First Step: Prepare for a First-Round Interview
First round interviews are typically used by employers to screen candidates and narrow down the pool of applicants. Let’s be honest, battling the Applicant Tracking System and getting selected for an interview is difficult enough. Let’s make sure you’re not wasting the opportunity once you get through the door. These first round interviews are typically shorter and less formal than later-round interviews. They’re typically with an internal or external recruiter, not the hiring manager. However, it is still important to be prepared and to make a good impression so that you get passed along to the hiring manager.
Here are some tips on how to prepare for a first round interview:
Research the company. The more you know about the company, the better prepared you will be for the interview. Read the company website, press releases, definitely look at their LinkedIn page. This will give you a good understanding of the company's culture, products or services, and mission.
Review the job description. Make sure you understand the requirements of the position and that you have the skills and experience necessary to be successful. Be prepared to discuss your skills and experience in relation to the job description.
Practice answering common interview questions. (Hello, PAR Method!) There are a number of common interview questions that you can expect to be asked. Practice answering these questions in advance so that you can deliver confident and concise answers.
Prepare your elevator pitch. Your elevator pitch is a short summary of your skills, experience, and why you are interested in the position. Be prepared to deliver your elevator pitch clearly and concisely. This is some of the same content that you would have in your Resume summary, and your LinkedIn summary. Blend it all together. It is your professional brand. Work smarter, not harder.
Dress professionally. First impressions matter, so make sure you dress professionally for your interview. This doesn't mean you have to wear a suit, but you should dress in clean, neat, and appropriate clothing.
Arrive on time. Punctuality is important, so make sure you arrive for your interview on time. This shows the interviewer that you are respectful of their time and that you are serious about the position.
This also includes signing into a video meeting a few minutes before the scheduled time to make sure that you can connect, and your audio/video inputs are correct.
I am also a big proponent of sending a quick post-interview thank you email to the interviewer. Maybe I am old school, but it just leaves a nice impression, and doesn’t take much time.
Here are some additional tips for preparing for a first-round interview:
Be prepared to talk about your strengths and weaknesses. Employers want to know what your strengths are and how you can contribute to their company. They also want to know how you are working on your weaknesses.
Be prepared to ask questions. Asking questions shows that you are interested in the position and the company. Be prepared to ask questions about the company culture, the team you would be working with, and the opportunities for growth and development.
Be yourself. The best interviews are the ones where you can be yourself. Employers want to hire people who are genuine and authentic. So relax, be yourself, and let your personality shine through.
By following these tips, you can prepare for your first-round interview and increase your chances of success.
