Published: | Last Updated:
Do you feel intimidated by job interviews? You’re not alone. Interviews often feel like a high-stakes interaction where you’re judged on your first impression. They can be a stressful process for anyone, no matter how qualified they might be.
However, with the right amount of preparation, you can overcome your nerves and make a strong first impression with potential employers. Preparation is the key to increasing confidence, standing out from the competition, and knowing what to expect during your interview.
To help you prepare for your next interview, let’s take a look at common interview questions and effective tips for acing an interview.
Common Interview Questions to Be Prepared For
Some questions help interviewers identify your technical skills and knowledge about the job. Other questions are used to identify who you are as a person and how you work as an employee.
In some ways, technical questions are less stressful to answer than personal questions. They have clear right and wrong answers, and they can be easily answered if you have prior experience or education in the field. Most of the time, you’ll be asked to explain how you solved a specific issue or asked to explain industry-specific concepts in detail.
Personal questions are subjective, and they can be more stressful to answer. Some of the most common personal interview questions are:
- Why do you want to work here?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Why did you leave your last job?
- What are your salary expectations?
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
Preparing answers for these common questions can help you appear confident and qualified for the role. To prepare for these questions, you can go over them with a friend or family member, and practice answering them clearly and succinctly.
Read our related guide on 6 strategies for getting a job after college.
Questions to Ask the Interviewer
At the end of almost every interview, you’ll be asked if you have any questions for the interviewer. This is a great opportunity to set yourself apart from other candidates, so always make sure you prepare questions for the interviewer.
Ask the interviewer questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and their specific company. Some effective questions to ask your interviewer are:
- What qualities are you looking for in an ideal candidate?
- What does a normal day look like for someone in this role?
- Can you tell me about the team I would be working with?
- What are the next steps in the interview process?
After they answer your questions, you can briefly use their answers to tie-in your explanation of why you would be an ideal candidate for the role. Asking your interviewer questions will help you gain additional information about the job role and convey your enthusiasm for the position.
Read our related article to learn what to do when you’re unemployed.
Interview Tips to Prepare For In-Person, Phone, & Video Interviews
No matter what job you're applying for or how the interview is conducted, there are several tips that can help you be prepared. To help you prepare for your interview, you should:
- Research the company and job position
- Prepare your interview answers and questions
- Understand how to navigate resume gaps
- Be honest, passionate, and interested
- Demonstrate your skills and expertise
Depending on the location of the company and the nature of the job role, you may have to do an interview in-person, over the phone, or on a video call. Each interview method requires special considerations that impact how you prepare for your interview.
Read our related article to discover how to navigate resume gaps.
How to Prepare For an In-Person Interview
In-person interviews require you to arrive at the job location and speak to employers face-to-face. Compared to phone and video interviews, in-person interviews provide the unique opportunity to make a strong personal connection.
To make this strong personal connection, show up the interview 15-20 minutes early. You should also dress professionally, shake hands with the interviewer, and maintain confident body language. Following these tips will help you demonstrate professionalism and show that you value the interviewers time.
How to Prepare for a Phone Interview
Phone interviews are unique because they are less personal than other interview methods. Although this can help you with pre-interview nerves, it also presents less opportunities for establishing a personal connection with the interviewer.
That being said, there are still effective strategies for demonstrating professionalism and setting yourself apart during a phone interview. To do this, you should be on time, find a quiet space, and eliminate any distractions. Your interview can’t see you, so it’s important to speak clearly, confidently, and enthusiastically to convey your interest and professionalism.
How to Prepare for a Video Interview
Video interviews, like Zoom calls, are a unique combination of in-person and phone interviews. They’re commonly used for remote positions, and they can showcase your remote communication skills if you were to be hired for the position.
Preparing for a video interview involves many of the same strategies for preparing for an in-person and phone interview. This means you should dress appropriately, arrive early, find a quiet location, and speak clearly and enthusiastically. Video calls are prone to technical malfunctions, so you should also have another device to connect to the call if your main device fails.
REDC—Helping You Ace Your Next Interview
Whether your next interview is in-person, over the phone, or on a video call, REDC can prepare you with the skills needed to make a strong first impression. We offer free career resources that can help you with everything from resume development to interview skill building.
Read our related guide to learn how to accept a job offer via email.
Check out our free career resources today to discover the tools that can help you land your next job.