Have a job interview coming up? Congrats! Whether it’s on the phone, via Zoom, or in person, we all know making a good impression is critical to get to the next step, and hopefully land the job!
In the days leading up to your interview, take some time to do your homework to move yourself ahead of the competition and other candidates.
Here are our tips for interviewing success based on our decades of combined experience in hiring and recruiting.
It is rare today for hiring managers or recruiters to speak with a candidate who has actually researched the company with whom they’re interviewing. Take 10 minutes prior to the interview to browse the company’s website to learn their core values, services, and key team members. From there, take a look at their social media pages and overall online presence. This not only will give you a leg-up on what to say during the interview, but also give you an idea of whether or not the company is a good fit for you!
If it has been some time since you last interviewed, or you tend to tense up when put on the spot, grab a friend and practice. This can include answering common interview questions, as well as refining your personal elevator pitch.
Again, this is part of doing your homework. Reread that job description to make sure you have answers pertaining to the criteria they are looking for in an ideal candidate.
We don’t mean bringing physical proof of your work, necessarily. But we do strongly suggest having examples top-of-mind so you aren’t just answering questions, you are also providing evidence of how you’ve carried yourself in the past.
Hiring managers love when candidates come prepared with their own questions. While people sometimes worry asking questions during an interview can be a turnoff, nothing can be further from the truth if your questions are respectful and thoughtful. Asking questions shows your investment and interest, as the candidate, in the position and the company. You can ask things like ideal characteristics of the person in the role you’ve applied for, current work processes, what the day-to-day looks like in the company, etc.
The night before, make sure you know what you’re going to wear, how long the drive is to the location (if it’s an in-person interview), and you have your resume, a notebook, and pen ready to go with you. Planning ahead will help ensure you arrive early to your interview.
You aren’t doing the company or yourself any favors by covering up your true self. You can win people over by being genuine, while professional, during the interview. This also helps put everyone in the room more at ease, and gives interviewers a peek at what it might be like to have you as a member of the team.
Simply put, don’t ramble. Short, focused answers help paint a clear picture of your qualifications, but also help keep the interview driving forward.
This is a BIG one! No matter how bad things were in the past, please be diplomatic and professional. Instead of talking about your current company’s downfalls, talk about the things you’ve learned in your current position that you can bring into this company.
Whether it is via email or a handwritten note, take the time after the interview to thank those who spoke with you. Be sure to reiterate you are looking forward to hearing next steps from them soon to, again, show your interest in the position, and help keep the momentum driving forward.
© 2020 Wylander. All Rights Reserved.