Interviewing is a crucial part of the job search process. With the rise of virtual interviews due to the pandemic, platforms like LinkedIn have become increasingly popular for conducting remote interviews. Practicing your interview skills can help you feel more prepared and confident when the real interview comes around. Here are some tips on how to make the most of LinkedIn for interview preparation.
Set Up a Mock Interview
One of the best ways to get interview practice on LinkedIn is to set up a mock video interview with someone in your network. Here are some tips for arranging a practice interview:
- Ask connections who work in your industry or have experience interviewing candidates.
- Explain that you’d like to practice for an upcoming interview and get their feedback.
- Schedule a 30-60 minute video call through LinkedIn’s messaging platform.
- Send them the job description and your resume so they can tailor their questions.
- Treat the mock interview like a real one – dress professionally and take it seriously.
Conducting a mock interview gives you a chance to practice answering common questions and talking through your background and skills. Be sure to ask your interviewer for constructive criticism after so you can improve for the real thing.
Research the Company and Role
Just like with a real interview, you’ll want to research the company and role you’re applying for. LinkedIn makes this easy to do right from the platform. Here are some tips for researching on LinkedIn:
- Look up the company profile to learn about their products/services, culture, values, and recent news.
- Follow the company page to get regular updates in your feed.
- Check out their “Life” tab to see photos of office locations and events.
- Search for employees who work there and look through their profiles.
- Find job descriptions for the role you’re seeking and related positions.
- Look through profiles of people who currently have that job title at the company.
Thorough research will help you answer questions about why you want to work for the company and what you know about their mission. It also prepares you for role-specific questions.
Practice Responding to Common Questions
Use LinkedIn to find sample interview questions for your industry and practice crafting your responses. Here are some ways to prepare:
- Search interview questions other LinkedIn members have posted about.
- Join industry-specific LinkedIn Groups and crowdsource interview tips.
- Follow hashtags like #interviewtips to see advice from experts.
- Use LinkedIn’s messaging platform to practice with a friend or mentor.
- Draft your responses in the LinkedIn notes app and save them to refer back to.
Focus on frequently asked questions like “Tell me about yourself”, “What are your biggest strengths and weaknesses?”, and “Why are you interested in this role?” Practice until your answers feel natural.
Record Yourself Answering Questions
One of the most effective ways to practice for video interviews is to record yourself responding to questions aloud. LinkedIn’s video recording tools make this simple:
- Use the LinkedIn app to record videos up to 10 minutes directly from your phone.
- Practice answering prompts or sample interview questions.
- Play back the recordings to critique your answers, body language, and speaking skills.
- Rerecord if you flub responses or want to finesse your answer.
- Save the best recordings to show a mentor or friend for feedback.
Hearing and seeing yourself on video helps you polish presentation and articulate responses clearly. With LinkedIn’s tools, you can rehearse as often as needed.
Connect With Recruiters and Hiring Managers
The people who may be interviewing you are on LinkedIn, so use it to make connections before the interview. Here are some tips:
- Search for recruiters and hiring managers at the company and connect with them.
- Study their profiles for clues about skills and qualities they value in candidates.
- Mention shared connections in your interview thank you note.
- See if you have any common interests or experiences based on their profile.
- Join Groups they are members of to expand your connections.
Beyond research, making a connection sets you apart from other candidates. It also gives you someone to reach out to with interview-related questions.
Participate in LinkedIn Events
Expand your professional network and sharpen your interview skills by attending LinkedIn events. Here are some options:
- LinkedIn Live – Watch livestreamed talks on industry topics and connect with the speakers afterwards to ask for career advice.
- LinkedIn Virtual Events – Browse upcoming events focused on professional development and networking.
- LinkedIn Workshops – Sign up for practical workshops on skills like interviewing and public speaking.
- LinkedIn Learning Courses – Complete courses on interview preparation, personal branding, communication skills and more.
Attending events lets you learn directly from hiring professionals. You can also use the chat function to ask for their best interview tips and tricks.
Join Relevant LinkedIn Groups
Joining LinkedIn Groups related to your industry, interests, college, company, etc. opens up more opportunities to connect with the right people. Some ideas:
- Industry-specific groups like Technology Professionals, Healthcare Management, etc.
- Company name groups for current/past employers
- Location-based groups like Chicago Job Seekers
- School alumni groups like UCLA Alumni
- Common interest groups like Young Professionals, Women in Business, etc.
Once you join Groups:
- Engage in discussions and build connections.
- Ask members how they prepared for interviews in your field.
- Keep an eye out for members who work at the company you’re interviewing with.
- Browse Jobs and reach out to recruiters posting roles related to your search.
Tapping into established Groups multiplies your chances of connecting with the right people.
Review LinkedIn’s Interview Prep Resources
LinkedIn provides a wealth of resources to support your interview preparation efforts. Here are some to explore:
- LinkedIn Interview Prep – Website with videos, articles and tips from experts.
- LinkedIn Learning Courses – Online classes like “Acing the Interview.”
- LinkedIn Newsletters – Subscribe to The Muse & Job Search Secrets.
- Hashtag Series – Follow along with #interviewtips content.
- LinkedIn Creator Mode – Curated interview tips from industry influencers.
Dedicate time to browsing these LinkedIn resources for the latest strategies when it comes to interviews. The investment will pay off in the form of landing the job!
Conclusion
With its unparalleled access to professional connections, up-to-date company and job insights, and wealth of interview prep tools and tips, LinkedIn is an invaluable resource for practicing and preparing for your next interview. Taking full advantage of LinkedIn’s capabilities can help you go into interviews feeling practiced, polished and ready to succeed.