Interview Tips In Person

Preparation and practice is a winning combination!

It is your job to sell yourself! An interview is an opportunity to highlight your accomplishments and demonstrate what is not found on a resume; your personality, enthusiasm and professionalism. Your first impression will have a direct impact on a prospective employer’s hiring decision. Although each interviewer will have a unique interviewing style, you can take measures to increase your chances to receive a job offer. The following tips have been compiled to help you prepare for your upcoming interview and refresh your interviewing skills.

Preparing for the interview:

• Research the company. Perform a thorough review of the company’s website and any other available information. Company research will help you prepare thoughtful questions for the interviewer.
• Know your audience.  Identify and understand the title and role of the interviewer. Review the interviewer’s biography on the company website and supplement, where necessary, with details from LinkedIn or other social networking sites.
• Prepare a short list of your qualifications and/or accomplishments. Ensure that the list is not only relevant to the job opportunity but, provide examples that showcase a variety of attributes.
• Compose 3 questions for the interviewer.  Remember to compose questions that are specific to the interviewer(s).
• Review your resume. It is likely that you will be asked to fill-in details from your resume on items such as gaps in work history, job moves or experience.
• Ensure that your online presence is in order.
• Print several hard copies of your resume to have on-hand for the interview.
• Know your schedule.
• Practice, practice, practice!

After you arrive:

• Treat everyone with respect.
• Remember names.
• Find out what is important to the interviewer.  Use this information as a reference point for your answers.
• Answer the question that is asked. Do not stray off of the topic.
• Do not be afraid to say that you do not know something or need clarification on a question.
• Start with a short answer and if necessary, provide details.
• Do not interrupt the interviewer.
• Remain professional but, show enthusiasm and interest in the position.
• Do not bring up compensation.
• At the end of the interview, thank the interviewer and express your interest in the position.

After the interview:

• Send a short thank you note to each interviewer, by email if possible.