Researching the Company and Position Thoroughly

Recently, I’ve been inspired by Austin Belcak, who, out of determination, attended 50 interviews over a year with renowned companies like Google and Uber. His blog, Cultivated Culture, is a fantastic resource for job seekers.

In one of his videos, he shared that he dedicated approximately 20 hours to interview preparation for top firms, while many candidates only spend about 2 hours. While this may seem excessive, it’s understandable; landing a job at a company like Google could profoundly influence your career. Why wouldn’t you want to invest significant time in preparation?

Austin emphasizes that even if you aren't the most qualified candidate, being the best prepared can set you apart. Since many applicants answer questions off the cuff, thorough preparation can significantly enhance your performance.

You should dedicate a substantial part of your prep time to researching the company and the position. A common opening question during interviews is:

• "Can you tell me about yourself and your interest in this role?"

Another typical question might be:

• "What do you know about Company X and this position?"

The interviewer seeks to ensure that you’ve researched the company and that you are genuinely interested in the opportunity.

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Explore effective techniques for interviewing with manufacturing firms, including how to research and prepare insightful questions.

Asking Insightful Questions

Avoid generic questions; hiring managers can easily tell if you're merely trying to fill the silence. For instance, asking:

• "What are the three skills needed to be successful in this position?"

This type of question may not reflect well on you, as it suggests a lack of understanding of the role. Instead, ask questions that show your genuine interest in both the job and the company.

For example, you could ask:

• "I noticed that you were recognized as a Top Workplace in Ohio for the second consecutive year by the Cleveland Plain Dealer. What do you believe makes Company X a great place to work?"

Another option might be:

• "I’d like to understand more about the daily responsibilities of this position. Claire from HR mentioned handling about 30 calls daily. What software do you use to manage this volume of calls?"

These inquiries don’t need to be overly technical. For instance, I asked a similar question for an account management role, even though I had no prior experience. While basic, it conveyed my genuine interest and avoided generic phrasing.

After the conversation, take notes to aid your preparation for subsequent interviews. In future discussions, reference a challenge the hiring manager mentioned and propose a potential solution.

Crafting Compelling Stories for Interview Questions

When called for an interview, the goal is to showcase your skills and qualities through storytelling. Answering questions with well-structured stories is the key to making a memorable impression.

There are seven common questions that employers typically ask:

1. Why do you want to work for us?
2. Can you share an example of leadership?
3. Describe a time when you collaborated with a team.
4. Tell me about a challenging interaction with a difficult person.
5. Share an experience of failure.
6. Describe a situation where you overcame an obstacle.
7. Talk about a success story.

I prefer to answer the first question with a concise overview of my background and skills, tailoring my response based on the company's needs. The other six questions are best addressed using structured stories. A story typically includes a situation, a challenge, an action, and a result.

For instance:

Interviewer: Tell me about a time you overcame an obstacle.

Me: In my first role as a full-time tour guide, I had to merge sales with guiding. Initially, my sales were lackluster. I reached out to the top seller for insights, observed his techniques, and implemented changes. As a result, I boosted monthly sales by approximately 25% within six months.

You don’t need to provide excessive detail; be prepared for follow-up questions. Memorizing these responses can help you focus on listening to the interviewer and avoid rambling due to nerves.

The Importance of Practice

Inspired by Austin Belcak, I have been working to refine my interview skills and engage in more interviews. The interview process is an excellent opportunity to learn about various roles and companies. It’s akin to dating; you must explore different options to find the perfect fit.

The more interviews you attend, the more skilled you will become! I hope you find these tips beneficial, and I wish you the best of luck in your job search!