Haven't interviewed in a while? Here's a quick guide for In-person Interviewing!

The in-person interview is a key turning point in your job search process so the more prepared you are to steer the conversation and keep it focused on how you will add value, the better chance you'll have of landing the job.

Do’s:

Dress for the occasion and location

The way you dress will have a significant impact on first impressions so ask the Hiring Manager, External Recruiter or Human Resources representative for guidance on what is appropriate if you are unsure. Clearly any professional candidate is willing to arrive in a business suit, but sometimes that is overdoing it and would actually make the wrong impression. In some tech or manufacturing environments a suit is out of place. After all, you want to look professional but you also want to dress in a way that conveys understanding of the industry norms. 

Also- do not risk placing your interview attire into checked luggage at the airport. Murphy's Law will definitely strike and you'll find yourself in a tough spot trying to quickly find something appropriate to wear at the last minute in an unfamiliar city. (This has happened to our candidates at 5 Star Global Recruitment Partners before, so please remember this advice and don't check your interview outfit with your luggage.)

Be mindful of all interactions. 

Treat everyone you encounter with respect, from the receptionist to the CEO. Interviewers will often ask for multiple opinions before moving a candidate on to the next step. This includes everyone that meets with you during the interview. Also, remember anyone you may have come in contact with while you were on-site; such as the receptionist or office manager. Treat everyone warmly and know that every interaction matters.

Do your research.

Don’t show up to the interview without knowing something about the person you’ll be meeting with as well as the company as a whole. Find out the interviewer’s role in the company, how long they’ve been there, and what they’re known for. This information will be particularly valuable to you when formulating responses to their questions, making small talk, and connecting with them on a personal level. Dig until you can find out nuggets of insight that are more than the obvious.

It’s also important to research the company. Show familiarity with recent projects, acquisitions, and public statements. Read recent press releases on their website, or check out what their social media followers are saying about the company. You could also use Google, Yahoo! Finance, and Glassdoor.com to find out what the insiders are saying about corporate culture. Your goal is to figure out the company’s headaches so you can speak to exactly how you can help them overcome their challenges.

Prepare an elevator pitch.

Most interviews start with a simple—and seemingly straightforward—inquiry: “Tell me about yourself.” This question can be deceptively difficult to answer and is typically used to gauge how you handle yourself in unstructured situations. Don’t fumble through a long-winded response about where you grew up, your first ever job, or any other irrelevant details from your past. 

Instead, frame your remarks around what interested you about the role and your relevant career achievements. 

Connect the dots for interviewers. 

The interviewer is looking for concrete proof that you can deliver measurable results for the organization, so connect the dots for them. Show exactly how your qualifications line up with the role and come prepared with specific examples. Convey your passion for the industry and company. Show how your career objectives fit the future growth and needs of the business; how your vision aligns with theirs; and that this is the work you are excited to do!

Give examples.

Have several stories ready that illustrate impactful contributions you’ve made thus far in your career. Stories are powerful and are what people remember most! Be prepared to share specific examples of how you leveraged your skills to meet challenging goals, overcome obstacles, and positively contribute to your organization’s bottom line. For example, a sales representative might say that they used their leadership and negotiation skills to lead a sales division in opening a new channel. You also want to share the impact of your efforts on the company. Whether the outcome was an increase in sales, significant cost savings, or improved retention, make sure you share those results. Share details about how many people you led, how you managed difficult situations, and how your team achieved key results. 

Convey passion.

Talk about how you ?rst became interested in this type of work, industry, or company. Point out any similarities between the job you’re interviewing for and your current or previous job(s). Look at the company’s mission statement and identify how its purpose overlaps with your own experience.

Be prepared to answer why you’re changing jobs.

At your level, personality and overall fit are increasingly important. The interviewer wants to know if you’ll mesh well with colleagues, so they may look for signs of conflict in your previous roles. When they ask for details on why you’re seeking a new role, be straightforward. Just don’t dwell on any con?ict that may have occurred in your previous job and don’t bash your former boss or company. Doing so can raise questions about your ability to work well with others or to accept accountability. Instead, highlight the positive aspects of your previous roles and the growth and development you’ve made since leaving. Perhaps you’ve honed new skills or learned an important lesson about what you want to get out of your next job.

Differentiate yourself.

Let interviewers know what differentiates you from the other candidates they’re talking with. While valuable, skills and buzzwords like teamwork, leadership, and communication are mentioned so frequently in interviews they become cliche. Most candidates have honed these abilities as well. Instead, think about the areas in which you innately excel and what sets you apart from everyone else. Perhaps its skills you’ve learned thus far in your career or skills you’ve acquired through various education or life experiences. 

Don’ts:

Don’t be late. 

Being late to an interview is a hard first impression to overcome. We suggest planning out your route to the interview the day before. On the day of the interview, give yourself plenty of time to get there. If you need to take off of work to attend the interview, it’s best to take the whole day rather than try and squeeze in both and risk being late. Remember, it’s always better to be early than even a minute late. 

Don’t exaggerate the truth. 

It's important to put a positive spin on what you've done and what you’re capable of, but it all needs to be factual. The truth will come out sooner or later, so it’s better to be honest about your career history. Though it may be uncomfortable to talk about why you were laid off, what prompted you to leave previous roles, or why there are gaps in your employment history, stretching the truth will only raise questions about your character and suitability for the role. Instead, explain specific reasons that proactively address any potential concerns employers may have. 

Don’t bring negativity into the interview.

You may have been burned by a bad boss or work environment, but being seen as a negative doesn’t paint the picture you want to portray. Instead, come across as optimistic, upbeat, and highly sought-after. Self-confidence is what will win you the next round of interviews. If you’re asked how your search is going, keep it positive even if the process has been challenging. For example, you might say you enjoyed all the connections you’ve made throughout the process.

Don’t forget to ask questions.

The interviewer is assessing you for fit, but you should also be evaluating them. The interview process is part of your due diligence to determine if the role is right for you and your career path. Some questions you can ask to find out if the job and company are really right for you:

• What characteristics are looking for in the ideal candidate?
• What does success look like in this role?
• What do you expect this person to achieve in the first 30, 60, 90 days?
• What is the biggest challenge this role faces?
• Why is the position open?
• What do you personally like most about working here?

Don’t forget to ask about next steps.

Asking for next steps can help you better understand the company’s pre-employment process, how many people they have left to interview, how you measure up, and expected timelines. It can also help to confirm your interest in the position!

Don’t keep your references in the dark.

If you haven’t already provided the company with your references, you may be asked to provide them following an interview. Let your references know who you’re interviewing with and when, so they’ll be prepared to give you a positive recommendation tailored to the role and company. Don’t catch them off guard and be sure to select people who are qualified to speak about your past performance and potential fit.

Don’t neglect post-interview follow-up. 

After your interview is over, send a thank you note to every person you met with. Thank them for taking the time to speak with you, confirm your continued interest in the role, and reiterate why you’re the right person for the job. Refer to specific details of your discussion and confirm the next steps of the process. If you haven’t heard from the company within the timeframe provided, don’t be afraid to tactfully follow-up.

Final thoughts: 

It’s important to be confident about your skills and abilities and remain calm and focused during the interview. Clearly articulate why you’re the right person for the job and express genuine interest and enthusiasm. And don’t get discouraged if an interview doesn’t lead to a job offer. Each and every interview you go on will give you practice to fine-tune your value proposition.  

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