Prepare for a Job Interview in 5 Steps

0:00 Hi, I'm Jason Robert, a career advisor at University of Phoenix. Today we'll be covering the five components of a job interview and how you can prepare to be successful. 0:13 If you've made it to the interview, congratulations. Now it's time for the pre-interview prep. I like to refer to this as determining the who, what, when, and where. Prepare 0:25 One of the most important things you can do to prepare for an interview is research who you may be working for. 0:32 Look for their mission, vision, values, and any recent accomplishments. The best place to start is the company's about us page and their LinkedIn profile. 0:43 You'll want bring a few essentials with you to the interview. Plan to bring at least three copies of your resume, professional references, and questions for the interviewer. If it's a virtual interview, make sure to email those materials ahead of time. 0:56 Arrive to in-person and virtual interviews five to 10 minutes before the scheduled interview time. Being early indicates you are serious about the position and respectful of the interviewer's time. 1:08 Like the saying goes, dress for the job you want. Remember, the more confident you feel, the better you'll perform. Click on the link to our downloadable guide in the description for specific wardrobe dos and don'ts. Common Questions 1:23 Common interview questions -- give the interviewer a chance to learn more about your work history, strengths, and motivations. When answering these, visualize your resume and tailor your responses to the specific job opportunity. Behavioral Questions 1:38 With behavioral questions, the interviewer will expect you to share specific examples of situations where you've used skills that are relevant to the job. 1:49 I recommend using the STAR method to structure your response, which stands for situation, task, action, and result. Tough Questions 1:59 Tough questions are an interviewer's way of seeing if you're a good fit, so expect them. These questions can show how well you work with others, or if you can meet deadlines. 2:09 You aren't expected to answer immediately, so think before you speak. Follow Through 2:13 Once the interview is over, that doesn't mean you're finished. It's important to follow through after the interview to ensure you don't miss anything and that you convey your continued interest in the position. 2:25 Send a simple thank you note, and ask the recruiter for the next steps and approximate timeline. 2:31 Hopefully you feel prepared for your next interview. If you need a refresher, click the link below to download our career guides, which include additional tips, examples, and resources. 2:43 Leave your questions in the comment section below and visit the University of Phoenix's YouTube channel for more helpful career services content. 2:52 Thanks for watching.