Interview Tips - 4/8/2020

While unemployment is sky rocketing due to the pandemic, there are more candidates every day having to go through and navigate the interview process. Most candidates, although qualified, may not have interviewed in a long time. It's my opinion that an interview is as much of a skill as it is any other skill while on the job. Most of the time, you only get one chance to portray and sell yourself to what is reflected on your resume.

Here are some tips I've gathered that may help:

Interview Tips

Prepare:

   Research the company – Visit their website to gain knowledge and interest during the interview

   Prepare questions - this will show interest and that you've done your homework on the role

   Prepare a reference list – it always helps to have people that can speak on your behalf

   Rehearse – try to look up questions to ask yourself in the mirror and practice

Presentation:

 Dress professionally for the job you want

   Take a few copies of your resume with you

   Take a notebook and pen

   Arrive for the interview 15 minutes early

   Firm hand shake, good eye contact, SMILE and RELAX

   Body Language – Sit up, look attentive, do not cross your arms or legs, make eye contact with the interviewer

Present a positive attitude

  Get straight to the point in answering any questions. (Usually 1 or 2 minute answers)Interviewing:

   Listen to the interviewers questions and make sure you know exactly what they are asking

   Think of how your experience can best serve the company and within the position you are interviewing for.

   Answer questions focusing on your experience and how it correlates to the position you are interviewing for.

   Use only positive information to answer questions. Make your answer brief and to the point – be truthful

   DO NOT answer questions with a simple “yes” or “no”. This is the time to add value to the interview – show how your experience will benefit the project/company

   DO NOT ramble during an interview – get straight to the point in answering any questions. (Usually 1 or 2 minute answers)

   Be prepared for the most basic questions – the interviewer may ask you junior level questions that you may take for granted when doing on a daily basis. Be prepared. 

   Sell yourself – If you don’t, no one else will.

   Show interest in the job, project, technology and company – Be energetic and enthusiastic.

   When the interview is over – Ask if there are any reservations about your ability to do the job. 

   Do ask for the opportunity. Let them know that this is a position you can and want to do

   Conclude by saying “Thank You”

Interview Questions

You can find / google any basic questions to ask if you cannot think of any

Behavioral Questions:

Behavioral questions begin with phrases such as “tell me about a time when,” or “can you give me an example of”. The interviewer wants to hear your real-life examples. When an interviewer asks such questions, they are listening for examples of how you handled similar situations that you may have to handle for this company. This is a change to talk about your accomplishments. 

Your success stories should include the situation, action you took and the result.