Although I don’t ace every interview I am in. There are a few tricks and tips I’ve picked up over the years that have made it into my interview preparation.
First: Take the job posting and create interview questions based on it
The job description gives you precisely what they are looking for. Most likely, they will ask questions based on it. Roughly 70% of the interview will consist of these types of questions. You can use google to look for questions based on skills, scenarios using those skills, etc. This has helped me anticipate what they might ask.
Second: Use Mock Interviews
There are videos on YouTube which put you in a sort of simulation. I found them helpful in getting used to the interview process and practice. Here are my favourite ones:
Third: Ask someone to roleplay with you.
It can be very helpful if you have someone willing to roleplay an interview. They can ask curve balls, interact with you more fully, and give you feedback.
Fourth: Have prepared answers for the “out of the box” or personal questions
You don’t have to practice these over and over again, but you should have an answer. These questions should always end with how it connects to the job. Here are the ones I’ve come across in real life and online:
- What superpower would you have?
- What books are you reading?
- What do you do in your spare time?
- Why is a manhole a circle?
- What would you wish for if you had 3 wishes?
- What are your hobbies?
Fifth: Bring a portfolio
This tip works better for creative industries, especially if you are starting your career. I have impressed interviewers by bringing in samples of my work. However, I still think it would be great for non-creative jobs too. You can take pictures of job sites if you are in construction, awards you’ve won in your profession, products you’ve designed, etc.
I wish you good luck in your job search!