Interview Tips

Make sure to review your social media accounts in advance of applying to positions as hiring managers will very likely factor this content into their decision-making process. You want to ensure that your social media presents you in a way that makes you a desirable candidate to employers, not a potential liability.

Take some time to go over your resume and be ready to explain past job changes in a positive light. If you left a former role because of a nightmarish manager, perhaps consider rephrasing that as a making a move to a more supportive work environment.

You don't need to be an expert, but it is important to demonstrate that you're interested in the company. Many hiring managers are looking for the right fit for their firm culture; knowing some background information about the company will help demonstrate your seriousness about the opportunity provide you with an advantage over your less informed competition.

First and foremost, you should never arrive late for a job interview. Make sure you know where you are going, and the route you plan to take. Check the traffic flow on the route to learn whether there are any accidents or construction sites that might delay your arrival. Try to arrive about 15 minutes prior to the scheduled interview time to allow yourself to observe the dynamics of the office and rehearse any points you wish to make during the interview. Make sure your clothing and grooming are professional and appropriate. Turn off your phone, don’t chew gum, and offer a firm but respectful handshake to the interviewer.

A job interview is not a social event, so stick to the subject at hand. The interviewer may have other duties and responsibilities on his to-do list, and if you start rambling on about irrelevant or personal matters, it can damage your chances of being hired. If the interviewer asks you a question, answer it clearly and succinctly and then stop talking.

Don’t just tell the interviewer what you can do, provide concrete examples of when and how you did it to highlight your successes and set yourself apart from other candidates. Try to think of questions the interviewer might ask, based on the job requirements. Then, when and if the question is asked you will have specific examples of how you have performed in the past.

Pay attention not only to what the interviewer is saying, but also how it is being said. If the interviewer is being very serious and no-nonsense, it is to your advantage to do the same. Even if an interviewer is casual and easy-going, always maintain a professional demeanor. There will be plenty of time for frivolity and socializing after you are hired.

Follow-up questions not only inform the interviewer that you are paying attention; they also illustrate your interest in the position or the company and show that you can be proactive rather than just waiting for someone to tell you what to do. Make sure that any questions you ask are relevant and respectful.

Even if the subject matter makes you uncomfortable, it is important to answer any questions honestly. Make sure you understand what is being asked and ask for clarification if necessary. Don’t try to avoid the question or answer a question that hasn’t been asked. If you don’t have a particular skill or training, say so. Sometimes interviewers ask questions they already know the answer to just to see how you deal with it.

If a job search were all about which candidate looks best on paper there would be no need for an interview. The purpose of the interview is to identify applicants who will be a good fit with the company, the department and fellow employees. Think of yourself as a salesman on a sales call and your goal is to persuade the interviewer that you offer the perfect solution to meet the company’s needs and contribute to its success in the future.

As in all aspects of life, common courtesy can be very effective in the setting of a job interview. Thank the interviewers in person before you leave and then follow up with a written thank you email or letter. This will probably not clinch the position for you, but it might provide you with an advantage over other finalists who didn’t take the time to send a note, if you are already in the running. If you are unfamiliar with the form and content of thank you notes, many examples are available online.