Five Best Practices for Interviewing

As you prepare for any interview…your first in ten years or your tenth in one year, here a few pointers to help you along the way:

Be Prepared

  • Research the company: Understanding the company’s mission, values, products, services, and recent developments can help you demonstrate your genuine interest in the organization.
  • Know the job description: Familiarize yourself with the job requirements and responsibilities. Be ready to discuss how your skills and experience align with the position.
  • Have a list of achievements: Prepare specific examples of your accomplishments that showcase your qualifications for the role.
  • Be open about challenges: Be prepared to talk about situations where you faced challenges and what you learned from them, demonstrating your ability to adapt and grow.

Arrive Timely

  • Arrive 5 minutes early for in-person interviews: Arriving too early can disrupt the interviewer’s schedule, while being on time shows respect for their time.
  • Sign in a few minutes early for video interviews: This allows you to address any technical issues and demonstrates your punctuality.

Ask Questions

  • Prepare thoughtful questions: Have 3-5 questions ready to ask the interviewers, focusing on topics not covered during the interview.
  • Be prepared to ask questions at the end: Take advantage of the opportunity to ask questions when the interviewer invites you to do so. Failing to ask questions can create a negative impression.

Remember the Small Things

  • Dress appropriately: Dress professionally unless you’re informed otherwise. Avoid wearing distracting items like sunglasses or hats.
  • Bring a professional portfolio: Organize essential documents and materials, such as your itinerary, resume copies, and job description.
  • Maintain professionalism: Use a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, be honest about your experience, and express your interest in the role.
  • Eliminate distractions in virtual interviews: Ensure a quiet and well-lit environment, and avoid asking the interviewer for feedback during the interview

Send a Thank You Note

  • Express gratitude: Send a brief and sincere thank you email to the interview team, thanking them for their time and consideration.
  • Reiterate your interest: Use the thank you note as an opportunity to reaffirm your enthusiasm for the position.
  • Send to the hiring manager or HR: If you don’t have each person’s email address, send the note to the hiring manager and HR recruiter, asking them to share it with the interviewers.

By following these steps, you can demonstrate professionalism, enthusiasm, and preparedness throughout the interview process, increasing your chances of landing the job.

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-Candice