INTERVIEW PREPARATION GUIDE ============================ BEFORE THE INTERVIEW ------------------- 1. RESEARCH THE COMPANY - Company mission and values - Recent news and developments - Products or services - Company culture - Competitors 2. RESEARCH THE ROLE - Job description details - Required skills and qualifications - Typical responsibilities - Career growth opportunities 3. PREPARE YOUR STORIES - Use STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) - Prepare 5-7 examples of achievements - Practice out loud 4. PREPARE QUESTIONS TO ASK - About the role - About the team - About company culture - About growth opportunities COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS -------------------------- "Tell me about yourself" - 2-minute elevator pitch - Focus on relevant experience - Connect to the role "Why do you want this job?" - Show research about the company - Connect your skills to their needs - Express genuine interest "What are your strengths?" - Choose 2-3 relevant strengths - Provide specific examples - Connect to job requirements "What are your weaknesses?" - Choose a real but minor weakness - Show how you're working on it - Demonstrate self-awareness "Why should we hire you?" - Summarize your unique value - Connect skills to their needs - Show enthusiasm DURING THE INTERVIEW ------------------- • Arrive 10-15 minutes early • Dress appropriately • Bring copies of your resume • Maintain eye contact • Listen actively • Ask thoughtful questions • Take notes (if appropriate) AFTER THE INTERVIEW ------------------- • Send thank you email within 24 hours • Reiterate your interest • Mention something specific from the interview • Follow up if you haven't heard back in a week