"Knowledge is power. The more you know about the role and the company, the more confident you will feel during the interview."

Anthony Vasquez, Talent Partner for THG Tech, shares his top tips for preparing for a job interview.

Preparing yourself for the interview process can often feel like an overwhelming task, with countless details to remember and prepare for. However, one aspect that stands out as particularly vital is the necessity of truly understanding the role you're applying for and having a solid grasp of the business you're hoping to join. From my personal experience, this preparation has been a game-changer in my job search journey, and here’s why it’s so important.  

Demonstrating Genuine Interest 

In one of my most memorable interview experiences, I had applied for a role at a company I admired for several years prior to joining THG. I spent hours reading up on their history, mission, and recent projects. When I walked into the interview, I felt a genuine sense of excitement. During our conversation, I could reference specific initiatives and even mentioned a recent product launch I found impressive. The interviewers’ eyes lit up when they saw how engaged I was. That moment taught me that when you show genuine interest, it’s not just about impressing the interviewers; it’s about demonstrating that you’re truly passionate about being part of their journey.  

Aligning Skills and Experience  

I remember applying for a talent partner role where the job description emphasised the importance of technology hiring, particularly for solutions architects and program managers. Having spent over 2 years in my previous role working on data-driven recruitment strategies, I tailored my resume and interview responses to highlight these experiences. By aligning my skills with the specific needs of the role, I made it easier for the interviewers to see how I could hit the ground running. This targeted approach paid off, as I was offered the position. It reinforced the idea that understanding the role in detail allows you to present your background in the most relevant and compelling way. 

Culture Fit  

Every business has its own unique culture and values. When I was interviewing for the role here at THG, I delved into the culture by reading employee reviews, checking out the social media presence, and had a thorough scan through the website where the values are highlighted. This research helped me frame my questions during the interview, such as how they handled global teamwork and collaboration. It also helped me determine if their work environment matched my own values and work style, especially after spending the last 3.5 years working fully remote so coming back to an office-based role, I had to make sure it was a good fit. In the end, I realised that their collaborative, fast-paced culture was a perfect fit for me, and I felt confident accepting the offer when it came through.  

Confidence Boost  

Knowledge is power. The more you know about the role and the company, the more confident you will feel during the interview. In one of my previous interviews, I had done extensive research on the company’s recent achievements and challenges. When asked about how I would handle a specific issue they were facing, I could draw from my knowledge and provide a well-informed answer. This confidence not only impressed the interviewers but also made me feel more at ease throughout the process. This experience taught me that thorough preparation can transform nerves into self-assurance. Also having a strong interest in the industry/area the company focuses gave me that excitement and confidence. 

Building a Connection  

Finally, understanding the role and the business can help you build a connection with your interviewer. People are naturally drawn to those who share their interests and values. For example, during the interview here at THG, I discovered that the hiring manager and I both had a passion for football. This helped put me at ease to have a lively discussion about our shared interests. This personal connection made the interview more enjoyable and memorable for both of us. It reminded me that interviews are not just about answering questions correctly but about building rapport and finding common ground.  

In conclusion, taking the time to understand the role and the business you are interviewing for is not just about ticking a box on your preparation checklist. It’s about showing respect for the opportunity, aligning your skills and experiences with the company’s needs, ensuring cultural fit, boosting your confidence, and building meaningful connections. In my own career, this thorough preparation has been instrumental in landing roles that I am not only qualified for but also passionate about. So, the next time you prepare for an interview, dive deep into your research, show enthusiasm and be confident in your ability - you’ll thank yourself later.