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4 Job Interview Prep Tips to Make a Great First Impression

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If you recently landed an interview, congratulations! If you haven’t already done these four things to prepare, they will help you make a great first impression.

1. Research the company you’re interviewing with.

Go to their website. Read their mission, vision, and values, and get to know who is on their team. Coming to an interview with this knowledge and an understanding of how you align with their values can help you stand out from other candidates.

2. Know who you’re interviewing with.

As a recruiter, I always send this information to candidates in advance when I have it. Knowing how many people you’re interviewing with and who they are allows you to familiarize yourself with each person’s title and position through LinkedIn or the company’s website. Then, you can tailor your answers to deliver as much value as possible for those individuals.

3. Be ready to speak confidently about your experience.

Look over your resume and background and practice articulating how each of your experiences has prepared you to succeed in the position you are interviewing for. Go over some practice questions and pull relevant stories from your work history that demonstrate your ability to deliver results in the role.

4. Follow up after the interview with a thank-you note.

While it may seem like a small gesture, it’s becoming a lost art. Taking two minutes to send an email shows continued enthusiasm and might be all it takes to differentiate yourself from another equally qualified candidate.

Remember that you made it to the interview stage for a reason. Good luck!

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About the Author

Journey Search Partners Recruiter Samantha Brown
Samantha Brown
Recruiter

Samantha has long known she wanted to be a recruiter, and as soon as she graduated from the University of Iowa, she launched a career in the field. She enjoys combining her expertise in Human Resources with her love for competition to make strong matches for candidates and companies.

Samantha lived in Barcelona for four months, igniting her passion for exploring new places. She has visited over 20 countries and plans to visit many more. When she’s not traveling the globe, you can find her at the lake with friends and family or spending quality time with her dog.

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