Preparing For The
Big Day
Job Interview Tips
You applied for the job of your dreams. Your well written resume piqued the interest of the recruiter and/or hiring manager and you were subsequently invited for a job interview. Now what?
A job interview is an opportunity to take what is written on your resume and verbally articulate why you’re the best candidate for the position. This is also an opportunity for you to learn more about the position, the company and its culture to ascertain if it is the right fit for you. One of the most important steps of landing a job is ensuring you’re fully prepared for the interview. Do not miss out on a good position for which you are qualified due to a lack of preparation and practice. There are things that you can do before the interview, during the interview and after the interview to increase your chances of being selected for the job.
Before the Interview
Clearly understand your strengths. Before you enter the company’s office, decide on the job-related skills and strengths that you’ll be focusing on when telling your story. Prepare to go into every interview with 3-5 key selling points in mind, such as what makes you the best candidate for the position.
Research the industry and company. An interviewer may ask how you perceive their company's position in its industry, who the firm's competitors are, what its competitive advantages are, and how it should best go forward. It will impress the interviewer if you’re knowledgeable in these areas.
Prepare for common interview questions. Think about which questions you're most likely to encounter and compile a list. Then prepare your answers so you don’t fumble answering these questions during the actual interview.
Practice, Practice, Practice. Rehearse before you go to the interview. Get two friends and practice interviewing with them. One person should act as the interviewer and the other as an observer. Solicit feedback from both friends and continue practicing.
During the Interview
Bring a copy of your resume to every interview. Have a copy of your resume with you when you go to every interview. If the interviewer has misplaced his or her copy, you'll save a lot of time (and embarrassment on the interviewer's part) if you can just pull your extra copy out and hand it over.
Be punctual. Find out where your interview is prior to the interview and prepare to arrive 10-15 minutes early. This will allow time to relax and gather your thoughts before the interview.
Dress appropriately. Your professional qualities matter most, but like it or not, you’ll also be judged by appearance. The best way to make a positive impression is to dress in line with the company’s dress code (or slightly more formal). A neat, professional appearance will help you feel and act confident.
Use examples and tell stories. Just like you’ve used context and figures in your resume, it’s best to prove your value through stories and real examples. Stories build trust and sound more engaging.
Line up your questions for the interviewer. Come to the interview with some intelligent questions for the interviewer that demonstrate your knowledge of the company as well as your serious intent. Be sure to ask about next steps.
After the Interview
Self-Reflect. Make notes about what was discussed, your performance and next steps that you should take. This will especially be helpful if there are further interviews in the process.
Write a Thank You Note. Send thank you e-mails shortly after the interview to each of the interviewers. Try to do it within 24 hours of the interview. Thank them for their time and re-emphasize your interest in the job.
Follow Up. It is appropriate to call if you have not heard back from the manager or recruiter within the time frame you were given to expect a response.