Knowing interviews can be stressful, we have gathered insight from our insurance team on what to prepare before the upcoming meeting. Whether it is a face-to-face interview or a video call, proper preparation is crucial to land the job or secure that next round.
Essentially, an interview is a meeting organised to assess your compatibility for prospective employment. Although it may feel challenging to understand what a recruiter is looking for, there are some things that you can do as the interviewee to make sure you leave a good impression.
Prepare an elevator pitch
First impressions set the tone for the entire interview process. That is why creating a well-crafted 30 second pitch ensures you distil your experience and skillset into a clear, concise, and compelling narrative.
Your pitch should cover aspects like what you are currently working on, one or two skills you possess, your career goals, and why you think you are suitable for the role.
This allows the interviewer to grasp who you are and what you are looking for as soon as they meet you.
Relate your answers back to your previous experience
Recruiters want to understand the skills and knowledge you acquired in your former positions. This is because they want to make sure that you have the expertise for the role. Therefore, relating your answers to similar work experiences shows that you understand the job and what will be asked of you.
By using specific examples, you can make your responses more credible and authentic, turning a basic answer into an engaging narrative.
Research the company and interviewer
Nothing impresses an interviewer as much as having a deep understanding of the company. Researching the company and the interviewer beforehand should be at the top of your list when preparing for an interview.
Doing this shows that you are genuinely interested in the company and signals to the interviewer that you are serious about the opportunity. It additionally allows you to tailor your responses to align with the company and the role you have applied for.
Dress appropriately at all levels
As highlighted before, first impressions are important. Although many interviews are now done from the comfort of our home via Zoom, what we choose to wear is still a key element in how we present ourselves. Making sure you wear appropriate office clothing is essential in demonstrating that you stay professional despite your environment.
During an interview you should avoid wearing overly casual attire. Instead, you can opt for garments such as blouses, shirts, blazers, and smart shoes.
Not only does it allow the interviewers to see that you are serious about the opportunity, but it can also help you boost your confidence and put you in the right frame of mind.
Prepare a list of questions
Like a first impression, the final impression you give in an interview is just as important. Once they have finished posing their questions, you will have the chance to ask them about their roles and the company. Making sure you have a few questions prepared is a requisite to making the end of an interview noteworthy.
Remember, you are also interviewing the interviewer, so make sure to prepare questions that will engage both you and the interviewer in a compelling discussion.
Questions like “What does an average day look like?” have been asked repeatedly. Instead try to ask something different that highlights the research you have done about the company.
For example:
I have seen that you got promoted from [previous role] to [current role]. How has your job evolved and what extra responsibilities have you acquired?
What is your leadership style?
What are your expectations for the company in the next three to five years?
What kind of additional responsibilities can be gained over time in this role?
Arrive early
Punctuality is just as important as preparation. Before taking transport or joining a call, you should account for unexpected delays such as traffic or connection issues. And by arriving ahead of schedule, you will have time to settle in and calm your nerves before being interviewed.
Moreover, getting there in advance will leave a favourable impression and show the interviewers that you are enthusiastic about the opportunity.
Read the job description carefully
Just like researching the company, making sure you are familiar with the job description highlights your understanding of what the company needs. It is a great way to prepare questions in advance and relate your previous work to the role. You can use this as an advantage and emphasise any relevant skills you have. This not only showcases your proactive approach but also provides an opportunity to delve deeper into aspects of the role or company that you are curious about.
Furthermore, being well-prepared boosts your confidence, and knowing exactly what the interviewer wants, allows you to avoid misunderstandings and reinforce your fit for the role.
Accomplishing a good interview is as much about preparation and presentation as it is about the skills and experiences you bring to the table. Our insurance team’s top interview tips underscore the importance of several key strategies. By following these tips, you position yourself as a well-prepared, thoughtful, and motivated candidate.
