The Interview. It's a scary thing, right? I mean, you've prepared for weeks (months? years?) and then you're thrown into this in-person interview and they want to know everything about you! What happened to the friendly HR persona from when you submitted your application? Well, we've got your back. Below are ten tips that'll help you nail that interview and land your dream role.
1: Before an interview, do a self-evaluation and determine how your skills align with the position.
Before you step into an interview, you should do a self-evaluation and determine how your skills align with the position. A good place to start is by reading the job description carefully and making a list of the required job duties. Note which of these you have experience in, and where you might need additional training or mentorship. Then, consider what personal qualities are needed for success on the team—are you more of a leader or a follower? Are you often decisive or do you tend to need input from others? Not every employer will be looking for the same qualities in a candidate, but it's important to know where your strengths lie so that you can highlight them during the interview.
2: Dress in professional attire
It’s a given that you should dress professionally for an interview, but it bears repeating: the idea is to show the interviewer that you are serious about the role and would be a professional addition to their team. Dress for the position: if you are interviewing for a C-level executive position, it’s not appropriate to wear jeans or sneakers.
In general, we recommend wearing something that doesn't distract from your personality and skills. If your interviewer is distracted by what you're wearing, they'll have trouble focusing on what's important—your answers!
3: Plan to arrive 10 minutes early
The number one way to impress your interviewers is to show up on time. That means arriving 10-15 minutes early. If you don't know exactly where the office is, make sure to check the location out on your map app before the interview day. Once you get there, you'll have time to fix your hair and makeup, do a quick review of your notes, and put yourself in a positive state of mind. You'll also be able to catch your breath before you walk in. No one wants to see you huffing and puffing from running late at the start of their interview!
4: Have a pen and paper ready
If you're going to an interview, you should bring a pen and paper along with your resume. You never know if the interviewer is going to ask you if you have any questions at the end of the interview, and you definitely don't want to be caught off guard by that question. It's less awkward than it sounds—having some ideas written down will make it much easier for you to think on your feet and actually have something intelligent to say at that moment.
The other time when having a pen and paper will come in handy is when the interviewer asks if they can have your references. If you have their email addresses or phone numbers easily available, then pulling them out of your pocket is so much easier than rifling through your bag while they wait. It also shows them how organized and prepared you are.
5: Make eye contact and smile
Making eye contact and smiling are two of the most basic but important social skills we have. It's even more important in a job interview, as it shows that you're engaged, assertive, and enthusiastic about the conversation. When you're asked a question, focus on the speaker's eyes and give them a genuine smile as you're listening. Then use it to transition into your answer or as a way to wrap up your answer when you're finished speaking.
6: Be yourself and be honest
You might feel like putting on a show during an interview, but try not to overdo it — especially if it means acting like someone else entirely! For example, if there's an important piece of information missing from your resume that might come up during an interview question, don't fake having it — admit that it's missing
7: Listen carefully and answer questions directly
As you listen, focus on what the interviewer is asking. This can be difficult if you're nervous, but it's important to take a moment to reflect on what you've been asked before answering. Ask for clarification if you need it. Some questions aren't always straightforward; if you're not sure what the interviewer is looking for, ask them to expand on their question or ask them to repeat themselves. You'll want to prove that you're able to listen carefully and answer questions directly. The best way to answer questions is by giving examples of your experience; tell stories that illustrate your skills and abilities rather than simply saying "yes" or "no." For example, instead of saying "I'm a team player," think of a story about how you worked with a group of people.
8: Ask questions when appropriate
Asking questions is a great way to show your interest and demonstrate your knowledge of the company, but it's also a way to learn more about the role and see if you'd be a good fit.
It's important to ask questions at the appropriate time — don't interrupt when the interviewer is talking, and don't ask questions that have already been answered. Here are some tips for asking questions during an interview:
Ask about the next steps in the process if there's a lull in the conversation.
Ask for clarification on something that was discussed earlier in the interview.
Ask about how the company has grown or changed over time.
Ask what kinds of challenges employees face in their positions and how they've tackled them.
9: Thank the interviewer at the end of the interview
Your interview is coming to an end and you want to make sure that you leave a lasting impression on the interviewer.
Thank the interviewer at the end of the interview. This shows that you are appreciative of their time and that you appreciate the opportunity they are giving you.
Ask for feedback. This can be as simple as asking if there is anything else that they would like for you to address or if there is any additional information they would like from you before making a decision.
Ask if there are any concerns or questions that they may have about your candidacy. If there are, ask them what those concerns or questions might be so that you can address them directly during a future phone call or meeting (if applicable).
10: Follow up with a thank-you email within 24 hours.
Once the interview is over, remember to send a thank-you email to your interviewer within 24 hours. It's also a good idea to send a separate thank-you message to anyone who assisted you with the hiring process, such as HR representatives or administrative staff.
In your note, mention specific things that you discussed during the interview and reiterate your interest in the position. If you're following up with someone other than the interviewer, be sure to mention something about your conversation with that person. For example, "Thank you for taking time out of your day to chat with me about the [position] at [company]. I enjoyed getting to know you and hearing about how much fun it is working at [company]."
You can also use this time to include any information that was left out of the interview or address any potential concerns. For example, if you have a gap in your employment history or need more time to give notice at your current job, now is the time to say so.
Be sure to proofread your notes before sending them off. It's always a good idea to ask someone else—a friend or family member—to review them before sending them.
--
The most important takeaway is to be yourself, or as much of yourself as you can be in a short interview. No one has the same experience or background that you do, and what may appear to be an unimportant detail to you may be exactly what an interviewer notices to differentiate great candidates from the pack. Be unique, remember the details of your background, and show potential employers who you are.
Comments