They say luck favors the prepared, so when you get your chance for your first round interview — you better get ready! But where do you start?
Based on my experience as an ex-recruiter and HR manager, preparing for your first round interview is pretty straightforward because they almost always are with a recruiter and they generally have the same standardized questions. Once you learn how to read between the lines and master these questions, getting to the next round will be a breeze.
Watch this video to learn what those 3 questions are and how to nail them.
Tell Me About Yourself
What sounds like an existential question, is actually the recruiter wanting to know if your experiences and skills align with the role. The common mistake here is to give a step by step walkthrough of all the experiences on your resume, which they already have!
Instead of giving a rundown of your experience by simply reading out your resume, I suggest using this 3-step formula: hook + interesting details + wrap up. First, give a broad overview of who you are and why you enjoy this type of work. Next, add some details about your achievements and successful projects — don’t forget to mention metrics! And finally, wrap it up by sharing your interest in the role.
Why This Role Or Company
It is important for the recruiter to know your genuine interest in the company and/or the role you’re applying to. The last thing they want is to have someone who doesn’t take the job seriously and ends up becoming a liability to the company.
Make sure you’ve done your research about the company, their founders, mission and vision, products, and maybe some news about them. Being genuinely interested doesn’t have to mean knowing every nook and cranny, but giving an answer that shows you know the company is a good sign that you would bring value to the team.
What Makes You a Good Fit
This question simply means that the recruiter wants to know if you have the right skills for the job. To answer this well, be sure to study the job description and pinpoint the specific skills that are required. Align the necessary skills to your previous experiences and it’ll surely give the impression that you will be the right person for the role.
Study and prepare for these 3 questions to get to the next round!
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