Many companies now conduct behavioral interviews that rely on how a candidate responds to unusual questions.  They also require candidates to take sophisticated assessments to determine, objectively, natural strengths and areas for growth.  What is the best way to prepare for interviews that go above and beyond?

First, do the tried-and-true:

Look up the company or organization’s website;
Note its recent challenges and successes;
Review the leaders’ bios and LinkedIn profiles;
Focus on the backgrounds of those you will meet in person;
Get a sense for the corporate culture; and
If the company is publicly traded, review the Annual Report; if not find informal ratings and rankings that will give you information about the company’s growth and goals.
Better yet, if you know someone who worked at or with the company, arrange to have coffee or to speak on the phone.  This kind of information can really help you to prepare for a successful interview experience.

Second, do a dry run, preferably in person, with someone who you trust.  It does not have to be a long session.  Even a half-hour will get you moving in the right direction.  It needs to be someone you trust, however, so that they can help you to frame your answers truthfully and positively.  If you have a gap in your background to explain or a company experience that did not go well, this session can help you to flesh out your responses without the pressures associated with a cold interview.  Similarly, if you are ignoring key accomplishments, or downplaying the metrics associated with your success, this person can help you to focus on concrete achievements, in the context of responding to challenging questions.

Third, dig deeply.   To the extent that employers can and will use probing techniques to get to know you, beat them to the punch.  If you have not done an assessment recently, it might be a good investment to take one or two prior to beginning an interview cycle.   There are many great tests to consider.  Find one that feels comfortable.  Free tests online include the Myers Briggs test.   For those who favor a different kind of analysis, the Enneagram Test might be an option.   Take the test of your choice and review the evaluation.  No single test will give you a full portrait of yourself.  However, all of them will provide you with additional useful information that you can leverage in the interview process.  This additional knowledge might cause you to pause to re-assess your skills, strengths, hopes, and dreams.  This information is useful in rigorous testing/interview contexts.  It helps to get comfortable with this kind of process before going into the interview.

Finally, be positive.  We all have lessons to learn.  Even celebrated leaders have areas that challenge or befuddle them.  Think of your interview as a sharing experience.  You will share yourself, and the company will also give you additional information.   This approach can help to focus you on learning, growing and becoming more self-aware as you interview.

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