Why You Need Interview Preparation

🧠 The truth I learned early in my career? Candidates 𝐈 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐩 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬 are much more likely to move forward—or land the role—than those who go in cold. And that’s 𝐧𝐨𝐭 because they’re better candidates. It’s because: 👉🏼 They know how to anticipate the tough questions. 👉🏼 They understand what matters most to the hiring manager. 👉🏼 They come in with a game plan (not just a resume). And to be honest, it give the candidate more confidence.  𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥. One that can be practiced, refined, and sharpened—just like a sport. And just like you wouldn’t walk into a championship game without a coach, top candidates don’t walk into interviews without prep. I’ve seen phenomenal people lose out on jobs they were perfect for simply because they didn’t communicate their value the right way. And I’ve seen others win roles because they nailed the story. So if you're working with a recruiter who doesn’t prep you before an interview? ➡️ 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬. Because the way you show up for the conversation can be the difference between “Thanks, but no thanks” and “When can you start?”

Skills get you noticed, interviews seal the deal But where should you focus your efforts? Gaining more skills or getting interviews? A mentee of mine has been working in a part-time non-data role for over three years. They are skilled, and they get interviews consistently but are unable to convert the interviews into job offers. 𝗦𝗼, 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲? They thought the problem was their technical skills, so they focused on learning more and doing extra projects. But here’s the truth, If you’re getting interviews, the market already thinks you’re qualified. It’s not your skills, it’s your interview prep. Think of yourself like a business. People (companies) are lining up outside your door, interested in your product (your skills). If you're not closing the deal, the problem isn’t the product. It’s the sales skills. Instead of pouring more time into building new projects, the focus should be on refining the interview process. 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼: • Sell your skills, • Showcase your value, and • Addressing the company’s pain points during interviews can change everything. More prep means you’ll be better equipped to handle questions, navigate tough conversations, and leave a lasting impression. PS: Share your experience, how many hours of interview prep felt enough last time?".

Prepping candidates for interviews is a great way to build equity into your hiring processes. In my years of hiring, I've seen this uncomfortable truth hold firm: It's often not the person who could actually do the job best who gets the job, it's the person who interviews the best. Making sure ALL folks are prepared and informed thoroughly helps everyone begin the evaluation process from the same starting line. (I know this because I failed the Amazon interviews twice, not knowing how to prepare and what was expected. I credit the folks who took time to prep me for my third try, for the opportunity to successfully interview and show up in the ways Amazon considered successful. I was MORE than capable of doing the actual job, and proved it several times after hire. I just had to crack their interview code and didn't even know there was one 🤣 )

This isn't just an entry-level issue. Throughout my recruiting career, I've seen everyone from recent graduates to seasoned executives struggle when they haven't prepared adequately.   I've witnessed C-suite candidates with impressive titles and backgrounds completely flounder when asked basic questions about their leadership approach or how they've handled specific challenges.   Many assumed their resume or title would speak for itself. It doesn't.   Regardless of your experience level, you need to bring: 1. Self-awareness about your strengths, limitations, and working style 2. Clarity on the specific value you bring to a team or organization 3. Thoughtful preparation for standard questions in your field   If you can't articulate how you collaborate with others or what makes you uniquely valuable without outside help, that signals a deeper issue than just interview nerves.   The truth is that preparation isn't an optional extra - it's the minimum standard.   Confidence is valuable, but earned confidence backed by substance and self-knowledge is what truly separates candidates.   What interview question has proven most challenging for you throughout your career?   Check out my newsletter for more insights here: https://lnkd.in/ei_uQjju   CC: TikTok @wesickandtired Dm for removal.   #executiverecruiter #eliterecruiter #jobmarket2025 #profoliosai #resume #jobstrategy #interviewpreparation #professionalcommunication