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An Interview Guide to ace your next job interview

An interview guide for your next interview, doing research is good but too much comes across as creepy and build your AI bot in minutes

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The Deputy
July 25, 2024

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“By failing to prepare you’re preparing to fail.”

Benjamin Franklin

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But first a cheesy Sumato Coffee break story ☕️

Mike pretended to enjoy the office's stale coffee to impress his boss. Each sip was a struggle, but he smiled through it, nodding in fake appreciation. He secretly wished for a fresh cup of Sumato Coffee, roasted to order and full of rich flavor. Little did his boss know, Mike's true coffee passion awaited him at home, brewed to perfection with Sumato's beans. His boss remained impressed, and Mike's secret was safe.

In today’s email:

  • Job News: An Interview Guide for your next interview

  • Overheard at coffee: Too much research = Candidate stalking vibes

  • Trending AI Tools: Build a business ready AI bot in minutes.

  • Hot Jobs: (keep scrolling down ⬇️)

  • Recruiting Fails: Less is more when answering interview questions ❌

Job News

Meet hiring managers where they are but focus on what you can control, like your preparation.

Preparing for an interview is stressful and job seekers experience extreme stress prior to an interview. We spend a lot of time preparing candidates for onsite interviews and I thought I would share a good example of someone who did a great job nailing an interview at one of our clients. 

Meet Sarah (name changed for anonymity), a bright and enthusiastic job seeker who had just landed an interview with her dream company. Excited yet anxious, Sarah knew that this interview with the hiring manager could be a pivotal moment in her career. Like many candidates, she had a myriad of concerns and fears, but she was determined to overcome them and make a lasting impression.

The Preparation Phase

The Research Frenzy

Sarah's journey began with extensive research. She spent hours poring over the company's website, learning about its mission, values, and recent projects. She even found employee testimonials and blog posts to get a sense of the company culture. Armed with this knowledge, she felt more confident but knew the real challenge lay ahead.

*ProTip - always, always do your research on a company before your first hiring manager interview. Many candidates fail to research. 

Mock Interviews and Mirror Rehearsals or iPhone mock interviews.

Next, Sarah focused on preparation. She practiced answering common interview questions in front of the mirror, perfecting her responses and body language. She also conducted mock interviews with friends, who provided valuable feedback on her answers and demeanor. Despite the nerves, these practice sessions helped her feel more in control.

The Night Before

Nervous Anticipation

The night before the interview, Sarah couldn't help but worry about the unknown. What if they asked questions she hadn't prepared for? She tried to calm her nerves by reminding herself of all the hard work she had put in. She laid out her outfit, rehearsed her introduction one last time, and went to bed early to ensure she was well-rested.

The Big Day

First Impressions

On the day of the interview, Sarah arrived at the company's headquarters 15 minutes early. She took a deep breath, checked her appearance, and walked in with a confident smile. The receptionist greeted her warmly and offered her a seat while she waited for the hiring manager.

When the hiring manager, Mr. Johnson, arrived, Sarah stood up, offered a firm handshake, and introduced herself with a smile. Her heart raced, but she remembered to maintain eye contact and project confidence.

Breaking the Ice

Mr. Johnson began with some light conversation to break the ice. "How was your journey here?" he asked. Sarah's nerves eased a bit as they chatted about the city's unpredictable traffic and their mutual love for coffee.

The Interview

Tackling the Questions

As the interview progressed, Sarah was pleasantly surprised to find that many of the questions aligned with her preparation. When asked to "tell me about yourself," she confidently shared her background, emphasizing her relevant experience and passion for the industry.

However, there was one curveball. "Can you describe a time when you faced a significant challenge at work and how you overcame it?" Sarah paused for a moment, took a deep breath, and recalled a situation from her previous job. She articulated the problem, her approach, and the successful outcome, highlighting her problem-solving skills and resilience.

Cultural Fit

Mr. Johnson then shifted the conversation towards the company culture. "What do you know about our company values?" he asked. Thanks to her thorough research, Sarah was able to discuss the company's values in detail and explain why she felt a strong alignment with them. She also asked insightful questions about team dynamics and growth opportunities, showing her genuine interest in the company.

Wrapping Up

Leaving a Lasting Impression

As the interview came to an end, Mr. Johnson asked if she had any final questions. Sarah took this opportunity to inquire about the next steps in the hiring process and reiterated her enthusiasm for the role. She thanked Mr. Johnson for the opportunity and left with a confident smile, feeling that she had given her best.

PS - Always, always ask about next steps and ask if the interview has any questions they didn’t get answered from the interview. This is your chance to close yourself.

The Aftermath

A few days later, Sarah received a call from Mr. Johnson. Her heart pounded as she picked up the phone. "Congratulations, Sarah! We'd like to offer you the position," he said. Overwhelmed with joy, Sarah thanked him and eagerly accepted the offer.

Sarah's story is a testament to the power of preparation, confidence, and genuine interest. By understanding and addressing her concerns, she was able to turn her anxiety into a successful interview experience. Her journey from nervous candidate to confident new hire shows that with the right mindset and effort, anyone can shine in an interview.

While this story played out to the candidate’s favor, sometimes curveballs happen or you even have a bad interview. The best action is to keep moving forward and learn from your mistakes.

Overheard at coffee ☕️

Watch out for overdoing your research on a company! Sometimes, too much of a good thing can backfire. Just the other day, we had a candidate who dug up public records on the executive they were interviewing with. They then proceeded to ask about the executive's property and social media posts. 

While these topics might have a place in casual conversation, it's best to wait until you've built a strong rapport with the hiring manager. Jumping in with too much personal info can come off as a bit creepy and signs of a stalker. Unfortunately, this candidate didn't land the job, despite having a strong resume.

For some great tips on acing your interview, check out HireQuotient for some valuable insights!

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Recruiting Fails: We once interviewed a candidate who seemed perfect on paper. However, during the interview, she spent the entire time not answering questions, going off on tangents and talking about their pet iguana, even showing us multiple photos. They barely mentioned their qualifications or experience. Despite their enthusiasm for reptiles, they failed to convey why they were a good fit for the role. Needless to say, we had to pass on them. 

The lesson? Stay focused on your professional skills and save personal stories for later!

Do you have recruiting Fail Stories?Reply with your epic fails – we'll feature them. Own your blunders, embrace vulnerability, and let's all level up together.

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