We all had job interview experiences that were an utter disaster. Either because there was just this question to which we weren’t really prepared or maybe the interviewer just got a little too personal. Whatever the reason, the better prepared you are to an interview, the better chances you have to be successful!

The Lisbon MBA Career Management Center

Here are ten tips that can help you doing so:

1 – Always make sure you know when, where and with whom the interview will be;

2 – Search as much information as possible about the organization: mission and values, future plans, annual reports, latest news, etc;

3 – Prepare some important questions about the company and / or business sector;

4 – It is important to know all the details in your resume and be able to explain all the information it includes (long periods in-between jobs, specific certifications, etc);

5 – Prepare a brief description of your experience and skills. Always keep in mind questions like “Why should I hire you?”, “Why do you think that you are the best person for this position?”, “3 Strengths and 3 Weaknesses “, “What are your career plans in the long term?”;

6 – Be prepared to provide specific examples of situations where you had to use your skills. Some examples being “Could you tell me of a situation where you had a contrary opinion to your manager and how did you overcome that”, “Give me an example of a conflict you had to solve”;

7 – For questions related with skills, prepare the SOAR method for organizing your answers: Situation – explain the framework, Opportunity / Obstacle – explain the problem / opportunity encountered, Action – what were the steps taken to solve the case and Results – what were the outcomes to a specific action?;

8 – Practice your answers and, if possible, simulate the interview! Whether in front of the mirror, with a friend, family or even co-workers, it is important to verbalize and always practice your answers. What we have structured in our minds may sound completely different when verbalized;

9 – Dress well and appropriately to the company’s culture: Formal business is common for consulting firms, banking and financial sector, smart casual or business casual for creative companies or start-ups. Above all, show care in your presentation and keep sobriety in colours and cuts;

10 – Always be prepared for eventualities, be forewarned: carry a printed copy of your resume, pen and paper and try to get there ahead of time.