SkillLab Life: Tips for your interview

1. RESEARCH THE ROLE AND SKILLLAB

It is important to read carefully the responsibilities and the requirements of the position. A job interview is a two-way process. Are you interested in the role and do you see yourself practicing these responsibilities and working in our company?

On top of that, it would be nice to familiarize yourself with our product, mission, and values. This website, our LinkedIn posts, and recent articles on the website will provide a solid understanding of the company’s culture and mission. Do you see yourself contributing to our social mission of empowering people to turn their skills into careers? If the answer is yes, then you are at the right place!

2. REVIEW YOUR APPLICATION AND CV

This is your opportunity to describe your skills. Skim through your past experience and try to understand your skills, and the skills that are required for the role. Focus on the ones that directly match the job requirements. You can use action verbs and quantifiable achievements to showcase what you can do, not just what you know. You should be prepared to support your past experience with specific information targeted towards the position requirements. Our evaluation of candidates involves balancing the different skills candidates bring with them, and their motivation to make these skills relevant to our mission, business, and the role.

3. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

There is one standard question that every interviewer asks: “Tell me about yourself and why are you interested in this role and our company?” This is your elevator pitch and your opportunity to leave a first positive impression. You should communicate who you are, your interest in the company and position, as well as the value you will bring. There is no need to go through all the details of your CV, and start explaining your journey from your school years. Keep it concise and relevant. 

Moreover, take some time to review typical interview questions you think you will be asked that relate to your role. This will help you provide a framework for your answers. You can practice your answers out loud, and think of some practical examples from your past experience that will help you back your responses.

4. USE THE STAR METHOD

One of the interviewing techniques we use is behavioral-based interviewing. This is a technique used in which the job candidate has the opportunity to demonstrate their potential for succeeding in the new job by providing specific examples of how they handled similar situations based on their past experience. A common way to answer these questions is the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action and Result. Think of examples of your current and past work and turn them into a cohesive story using this technique. 

5. ASK QUESTIONS

Do not forget that you are interviewing us as well! This is your chance to gain as much information as possible to make an informed decision about continuing in the hiring process or accepting a potential job offer. Asking questions shows motivation and interest, as well as being an active interviewee. 

6. BE AUTHENTIC

Always be yourself! It is crucial to show the authentic version of yourself that reflects who you will be in the role. Be honest about your past experience and skills, including your improvement areas. Being “too hard-working” and a perfectionist do not seem like honest improvement areas. We all have areas we need to improve on but the important thing is that we recognise them, and take actions to become better. The worst scenario is securing a position that is not a good fit for you. Above all, let your personality shine! 

7. STAY PROFESSIONAL

Make sure you make it to the interview on time, that your background is quiet and neat, and you have a stable internet connection. Last but not least, speaking negatively about your current / previous employer is not a wise idea. Focus on what you have gained from the experience, and what you want to do next.

To sum up, preparing for an interview requires some research and planning but it is well worth the effort. By following these tips, you can showcase your skills and interest in the company. Good luck with your next interview!