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Interview Tips to help you Nail the First Impression
Interviews can be intimidating. Despite hours of preparation, you might still be nervous, or so excited it seems like nerves. Regardless of the style of interview or stage of the process you are preparing for, here are some universal tips to help you knock it out of the park.
On-Site Interviews
On-Site Interviews are included in most interview processes. Hiring managers and teams are wanting to really meet their potential future coworker. Here is how to handle going back on-site:
- Have several, hard copies of the resume you (or your recruiter) submitted and bring them in with you! Bonus points if you bring them in a professional looking folder or padfolio to keep them free of wrinkles or creases
- Review any interview confirmation information you may have received and map out the time it will take you to get to the location. Familiarize yourself with the area and plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early just in case of a traffic delay
- Business Professional attire is usually standard for interviews unless otherwise stated by a hiring manager or your recruiter
- Refrain from wearing strongly scented perfumes or colognes. Appear well groomed and put together, but refrain from anything overpowering
- Research the company before you go, find out what they do, research who you will be speaking with, and have any important contact information on hand just in case you run into a problem
- Practice your elevator pitch - it should generally be around 30 seconds and be able to professionally answer the question "Tell me about yourself"
- Look up and practice for common interview questions like "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" or "What are you looking for in your next role?"
- Review the job description, prepare yourself on what is required to do the job you are interviewing for, and be able to relate that to what you have done in previous roles
- Give a good handshake when you arrive, make eye contact, listen to the interviewer, and let them lead the conversation
- Don't forget to prepare several questions to ask about the company, team structure, or details of the role. This will demonstrate your interest and that you are serious about this opportunity.
Phone Interview
While they are one of the most common initial screening methods, phone interviews can be one of the most challenging forms to master.
- Review any information given to you well in advance of your call and determine if you will be dialing in or waiting for the interviewer to call you
- Ensure your phone works well, is charged, and has good reception where you will be taking the call
- Research the company, who you will be speaking to, and prepare your 30-second elevator pitch
- Ensure you have a quiet area where you can be uninterrupted for the duration of your call, and be there at least 5 minutes prior to the start time of your interview
- Review the job description one more time, prepare yourself to relate your background to the needs or requirements of this new opportunity
- Research and practice your responses for the more common interview questions like "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" or "What are you looking for in your next role?"
- Have your list of questions prepared and handy to ask the interviewer to demonstrate your interest in the company and opportunity
- Listen to the interviewer and let them lead the conversation. On the phone, a short pause is expected to ensure the other person is finished speaking. Remember, there are no non-verbal cues to read over the phone
- If you are nervous, sometimes getting out of your PJs and into something more professional can help with confidence. Again, while there are no non-verbal cues to pick up on over the phone, nervousness can carry in your voice
- Try looking into a mirror while speaking with the interviewer, sometimes it can make you feel more comfortable as if you have the person in front of you, and using non-verbal gestures that you can see can help ensure your tone is appropriate for the conversation
Video Interviews
Since 2020, video Interviews have become standard practice for some companies. Either as an initial screening, or for any role that is remote. Sometimes this is followed up with other interview formats or additional rounds of video interviews.
- Review any interview confirmation information you were sent prior to the start time. Download any application you might need and visit the website or run the application to familiarize yourself with the service
- Try practicing on the interview platform with a friend, family member, or trusted colleague a day or two before your interview to make sure any technical difficulties are solved to save you any anxiety or embarrassment the day of
- Research the company, find out what your team contributes to, and look up anyone you will be speaking with
- Prepare and practice your 30-second elevator pitch, be ready to sell yourself
- Add the interview date and time into your calendar. Often you can also add the meeting link to the calendar reminder so that you have all of the important information at your fingertips when the time comes
- Check the background of the room you are in, eliminating any distractions. Ensure your environment is quiet, and that you are well lit and in a stationary chair so you are not fidgeting
- Dress as if you are going on-site, this is typically business professional unless otherwise stated. Don't skimp on the pants either!
- Research and prepare responses to common interview questions, and think of questions to ask back to your interviewer to demonstrate your interest
- Review the job description again, familiarize yourself with the requirements and be ready to relate prior experiences to demonstrate your knowledge or ability to perform well in the role
- Listen to the interviewer, let them lead the conversation, try your best to make "eye contact", and smile! Be friendly and conversational, but professional
And for all of these types of interviews - Send a thank you message after! This can be an email or a physical card if you went on-site (keep them pre-written in the car and drop off with the receptionist afterwards).
