Big interview? Now what?

Preparing for a big interview can be both exciting and overwhelming. As you think about what’s to come, you likely have a lot of questions swirling in your mind:

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• What will they ask me?

• How should I respond?

• What if I don’t know the right answer?

• What if I don’t connect with the interviewer?

• How will I know if I’m doing well?

• What if I forget something important on my resume?

• What if I seem nervous?

• What if I have to interview in front of a group?

• What do they really want to hear?

Take a deep breath. There are five simple steps to help you prepare effectively for your interview. When you follow them, your questions will answer themselves:

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1. Identify the stories that define you.

2. Turn those stories into compelling narratives.

3. Research the company and the role for alignment.

4. Prepare insightful questions.

5. Practice your responses.

By staying focused on these steps, you’ll position yourself as a standout candidate. However, preparation takes time. It’s in your best interest to start early and be certain you're ready for that big interview.

1. Discover Your Defining Stories

Start by identifying the experiences that truly resonate with you. Focus on the three most important stories: the Mentor Story, the Reluctant Leader Story, and the Overcoming Challenges Story. You may have multiple stories for each category, but it's best to start with the ones that matter most to you. These are the stories that will ground you when nerves start to take over.

2. Craft Compelling Narratives

A good story makes an impact, but it needs structure. Each of your stories should have a bold opening that sets the tone for the experience. Organize your story into three clear pillars or buckets—this structure will help you remember the flow and make it easier for the interviewer to follow. Wrap up each story by restating the bold opening, reinforcing the key takeaway.

3. Align with the Company and Role

Take time to research the company. Visit their website, review their mission statement, and note the keywords that come up frequently. Check their social media channels and read recent blog posts to understand their current trends and initiatives. Compare these keywords to your stories and identify places where you can reference the company’s initiatives. Doing this preparation in advance will make it easier to integrate these references into your interview.

4. Prepare Insightful Questions

Use your research to craft at least two thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Be careful not to make your questions too broad or binary. Instead, aim to ask questions that invite the interviewer to share their personal experience within the company.

5. Practice Your Responses

Hoping for the best is not a strategy. To succeed, you need to be comfortable using your stories to answer common interview questions. You also need to hone your ability to recognize the true intent behind any question, even the tough technical or behavioral ones.

With the Interview Buddha Training Program, you get 24/7 access to the Practice Zone, featuring over 170 interview questions. You'll be able to practice with multiple role-play scenarios and interviewer personas, ensuring you’re fully prepared to stand out as the top candidate.

By following these steps, you’ll not only feel ready for your big interview, but you’ll also give yourself the best chance to shine.

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