CheatSheetsHero

Catalog / Interview Preparation Cheatsheet

Interview Preparation Cheatsheet

A comprehensive guide to help you prepare for job interviews, covering essential topics from resume preparation to follow-up strategies.

Pre-Interview Preparation

Resume & Cover Letter Review

Resume:

  • Ensure your resume is up-to-date and tailored to the specific job description.
  • Highlight relevant skills and experiences.
  • Quantify achievements whenever possible (e.g., “Increased sales by 20%”).
  • Proofread for errors in grammar and spelling.
  • Use action verbs to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments.

Cover Letter:

  • Customize your cover letter for each job application.
  • Clearly state your interest in the position and the company.
  • Showcase how your skills and experiences align with the job requirements.
  • Provide specific examples to demonstrate your qualifications.
  • Maintain a professional and enthusiastic tone.

Company Research

  • Website: Thoroughly explore the company’s website to understand their mission, values, products/services, and culture.
  • News & Articles: Search for recent news articles or press releases to stay informed about the company’s latest developments and achievements.
  • Social Media: Follow the company’s social media accounts (e.g., LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook) to gain insights into their activities and employee engagement.
  • Industry Reports: Review industry reports or analyses to understand the company’s position within the market and any challenges or opportunities they may face.

Job Description Analysis

  • Key Requirements: Identify the essential skills, qualifications, and experiences outlined in the job description.
  • Responsibilities: Understand the day-to-day tasks and duties associated with the role.
  • Keywords: Note any keywords or phrases used in the job description that you can incorporate into your answers during the interview.
  • Prioritize: Determine which aspects of the job description are most important to the employer and focus your preparation accordingly.

During the Interview

First Impressions

  • Punctuality: Arrive on time or a few minutes early to show respect for the interviewer’s time.
  • Dress Code: Dress professionally according to the company’s culture (when in doubt, business formal is usually a safe choice).
  • Body Language: Maintain good eye contact, smile, and have a firm handshake to convey confidence and engagement.
  • Enthusiasm: Express genuine interest in the position and the company.

Answering Questions

  • STAR Method: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers to behavioral questions.
  • Be Concise: Provide clear and concise answers that directly address the question.
  • Highlight Achievements: Focus on your accomplishments and quantify your results whenever possible.
  • Stay Positive: Maintain a positive attitude and avoid speaking negatively about previous employers or colleagues.
  • Active Listening: Listen carefully to the interviewer’s questions and ask for clarification if needed.

Asking Questions

  • Prepare Questions: Prepare a list of thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the role, the team, or the company.
  • Show Interest: Asking questions demonstrates your engagement and genuine interest in the opportunity.
  • Avoid Generic Questions: Steer clear of questions that can easily be answered by a quick online search.
  • Focus on Growth: Inquire about opportunities for professional development and growth within the company.

Common Interview Questions

Behavioral Questions

  • “Tell me about a time when you failed. What did you learn from it?”
  • “Describe a situation where you had to work with a difficult team member. How did you handle it?”
  • “Give me an example of a time when you had to make a decision under pressure.”
  • “Tell me about a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in the workplace.”
  • “Describe a situation where you demonstrated leadership skills.”

Situational Questions

  • “What would you do if you disagreed with your manager’s decision?”
  • “How would you handle a situation where a client was unhappy with your work?”
  • “What steps would you take to resolve a conflict with a colleague?”
  • “How would you prioritize multiple tasks with competing deadlines?”
  • “What would you do if you identified a problem that no one else seemed to notice?”

Technical Questions

  • These questions vary widely depending on the role and industry.
  • Prepare by reviewing relevant technical concepts, tools, and technologies.
  • Be ready to explain your thought process and problem-solving approach.
  • Practice coding or technical exercises if applicable.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if you don’t understand a question.

Post-Interview Follow-Up

Thank-You Notes

  • Timing: Send a thank-you email within 24 hours of the interview.
  • Personalization: Personalize each thank-you note to reflect specific topics discussed during the interview.
  • Reinforce Interest: Reiterate your interest in the position and the company.
  • Highlight Value: Briefly remind the interviewer of your key qualifications and how you can contribute to the team.
  • Proofread: Proofread your thank-you notes carefully for errors in grammar and spelling.

Following Up

  • Timeline: If you haven’t heard back from the employer within the specified timeframe, send a follow-up email.
  • Politeness: Maintain a polite and professional tone in your follow-up messages.
  • Express Enthusiasm: Reaffirm your enthusiasm for the opportunity and your continued interest in the position.
  • Inquire About Status: Inquire about the status of your application and the timeline for the hiring process.
  • Be Patient: Understand that hiring decisions can take time, so be patient and avoid being overly persistent.

Reflection

  • Assess Performance: Take time to reflect on your performance during the interview.
  • Identify Strengths: Recognize what you did well and where you excelled.
  • Areas for Improvement: Identify areas where you could have performed better.
  • Seek Feedback: If possible, seek feedback from trusted mentors or advisors to gain insights into your interviewing skills.
  • Learn and Grow: Use each interview as an opportunity to learn and grow, refining your approach for future interviews.
Download PDF