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How to prepare for a job interview |
Your résumé and cover letter get you a job interview, a job interview is what gets you a job. This is precisely why it’s so important to prepare effectively for a job interview. Here are some strategies to consider:
Know the interview details
Ask about the interview format – will it occur virtually or in person?
Ask about the hiring committee – how many interviewers, who are they?
How long will the interview be?
Will there be a technical component/test/presentation?
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Note: For co-op/WIL experience interviews, if the employer chooses to provide any of this information, it will be available to you on WaterlooWorks. |
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Become familiar with the position and the organization so that you can demonstrate your interest in and suitability for the job. Review the company website and if you have a contact at the organization, consider speaking with them to learn more. A commonly asked interview question is: “What do you know about our company?” Answering this question effectively will likely impress employers. |
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A helpful strategy for preparing for a job interview is to try and predict what questions the interviewer(s) may ask you about. To get a sense of this, it’s very important to closely analyze the job posting and description. Note what the employer is looking for in the following areas: experience, education, knowledge, technical skills, transferrable skills and personal attributes. |
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To impress an employer, you must understand the value of what you have to offer. To effectively demonstrate your suitability for the position and your value to the organization, you must know yourself. Be prepared to give examples to substantiate all claims in your résumé. Note examples from your personal, work, volunteer or educational experiences that speak to what you’ve identified the employer is looking for. Some individuals find it helpful to identify the top five points they wish to cover during an interview. |
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To increase your confidence for an interview, practice, practice, practice! By practicing responses out loud, you can hear your answers and assess their effectiveness. You can practice on your own, with a trusted friend or mentor or by booking an interview appointment at the Centre for Career Development.
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Have copies of your cover letter, résumé, references’ contact information and/or portfolio with you at the interview. |
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Verbal and non-verbal communication |
What you say is important during a job interview, but so is how you say it. Here are some tips for communicating successfully, verbally and non-verbally, during an interview:
Verbal communication:
Avoid speaking too quickly as this can result in the interviewer(s) missing important information
Respond to questions concisely, but give sufficient details to enable the interviewer to evaluate your credentials
Keep your responses as organized as possible; it’s quite acceptable to pause before talking in order to organize your thoughts, or ask for a moment to gather your thoughts
Use professional language and avoid slang – industry jargon is totally acceptable and encouraged
Try your best to minimize filler words such as “um,” “ah,” or “you know,”
Try to remember and use the name of the interviewer(s) throughout the interview
Non-verbal communication:
Smile when appropriate
Show enthusiasm through body language and tone of voice
Show responsiveness through body language (e.g., nodding your head)
Consider how you might make eye contact during the interview
Sit comfortably without slouching
More information about this is available in the
Exploring Workplace Culture section
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Dive into prepare for interview questions |
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References |
No author (2023, November 17) How Liking Your Job Will Help You Succeed. University of Southern California. https://appliedpsychologydegree.usc.edu/blog/how-liking-your-job-will-help-you-succeed
No author (n.d.) What is Employee Engagement? What, Why, and How to Improve. Quantum Workplace. https://www.quantumworkplace.com/future-of-work/what-is-employee-engagement-definition