Research.

It's as simple as that - do your research.

What does your company do? Are they a public company? What kind of services or products do they provide? What's their best product or service? What kind of industry are they in and what's the industry looking like these days? Is this company on the TSX? S&P 500? How many employees do they have? How long have they been in business? Where did they launch?

I know it seems overwhelming, and super tidious - but this is your golden ticket to making an impression that'll last with the interviewer versus the next candidate that comes in with no research or generic answers.

The worst thing you can do is not be prepared and then try to tell the employer you couldn't find their website ... sounds like a joke, but I have had this happen with a candidate.

Worst impression, not hired.

Companies need a boost of confidence when you sit down with them to join their family - they want to know why you decided to apply to their position and why they should take you on. This is important because this is where they'll gauge how committed you are, if you did your research they'll know you're dedicated, you know what you're getting into and that you will take your job seriously.

Most often than not, companies will ask you,

"why do you want to work for us?"

I know, most of us want to answer

"because you're hiring and I need a job"

BUT...

instead, we answer with what makes sense.

Take your interviews seriously - practice your answers in the mirror. Think of particular situations that can help address a question, often that's what employers are looking for. This way they understand that you have practical experience specific to that question.

I've had several interviews , I'm talking over 40 interviews over my lifespan - these are on the phone and in-person interviews. Most have been great, and some were just disasterous, but there's always something to learn from the bad ones. Based on the interviews I've had, I've noticed the common questions so keep reading.

Here's a list of top ten questions most employers ask at every interview.

1 - What are your biggest strengths and biggest weaknesses?

2 - Why do you want to work for {Insert company name}?

3 - Describe a time you've had to deal with a difficult situation with a task or another indiviudal and how you resolved it?

4 - How do you deal with pressure?

5 - Tell me about your hobbies and interests.

6 - What do you know about the role you've applied to?

7 - Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?

8 - What motivates you?

9 - What do you expect from us as your employer? From your manager?

10 - What experience can you bring to us that makes you the successful candidate for this role?

Typically, interviews last at least 30 minutes. If your interview goes on longer, it's usually a good thing. I've sat in interviews for almost 2 hours - so trust me when I say, do NOT make plans or commitments for right after your interview. You want to be relaxed and committed, and show your there with them and with no reason to leave because you thought you'd be done within an hour. Even if you have plans, do not say anything and do not leave, do not stop your interview for anything.

Put your phone on silent, not vibrate - do not check your phone.

Do not look at the clock. Do not fidget. Do not slouch, sit up straight.

Stay calm though, breathe, relax, be yourself but be precise, and be engaged. Smile and let them know that you have your sh*t together, but you're not a robot. Companies are transforming, and they are switching most of their company cultures to employee focused and customer centric, and no one is aiming to be robotic or scripted. So chill out, and play it cool, but be strategic.

Your first few interviews aren't going to be your best, but they'll just get easier, and there'll come a point you're going to apply to 10 jobs, get 6 interviews and come back with 4 offers and the ball will be in YOUR court as to what you want to accept and who you want to work for.

All you have to do is be prepared.

Happy Job Hunting!