The idea of having to prove our worth can be stressful. Sure, we may be great at what you do, but our ability to tell the story effectively is the art of a winning interview.
Instead of googling your way through interview tips, here are some proven techniques to help you nail your next interview.
Pre-Interview Prep
1. Do your research! Above all else, you have got to know your audience. Not knowing enough about the company can make or break your chances of getting the job. Not only is it important to let them know you’ve done your research, but it is equally important that you know what (and who) you’re dealing with.
2. Twitter/LinkedIn can give you tons of information about the company and its employees. If you do happen to get the name of the person(s) interviewing you, be sure to look them up on LinkedIn and Twitter to see what topics they may be interested in, or any recent accomplishments, awards, etc. they’ve received. The goal is to create the picture that you are not just another person who needs a paycheck, you are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team.
3. What you need to bring. You need to have at least 3 copies of your most recent résumé including cover sheet and references available when you arrive for the interview, not including the one you have for yourself. If this is a virtual interview, be sure to reply to the email and provide a copy of your résumé again at least 20 minutes prior to logging on. You should also bring official transcripts and letters of recommendation just in case.
4. Appearance. Always dress for the paycheck you’re trying to get. Make sure you are well-groomed (nails manicured, dress appropriately, no smoking or chewing gum on-site). Ladies should wear below knee-length skirts, blouses should not be low-cut, and men should always wear appropriate business attire. No jeans, please! If you can’t wear it for a corporate presentation, don’t wear it for an interview. Interviews are presentations to a corporation with the subject being you.
5. Arrival. Arrive no less than 15 minutes early. You don’t want to seem too eager by coming too early; however, you want to have enough time to fill out any on-site job applications prior to your appointment. Be sure to greet the receptionist always. If you’re meeting at an off-site location, such as a coffee shop, be sure to gather yourself prior to walking in. The moment you are physically near the location, just take note that you are being observed.
During the Interview
6. Behavior. Instead of surfing the internet on your phone while you are waiting, try reading over your resume and practicing your responses. Remain alert and observant while you wait. Make small talk with the receptionist and see how others interact when entering or leaving the office. Remember this is the place where you are considering spending your valuable time, too. If the people look miserable or there is chaos all around you, you need to keep that in mind when making a decision whether you should accept an offer or not.
7. Responding to difficult questions. Questions like: “Why are you interested in working for our company?” or “Why do you think you are qualified for this position?” are typical during an interview, so be prepared to respond with positive reasons why you will be an asset to the company. Practice with a relative or friend, and record your responses so you can hear yourself as well. Sometimes what we want to say doesn’t always convey the way we need it to, so listening to your voice will help you ensure your response is conveyed the right way.
8. Never make assumptions. Listen to the question, and ask them to provide more information so you can give them a good answer, but never assume you know what they are looking for. Be genuine and clear in your responses, even if you have to repeat the same thing you said in the beginning again at the end. Repeating your answer also helps you to clarify again, especially if you feel you were rambling.
9. Timing is everything. The pace of the interview is important because you want to give yourself time to think, but you also want to set a conversational pattern. I recommend always taking a pause before responding to every question. If you are too eager to respond, you don’t give yourself enough room for grace when you need to think a little more on certain questions. You don’t want to create the perception that your quick responses are more truthful than your slow responses.
10. Limit unnecessary distractions. Turn off your cell phone, and remove any flashy or noisy accessories. These items can distract the interviewer from hearing your responses. Any time you feel the interviewer(s) are not paying attention, mention their name in your responses. “Well, I’m glad you asked that Todd…” You get it.
11. Stay positive. Be sure to positively respond about any prior experiences and/or professional relationships with previous employers, co-workers and customers. Questions like “Why did you leave your previous job? or “Describe a time where you had a conflict with an employee or supervisor, how did you handle the situation and what was the outcome?” are opportunities for you to bring out the good in you. Remember, this is all about you – your brand, your image, your paycheck. Never negatively speak about someone else you worked with. It isn’t helpful for you and it doesn’t show your ability to separate your personal feelings from your professional behavior.
12. Body Language. Avoid slouching and leaning. Body language is crucial during the interview. You never want to seem lackadaisical or bored. Sit up straight and look the interviewer directly in the eyes when responding. Respond to questions with a pleasant voice and facial expression. Making eye contact is one of the most important ways to show you are in the conversation and focused.
13. Ask Questions. Always have at least two questions for the interviewer. Never bring up compensation and benefits. Doing so may imply you are only interested in the financial rewards. If the interviewer asks you your salary requirements, be sure you are ready with your bottom-line number. If you need help with figuring that out, download a copy of my free salary calculator using the link below.
14. Stay on topic. Rambling can cause the interviewer to get annoyed by you and totally forget anything you said relevant to the question they asked. Don’t give too much information about things you have going on in your personal life such as vacations, or relationships especially if they are not brought up by the interviewer or being used as a way to relate to a question or comment.
15. Have examples. Have at least two examples of situations where you have solved a problem or worked on a project related to the industry you’re applying for. If you don’t have examples specific to the industry, you can use examples that relate to the type of work ethic an employer is looking for. Sharing leadership and team player examples are considered transferrable skills regardless of industry.
16. Before you leave. You’ll need to walk away knowing…
• When are they planning to make a decision about placement in the role and;
• Ask if there was anything that happened during the interview that would give them pause in considering you for the role. This question is not only important for you to learn how to improve in future interviews, it is important because it helps you stand out. Chances are, not many of the candidates are asking these types of questions.
After the Interview
17. Contact Information. Be sure to get a business card(s) from the interviewer(s). Remind them of when/how they can reach you and ask for a point of contact to follow-up with. Don’t be shy; now is the time for you to shine, show your confidence and show you are serious about your career.
18. Follow-Up. Always send a thank you email or handwrite a note and send it to the interviewer(s). This reminds them of who you are and gives you the opportunity to set yourself apart from other applicants. Pre-write the note and personalize it after the interview. Drop it right in the mailbox on the day of the interview if you can. Chances are, they aren’t making a hiring decision within the next 2 days so they will get the thank you note prior to making a decision.
Good luck on your next interview!
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