Preparing for an interview is key |  |  |
Congratulations! You now have an interview. This means that you are one of a limited pool of applicants being considered for the job. Just as you have done in the steps leading up to the interview, preparation is key.
Some tips to prepare for the interview:
- Learn as much as you can about the company and position. Talk to people in your network who work for the company, read over the website, and review the original job posting.
- Showing that you know about the company will impress your interviewer and better allow you to explain how your skills and knowledge can help the company.
- Understand the Essential Employability Skills and think about how they could apply to the job.
- Do a practice interview with these Sample Questions, if possible.
- Your local career counselor may be able to help you.
- Prepare some questions to ask the interviewer about the company, job, and work environment.
- Bring two copies of your resume and a list of references, in addition to two forms of identification.
- Don't bring anyone else with you to the interview. If someone gives you a ride, ask them to stay in the car or come back later to pick you up.
- Plan to arrive 15 minutes early. If the interview location is unfamiliar, consider finding it a day or two ahead of time.
- Watch your appearance!
- Make sure you are clean and neat. If needed, get a haircut and/or trim beards and mustaches.
- Be yourself, but don't go too heavy on makeup, perfume, or cologne.
- Wear clothes appropriate to the situation that are clean and neat. Iron out wrinkles and polish your shoes if needed.
- Don't smoke before or during the interview, and don't chew gum.
- Turn off your cell phone.
During the interview:
- Greet all interviewers with a firm handshake, make eye contact, and introduce yourself using your first and last name.
- You will probably be nervous, but watch your body language. Sit up straight, keep your feet on the floor, and try not to fidget.
- Try to get a business card from all interviewers, or write their name and title in a notepad.
After the interview:
- Provide hard copies of your resume and references, if requested.
- Be prepared to schedule a second interview if requested.
- Be prepared to discuss an offer or a call to start work.
- Within 48 hours, send a thank you note to all interviewers. Thank them for their time and restate your interest and qualifications for the position.
Interviews are not all face-to-face. Some employers prefer multiple rounds of interviews to help narrow a field. Often these first rounds are completed over the phone or via video call, while later rounds are normally in person.
The great thing about a telephone interview is that you can have notes ready without the interviewer knowing. Take advantage of this — have your resume, the job description, questions for the employer, notes about the company, and your calendar all ready to reference. Practicing with a friend can be very helpful for getting feedback on how you come across over the phone.
Other things to remember for a phone interview:
- Conduct the interview in a quiet place alone. Ignore any distractions such as a doorbell or another call coming in.
- Standing up during the call will help your voice project better and keep you feeling more engaged.
- Be enthusiastic and smile — it will come through in your voice.
- Speak slowly and clearly. Your voice is the only way to set yourself apart from other candidates.
Video interviews are becoming increasingly popular as a first step in the hiring process. The best way to participate is through your computer, though a cell phone works as well. Just like a phone interview, solid preparation is key. Practicing with a friend ahead of time will help you get comfortable with the platform — Skype, Zoom, GoToMeeting, Teams, etc.
Video interview tips:
- Conduct the interview in a quiet place alone. Ignore any distractions.
- Dress for the interview just as you would for an in-person interview.
- Adjust the camera, sound volume, and background beforehand.
- Close all other programs on your computer.
- Sit up straight — don't fidget or spin in your chair.
- Look directly at the camera; avoid the temptation of watching the interviewer on screen.
- Only refer to a cheat sheet when needed, and make sure it stays out of the camera's view.