Interview Tips

BEFORE YOUR INTERVIEW:

DO YOUR HOMEWORK!

• Research the company! This is an extremely important step. Make sure you visit the company's website, and obtain as much detail on the position and the person that you are interviewing with as possible. You want to be informed about what the company does in order to ask thoughtful questions and participate in a conversation about their business. Some things you should know about a company before your interview:

o What type of industry they are in.
o What kind of products or services they sell.
o The company's target market.
o Who their competitors are.
o Where they are based & if they have a parent company.
o Company size.
o News articles relating to the company .
o Growth trends.
o Newest hot product.

• Create a set of open-ended questions that you might have for your interviewer - remember, a job interview is an opportunity for you to make sure it is a good fit as well. On the other hand, don't ask questions just to ask - take some time thinking of questions that are relevant to this position and your role in the company specifically.

• Make a timeline for your interview day - look up how long it takes to get there. Make sure you know exactly how long you will need to get from where you are to your interview, and that you have specific directions. Accommodate for potentially tricky parking scenarios, or a hard-to-find building.

• Set out the clothes you want to wear to your interview so you aren't worried about being late looking for that matching sock!

• Go to bed early. Make sure you get a full night's sleep and are well rested for your interview.

• Practice answering interview questions - if you have a readily available answer for common interview questions, you won't be caught off guard.

o Be prepared to answer questions about your specific salary requirements and salary history. Do the math ahead of time - make sure you know the exact numbers of your salary history, and have an honest range for what you would like to make. Anticipate the possibility that the company may offer you the position at the lowest end of your range, so make sure that it's a number that you would accept the position for.

WHAT TO BRING TO YOUR INTERVIEW:

• A hard copy of your resume for each person you will be meeting with - for example, if your interview was arranged with the HR Manager and the Department Manager, bring 2 copies so they each have one.
• At least 1 form of ID in case it is requested.
• A pen/notepad if you want to take notes.
• Any questions you have prepared to ask your interviewer.
• The company name, address & your contact name.

WHAT NOT TO BRING:

• Cell phones that aren't OFF
• Large bags or backpacks
• Friends, family or any other people with you.

AT YOUR INTERVIEW:

• Let your interviewer dictate the course of the interview. Don't interrupt, even if you feel you have a strong point to make.
• Speak confidently and don't rush yourself - converse at an appropriate pace.
• Monitor your non-verbal actions - don't play with your hair, cross your arms, or pick at that loose thread if you can help it. All of these things can communicate something to your interviewer that you may not want them to be thinking.
• Don't trash-talk a previous employer, no matter what.
• Leave them knowing that you want the job. Many employers value enthusiasm and desire to work at their company just as much as experience.
• NEVER lie or intentionally mislead your interviewer.
• Sell yourself! This is your opportunity to demonstrate what a quality candidate you are - don't be shy to discuss what you can bring to a company, and how your past experience will make you a great fit.
• Be concise. Answer questions directly and thoroughly, but try not to divulge additional information without being asked.
• Don't give up too much information too soon. Even if your interviewer is relaxed and casual, revealing too much personal information is never appropriate. Try to answer the questions without going off on a tangent.
• DO NOT at any point check your phone. It should be OFF and in your pocket/purse or left in your car.
• Be personable and friendly
• Don't use slang words, and try to avoid filler-words such as "um" and "like".

AFTER YOUR INTERVIEW:

• Take some time to reflect on your interview - if you have any more questions, write them down right away to ask during a potential second interview.
• If your interview was arranged by a Recruiter, call them and to discuss how it went.
• Write a thank you note or email to your interviewer for their time. If your interview was set up by a Recruiter or Agency, give your thank you note to the Recruiter to pass along.
• Follow up! After a few days, follow up with a call or email to your Recruiter to check on the status of the position and remind them that you are still interested.