Preparing for a Successful Job Interview with Spiria
When you finally get that coveted interview, you want to set yourself up for success. It’s best to prepare, so you can demonstrate your fit with Spiria and its values. Here are a few simple tips to help you focus and prepare.
Do your research on Spiria
Figure out how we define ourselves as a company. Educate yourself on our mission. Explore the types of services we offer.
Prepare some questions on the things you don’t understand or would like to know more about. Check our website for answers to the following:
1. Where are the company’s offices located?
2. Does Spiria have a single, national, or global presence?
3. What specific qualities does Spiria look for in employees?
Make a mental note of the areas that are particularly interesting and motivating for you.
“Why do you want to work specifically for Spiria?” is a question that usually gets asked in interviews.
You can find useful information on Spiria outside our website. For example, Glassdoor has employee reviews and valuable information about the interview process.
Research your interviewer
If you know the name of your interviewer, check out their profile on LinkedIn. Look for common interests, which will create an opportunity to build a rapport. You can also get a sense of their level of expertise and experience in their current role in the company.
Prepare for predictable interview questions
Any interviewee should have ready answers to a number of standard interview questions about themselves, their career goals, their motivations and their interest for their future role at the company.
Some common questions include:
Tell us about yourself.
Please walk us through your experience so far.
Why do you want to work for Spiria?
Is this office location easy to access for you on a daily basis?
There may be a chance for some technical interview questions as well! Be prepared for whiteboard trouble-shooting or coding.
There may also be questions on your experience in client relations:
How do you handle an unreasonable client?
What do you consider to be good customer service?
What would you do if a client had a problem that you weren’t sure how to resolve?
To answer these questions, we suggest using the STAR method:
Situation: What was the situation?
Task: What were his/her tasks, responsibilities, role?
Action: What action did he/she take?
Result: What was the result?
Preparing for a Zoom interview
Video interviews are becoming increasingly common. Thanks to improvements in technology, most job searchers can do a Skype, Zoom, or Google Hangouts interview quite easily. Plus, a video interview gives you the face-to-face aspect missing from a phone interview—without having to take time off work (or travel across the country!) to meet in person. Spiria typically uses the Zoom platform.
Here’s how you can prepare:
- Choose a spot that lets you control your surroundings.
- Take advantage of natural light from a window.
- Ensure the camera is close to eye level.
- Keep a copy of your resume, a notepad and pen, and a glass of water by your side.
- Dress professionally from head to toe.
- Test your audio and internet connection beforehand.
- Ensure your background is simple, with no distractions.
- Make sure your head and shoulders are visible.
- Headphones help prevent echo.
- Smile and nod to show you are listening.
The day before the interview
Before interview day, ask your Spiria contact where you should park and where you should meet them in the building.
If you’re unsure about Spiria’s dress code, ask! In general, it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed, but it’s also wise to just ask instead of assuming. Lay out your outfit the night before and do any ironing or steaming to save you time and stress in the morning.
Essential things to bring to the interview: several copies of your resume, your portfolio, several copies of your business card (if you have one), a notepad and pen, and a list of professional references, just in case. Basically, bring anything and everything that can support your expertise and back up your words.
The morning of the interview
- Give yourself plenty of time to get ready so you aren’t rushing around. Also give yourself an extra 15–30 minutes to get to your interview location in case of traffic or an accident.
- Do whatever relaxes you the most, whether it’s 15 minutes of yoga or slowly sipping your coffee.
- Eat a hearty breakfast (it’ll boost that brain power!).
- Recite some affirmations and tell yourself you’ve got this. Confidence is everything during interviews.
After the interview
Reach out and let us know how your experience was throughout the entire process. We love to ensure our candidate experience is the best out there! We are always looking to improve and grow.
You are now ready to impress your interviewer with your knowledge of the job and company.
Good luck! ☺