1. Get to know the company.

Trying to make a lasting impression? Don’t go into the interview room unprepared. Instead, research the organization ahead of your interview to gain a better understanding of their expectations. Use sources such as:

• The company website
• Google “News” search
• Friends and colleagues
• LinkedIn and other social media platforms
• Glassdoor

What should you look for while doing research?

• Company Values: Familiarize yourself with the organization and their expectations of their employees.
• Leadership: Pay attention to profiles of upper management or hiring managers and what they care about. They just may be your interviewers!
• News: Check out the company’s recent triumphs and struggles in the media.
• Clientele: Delve into the organization’s products and services to better understand their target market.
• Culture: Differentiate between the company’s desired culture and the reality. Learn about the real workplace environment from insiders.

2. Review your accomplishments.

Think you know the company inside and out? Now you’re ready to make the connection between the organization and how you will fit in there.

• Start with the job description: The company has given you a road map of their expectations of the successful candidate. Reference this often during your research and make sure to keep detailed notes.
• Brush up on your professional history: Now that you are familiar with what the organization is looking for, examine your past roles for examples of related past achievements. Make sure to cite concrete examples that demonstrate savings of time, money and/or resources.
• Practice your answers to those cardinal questions: Regardless of how creative your interviewer gets with their questions, they will always want to know what your strengths and weaknesses are. Be sure to select strengths that compliment the job description. Don’t be afraid to be honest about your weaknesses, but follow with how you manage them at work.
• Put your best foot forward: Your resume may have gotten you through the door, but it’s your soft skills that make the lasting impression on the hiring team. Relax, be yourself and stay positive! Remember that employers are assessing you on your presentation and attitude as well as your professional background.
• Clean up your social media: How are your social media privacy settings? Have you ever tried to Google yourself? Take a closer look at your online presence to make sure it’s appropriate for all future employers to see.

3. Get your questions ready.

Here’s an insider tip from your friendly Adecco Recruiters: interviewers prefer candidates who ask questions. It identifies critical thinking skills and exemplifies confidence. Jot down questions that arise throughout your research phase to ask during your interview. If you need help, consider these:

• What are the main responsibilities of the job?
• Who does the position report to?
• What are some of the challenges of this position?
• How does this team support the company’s current goals?

Try to refrain from first asking questions about salary, vacation and other forms of compensation. It leaves the impression that you prioritize your financial gain over the company’s collective goals.

Once you’ve finished your research, practice! practice! practice! Make sure you’re knowledgeable about the organization and your contributions to easily overcome any surprise questions that may come your way. Then walk into that interview with the confidence of a tenured employee and not a potential new hire!