Preparing for your Onsite Visit and Interview

To prepare for an onsite visit and interview, consider the following steps:

​

1. Research the company: Gain a thorough understanding of the company's mission, values, products/services, and recent news or developments. Familiarize yourself with the industry and competitors.

2. Review the job description: Identify the key skills, qualifications, and responsibilities required for the position. Align your experiences and achievements with the job requirements to articulate your suitability during the interview.

3. Practice common interview questions: Prepare concise and impactful responses to common interview questions, such as those related to your strengths, weaknesses, experience, and career goals. Use the CAR (Challenge, Action, Result) method to structure your answers.

4. Prepare questions to ask: Come up with thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers about the role, company culture, team dynamics, or any other relevant aspects. This demonstrates your interest and engagement.

5. Dress professionally: Choose appropriate attire that aligns with the company's dress code and projects a polished image. It's better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. Significant overdressing isn't recommended either, for example dressing in a suit and tie could potentially signal a culture mis-fit with a scrappy startup.

6. Plan your logistics: Determine the interview location and mode of transportation. Plan your travel route and estimate the time needed to arrive early. Have contact information of interviewers in case of any delays or emergencies.

7. Gather necessary documents: Organize multiple copies of your resume, reference letters, portfolio, or any other requested materials in a neat folder or bag. Bring a notepad and pen for taking notes.

8. Take inventory and know yourself:  Reflect on your past experiences, projects, and accomplishments. Be prepared to discuss specific examples that highlight your skills and demonstrate your value to the company.

9. Practice good body language: Maintain good posture, make eye contact, and offer a firm handshake when greeting interviewers. Use positive body language throughout the interview to convey confidence and engagement.

10. Follow-up and express gratitude: Send a personalized thank-you email or note to each person you interviewed with within 24-48 hours. Express your appreciation for their time and reiterate your interest in the position.