Things to do before that big job interview in Seattle
To truly understand a company, go beyond its homepage. Companies like Goldman Sachs and Microsoft regularly publish quarterly reports and earnings calls that offer deep insights into their financial health, business strategies, and future plans. Startups often share updates, culture, and challenges through blog posts, providing a more intimate look at their operations. Thoroughly researching these resources gives you a clearer picture of how the company is performing and where it’s headed. These details can also help you stand out during interviews by showcasing your understanding of the company’s internal workings.
Tip: Use sites like the SEC’s EDGAR database for public companies’ financial statements, and listen to earnings calls available on company investor relations pages.
2. Use Social Sweepster to Clean Your Social Media
Many employers check candidates’ social media profiles for any inappropriate content. Rather than manually scrubbing your entire profile, apps like Social Sweepster can make the process easier. It detects posts with questionable content, such as images of alcohol, profanity, or anything that might raise a red flag to a potential employer. It helps ensure your social media reflects a professional image.
Tip: Regularly monitor and update your social media presence to avoid any potential issues during your job search. If Social Sweepster isn’t available, other tools like BrandYourself also offer similar services.
3. Prepare for the “What’s Your Weakness?” Question
When asked about your weaknesses, avoid generic responses like “I’m a perfectionist.” Instead, show how you’ve worked to overcome your weakness. For example, you can highlight a time management issue and explain the steps you’ve taken, such as using a project management tool to stay on track. This approach demonstrates self-awareness and growth, qualities employers value.
Tip: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answer, showing not just what your weakness is, but how you’ve actively addressed it.
4. Brainstorm Three “PAR” Anecdotes
Interviews are memorable when you share concrete examples. Prepare three anecdotes that follow the PAR (Problem, Action, Result) format. This framework is flexible and can be tailored to answer common behavioral questions such as teamwork or conflict resolution.
Example: “We had a project running behind (Problem), so I initiated a daily stand-up meeting to better track progress (Action). As a result, we finished ahead of the extended deadline and saved the client relationship (Result).”
By preparing these anecdotes in advance, you’ll be able to adapt them to a variety of interview questions, ensuring you have compelling stories to share.