5 tips to do before a big job interview

1. Learn about the company´s story

People miss this one all the time: They go into an interview without a strong understanding of what the company does.

Just knowing the basics isn’t enough. Learn all you can about the company — its history, leadership team, current successes and challenges. If possible, get the company’s products and services: Buy them, try them and talk to people who use them.

Greater knowledge about the company’s customers will also help you present your skills and experiences in context. You’ll appear more relevant to the hiring manager, and the more relevant you are, the better the connection you’ll make.

2. Research who you’re going to meet and prepare some icebreakers

When your interview is arranged, get the names and titles of everyone you’ll meet. You can even ask the coordinator if there’s anything they think you should know about those people.

Even a benign observation — e.g., “I see that the company just made an acquisition. This must be a very exciting and busy time” — can be an effective opener and conversation starter.

3. Have meaningful questions to ask

Midway into the interview, the hiring manager asks, “What questions can I answer for you?” Replying with “I’m good, thanks!” shows a lack of preparedness, interest and engagement.

Your questions should be smart and strategic, probing the job responsibilities and goals or how the department functions. The questions you ask also show the interviewer how you think.

4. Put your phone on silent

You’d be surprised by how many times I’ve seen this happen.

Turn your phone off or put it on silent before you reach the front door of the building. Should you forget, and your phone pings a message or rings with an incoming call, never answer it.

5. Pick the right clothes

Don’t procrastinate on this: Plan your outfit ahead of time. Try it on. Make sure it’s clean, pressed and still fits.

Not every job interview requires professional attire, but you still should present yourself as well-groomed and put together. When in doubt, ask people in your network who currently, or used to, work at the company about what’s considered appropriate. Sometimes the person arranging the interview will tell you.

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