How long do you prep for an interview?

[seizethecuttlefish]

I've got my first job interview in years. It's for a 6 month contract, no extension as it's for a project. I'm currently wondering how long people spend preparing? And what they key hints and tips are? I have 2 small kids and work in the evening so I'm frantically trying to fit everything in.

I research the company so I have an understanding of their market, competitors and key products (you don't need to know it inside out, just have a few key points you can refer to). I check any industry news to understand what kind of climate they're operating in and I make sure I have four or five questions to ask about the business and the role. Aside from that, I spend a few minutes thinking about describing myself and what will be of relevance to them. An hour or two, tops? Good luck!

Know your cv. I know this is basic but the number of people I’ve interviewed that can’t talk about what they’ve got on their cv. Also, have some good examples for competencies, such as a time you’ve had to persuade someone in to you way of thinking, a time you’ve had to give negative feedback etc. Also say “I” did rather than we did - no one cares what the rest of your team did they want to know what you did. Good luck!

Oh and prep time - depends how much you want the job. I spent hours for my current role because I knew it was perfect for me.

Currently helping DH prep. Anything between 2- 8 hours.

First interview in years? Good luck OP. If you want this contract then you can't over prepare.

I interview fairly regularly and spend 2-3 hours researching the company and scouting the interviewer and other key people on LinkedIn, reaching out to any of my close network who might have inside info (eg if they are a mutual contact with the interviewer or have knowledge of the company).
Plus 30 min rereading my cv and the job description making sure I can clearly explain where my experience fits the JD.

(Do not bring up aspects of the JD which you don't meet. Just keep quiet about it. You'll work out how to do those things when you get there. )

However, when I hadn't interviewed for a long time I'd additionally spend time rehearsing some answers to 'competency based' questions. PP also mentioned this. Please google it.
Not all interviewers use this approach but about 50% do. You typically get asked to describe a time when you used a certain skill (eg when did you have to persuade someone senior to change their mind?) or attribute (eg when was the toughest challenge and how did you get through it).
I found it took me a while to plan some answers which really hit the mark because interviewers are looking for a very clear example where you have a specific scenario and describe your actions and an outcome. I tend to waffle so needed to plan for this. Google can give you some common questions to prepare for. It's a good exercise to do anyway.

I wouldn't treat a 6 month contract interview and different to a permanent role interview. Temp can convert to perm and if you want the job then put your best foot forward.

Good luck!