Interview Tips

No matter your background or career level, job interviews are always a challenging and nerve-wracking part of the job application process. Even if you’ve worked in the technical industries for decades, it’s well worth preparing yourself for every possible question and curveball your interview could throw at you.

Interviewers are critiquing you, assessing your skills, evaluating your qualifications, and trying to see whether you are the best fit for their organization. It's essential to be able to show the hiring manager that you're the best person for the job and have the skills and credentials they need for a successful hire.

But no worries, we have got you all covered in that domain. So, here are some tips and tricks that will help you ace your interview and come across as a strong candidate for the job.

1720055-Marie-Forleo-Quote-The-key-to-SU

Getting Interview Ready

Employers interview candidates to find a good fit for their needs.

An interview is your opportunity to learn more about an employer and the available job. Preparation is key to your success. Before the interview, learn about the organization and position from multiple sources:

Job description
Organization website
Annual business reports
Current employees

Gathering facts about a company helps you answer potential interview questions. It also gives you important information on how to match your skills to the company or position. To complete a successful match, try this exercise:

Divide a piece of paper in half by drawing a line down the middle.
On one side, list specific skills, experience and abilities needed by the employer.
On the other side, write down your qualifications that meet each requirement. If you have a hard time identifying your skills, use the Skills Matcher and Tools & Technology tools for good phrases to use.
Draw lines from each employer need to your matching qualification.
Identify weaknesses by highlighting any areas where you did not have a matching qualification.
At the bottom of the page, write down how you can and will learn the skills you lack. Or, list the other skills you have that make up for this weakness.

This exercise will help you successfully communicate your qualifications to an employer. Targeting your skills to employer needs will show how serious you are about the position or company.

Types of Interviews

The Interview Day

Interviews are your chance to sell your skills and abilities.

They also give you a chance to find out if the job and company are right for you. Follow the tips here to ace your interviews.

Review common interview questions. Practice answering them. Come prepared with stories that relate to the skills that the employer wants, while emphasizing your:

Strengths
Willingness to work and flexibility
Leadership skills
Ability and willingness to learn new things
Contributions to the organizations in which you have worked or volunteered
Creativity in solving problems and working with people

Make a list of questions that you would like to ask during the interview. Pick questions that will demonstrate your interest in the job and the company. This might include commenting on the news you learned from the company website, and then asking a question related to it. Also ask questions about the job you will be expected to perform, like:

What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this job?
How will my responsibilities and performance be measured? By whom?
What computer equipment and software do you use?
What is the organization's plan for the next five years?

Be prepared. Remember to bring important items to the interview:

Copies of letter(s) of recommendation, licenses, transcripts, etc.
Portfolio of work samples

On the day of the interview, remember to:

Plan your schedule so you arrive 10 to 15 minutes early.
Look professional. Dress in a manner appropriate to the job
Turn off your cell phone.
Bring your sense of humor and SMILE!

Display confidence during the interview, but let the interviewer start the dialogue. Send a positive message with your body language.

Shake hands firmly, but only if a hand is offered to you first.
Maintain eye contact.
Listen carefully. Welcome all questions, even the difficult ones, with a smile.
Give honest, direct answers.
Develop answers in your head before you respond. If you don't understand a question, ask for it to be repeated or clarified. You don't have to rush, but you don't want to appear indecisive.

End the interview with a good impression. A positive end to the interview is another way to ensure your success.

Be courteous and allow the interview to end on time.
Restate any strengths and experiences that you might not have emphasized earlier.
Mention a particular accomplishment or activity that fits the job.
If you want the job, say so!
Find out if there will be additional interviews.
Ask when the employer plans to make a decision.
Indicate a time when you may contact the employer to learn of the decision.

Don't forget to send a thank-you note or letter after the interview.