A new year is often a symbol for a fresh start, and for many people, that means a career change. 2020 was a rough year for many of us, and a new job opportunity might be a much-needed spark. If you are planning on hitting the job market hard during the new year, here is how to prep for an interview in 2021.
Be physically and mentally prepared
The best way to prep for an interview in 2021 is to be physically and mentally ready. To physically prepare, have a notepad ready to take notes throughout the interview; this will help you craft the perfect thank you note or ask thoughtful questions later on during your interview. Additionally, you should take the time to research the company, its mission and values, and the hiring manager. Proper research will help you confidently answer interview questions and tie them back into the company or the role.
To mentally prepare, get a good night’s sleep before your interview. If you are sleep-deprived, it will be difficult for you to be on you’re A-game. Also, try not to work yourself up too much. Interviews can be stressful, especially if you are out of work. To mitigate this stress, do something that relaxes you beforehand. Go for a walk to clear your mind, drink your favorite tea or coffee, read a book, or whatever it is that will put you in a calm mindset. If you enter your interview with a load of stress on your shoulders, it will come through during your meeting.
Brush up on common interview questions
Another great way to prep for an interview in 2021 is to brush up on some common interview questions. Every interview is different, but most hiring managers will ask you a set of fundamental questions. These questions can range from “what is your biggest weakness?” to “tell us about a time you overcame a failure.” Lucky for you, we have compiled a list of the most common job interview questions with tips on how to answer them successfully (and with examples!).
Take a look at them here if you really want to ace your interview.
Prepare to interview virtually
As you prepare for an interview in 2021, you must be ready to interview virtually. Even as the pandemic winds down, many companies will continue to interview virtually as it is much more efficient. It’s easier for hiring managers to hop on a Zoom meeting for an interview instead of forcing candidates to come to the office or facility to meet face-to-face.
So, to prepare, ensure your equipment is up and running. If possible, use a web camera on a computer as you won’t have to worry about fumbling around with a phone. If not possible, prop up your phone or tablet, so the camera is steady and clear. Make sure your audio is working well and that you have a strong internet connection. Also, dress for success. Even though the interview is virtual, that doesn’t mean you can relax on your dress code. Dress appropriately for the interview to set a good impression. Most importantly, sit in a clean, quiet room with no distractions. The last thing you want to do is display your messy kitchen or have your kids running around in the background!
