Elevate Your Interview Skills this New Year with Houston Back on Track

Happy NewYear! Whether you are reentering the workforce or preparing for your initial interview this year, effective interview preparation is key to enhancing your chances of success. Houston Back onTrack, a job recovery initiative created by theGreater Houston Partnership, is here to help you prepare for new opportunities this year. Through our community and education partners, we connect participants to career coaching, educational programs, job preparation workshops and more. 

Being able to communicate your strengths and experiences effectively is crucial during interviews. Here are a few strategies to guide you during preparation: 

1. Dress the Part 

Whether your interview is on a video call or in person, being professionally dressed is important. This demonstrates a commitment to professionalism, which can leave a positive impression on a recruiter.  

ExploreIndeed's article on appropriate interview attire, tailored across industries, to discover the best attire for your interview! Click here to learn more. 

2. Research Common Interview Questions 

Prepare your answers for the most frequently asked interview questions. According to Harvard Business Review, the most common interview questions include: 
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·       Could you tell me about yourself and describe your background briefly? 

·       How did you hear about this position? 

·       How do you handle pressure or stressful situations? 

·       Do you prefer working independently or on a team? 

·       When balancing projects, how do you stay organized? 

Practicing what to say verbatim can make it difficult for your responses to flow, but by having key points for each question, you can ensure you’re highlighting what makes you stand out as an applicant. 

 
3.Research The Company 

Demonstrate your commitment to a position by familiarizing yourself with the company's mission and impact. This allows you to craft relevant responses and questions about employee expectations and experience. Remember, an interview is a two-way street; use your questions to clarify the job's requirements to see if the position aligns with what you are looking for. 

4.Practice with a Career Coach 

Practicing with a career professional can help you refine your answers. This is especially important when your previous experiences may not directly align with the job you’re interviewing for. Houston Back on Track’s community partners offer resources like mock interviews and workshops to help you improve your responses and build your confidence. 

Let these preparation skills open doors to new opportunities this year! Take the first step by visiting the Houston Back on Track website, where you can connect with a career coach who will work with you to set goals, map out a career path and provide the tools to make it happen. 

PublishedJanuary 2023 

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