Interviewing Tips

December 11, 2013

You spent hours crafting the perfect resume and cover letter, searching, and applying for jobs. Your hard work has paid off, and now you have an interview scheduled with a prospective employer. You have researched the employer and prepared your outfit, but now what? Here are some of our tips for a great interview.

Make a strong first impression – with everyone.
Be polite and have good posture at all times. From the moment you walk in the door, you are being evaluated. Don’t mistake the receptionist as just the person who greets you. Chances are, they are the first person the interviewer will ask about you.

Be prepared to answer common interview questions.
Prepare well thought-out answers to common interview questions. Keep answers short and concise, and tailor them to the position you are applying. When faced with an off-the-wall question, take a few seconds to gather your thoughts before answering. Many times, these types of questions are more to gauge how well you handle stress than to find the perfect answer.

Prepare questions to ask the interviewer.
This will not only show your interest in the job, but also give you a chance to learn more about the company. Don’t ask questions that you can find the answer to on the internet, the company’s website, or their social media accounts. If you are unsure what to ask, a simple Google search will help.

Sell Yourself.
This is the time for shameless self-promotion. Your qualifications got you the interview, and now is the time to speak confidently about your past experiences. Prepare specific examples of how you contributed to an organization and any awards or recognitions you have received.

Send a thank you note to your interviewer(s).
Make sure you get a business card from every interviewer you met with and send a thank you note as soon as possible. This will not only show good business etiquette, but also reinforce your interest in their mind.

Remember to take a deep breath and slow down if you start feeling nervous. Confidence is important in an interview. If you need additional help with the interview process, or finding a job, give us a call at 214.954.0700 or visit our website.