As I prepare for our webinar next week about interviewing for large and small organizations, I have been talking with recruiters and hiring managers in different companies about their recruiting processes.
I have asked many questions and received a variety of answers.
There was consensus on one question:

How to ace the interviews.

The answer?

Being well prepared.

What does being well prepared mean?

• Do your research – about the company and the role.
• Study the job description.
• Prepare your answers to Behavioral Interview Questions, highlighting relevant experience and achievements.

Read about: The Behavioral Interview: What it is and how to ace it.

• Connect your experience with the job requirements and the company culture.
• Talk about your experience in a way that demonstrates why you are the right person for the role.
• Prepare a list of questions to ask.

Read about: The best interview questions to ask: 18 dos and don’ts.

Thoughtful questions can demonstrate the level of research you have done, your depth of thought, and understanding of the role and industry. Good questions can also help you understand what qualities they are looking for for success in the role, the recruitment process, and if the role/company is a good fit for you.

Put the work in if you want to ace the interview and get the job, and don’t put it off till the face to face interview. If you do not demonstrate your preparation in the initial phone interview, you will not get the face to face interview.

Read about the 14 Tips to acing the phone interview.

Watch the webinar Tell me about yourself: Using your story to benefit your career, to learn how to leverage your story during the hiring process, talk about what you bring to the table now, and highlight your uniqueness.