your entire career path. Keep in mind that perseverance and resilience are key, and the right opportunity often arises when you least expect it.
Generally, interviews tend to be concise, particularly if the interviewer recognizes your limited industry expertise. This often leads to a quicker assessment of your skills and potential fit within the company. However, you can prolong the interview by actively engaging with the interviewer and asking insightful questions. Inquiring about the company’s future projects, challenges the team is facing, or details about the role can open up a dialogue that highlights your enthusiasm. This will not only impress the tech executive but also demonstrate your thorough research and genuine interest in the position. Showing that you have put in the effort to understand the company’s goals and align them with your career aspirations can leave a lasting impression.
Consider asking relevant questions, such as:
- What was it like when they joined the company; how did they get integrated?
- Is there a program for new hires, especially those out of college?
- If you reviewed their LinkedIn profile, ask about their college and how it prepared them for transitioning into their first job. They will be impressed you did the research.
- What’s the career path look like; what are the next steps after this role?
- How is the mentoring program for new hires?
There is a lot more you could ask during an interview or conversation to gather relevant information. Be creative and utilize resources like Google to explore the vast amount of information available on the Internet for ideas and inspiration. One excellent resource is Indeed, which offers a comprehensive guide with sample questions and responses. Their guide covers various types of interview questions, providing a great starting point for anyone preparing for an interview or seeking to improve their questioning techniques.
I’d be glad to help you. Please contact me and I’ll work with you on preparing.
