Research the Company:
Before you go on the interview it is always good to do some research on the company. Find out what they value, what their main goal is, who your employer is and the requirements of the position.
Practice Interview Questions:
It is always good to look over common interview questions before an interview. You need to think of possible answers to the harder questions so that you are not fumbling for an answer on interview day. However, don’t memorize an answer verbatim, you don’t want to sound rehearsed when answering.
Some common interview questions:
Tell me about yourself.
What are your strengths?
What is your biggest weakness?
Why should we hire you for this position?
What do you know about the company?
What is your greatest accomplishment?
What are you hoping to gain from this position?
What interests you about this job?
What qualities do you have that make you stand out compared to other applicants?
Review Resume
Before an interview you should always review your resume. This will help you remember your top experiences and things you want to draw attention to. It is also a good idea to print a copy of your resume to have with you on the interview day.
Think of an Elevator Pitch
A common question during an interview is, “Tell me a little about yourself.” This is when having something called an elevator pitch comes in handy. An elevator pitch is a 90 second pitch about yourself. It should cover your top traits, experience and the reason why you would be good for the position.
Dress Professionally
An interview is all about making a good impression and although we learn to not judge a book by it’s cover, what you wear really matters during an interview. Most interviews are business casual, formal or general. That usually means a suit and tie for boys and a dress suit or pants for girls. You want to make sure you dress for the job you want.
Arrive Early
Again, it is all about the first impression! Arriving early shows that you are responsible. It also allows you time to find where you have to go and calm yourself down before going in.
Make Eye Contact and Remember Body Language
When answering questions make sure to keep eye contact. Body language is also important. Remember to sit up straight, keep your hands visible and have a firm hand shake.
Keep Answers Precise, Don’t Ramble About Yourself!
When answering a question keep the answer precise. You always want to sound like you know what you’re talking about. If you don’t understand the question ask them to repeat it, or rephrase it so you understand it correctly. You can also say, “That is a good question, I need a minute to think,” so that they do not mistake the silence as you not knowing the answer.
Ask Questions
At the end of the interview they will normally ask if you have any questions.
Some good questions to ask are:
What is the difference between a great worker and a good worker at this job?
Can you explain a normal day at the job?
What have you enjoyed most about working here?
What are the top responsibilities for a person in this position?
Write a Thank You Email
After the interview, it is always good to send a thank you email to the person that emailed you. Here is a sample email that you can send:
Dear [Insert Name of Interviewer]
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me yesterday about [position you are applying for]. It was a pleasure meeting with you, and I truly enjoyed learning more about the role and the company.
After our conversation, I am confident that my skills and experiences are a great match for this opportunity. As we discussed, I believe my background [list skills and experience].
I am very enthusiastic about the possibility of joining the [company name] team and would greatly appreciate a follow-up as you move forward with the hiring process. If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me by email or phone.
Thanks again, and I hope to hear from you in the near future.
Best regards,[Insert Name]