Basic Interview Tips

Hello!

 If you’re reading this, chances are you have experienced the joys of interviewing for a new job. Some people really embrace the interview process full-force, while others avoid it at all costs. Regardless of which category you fall into, you should still be doing your due diligence throughout the process to set yourself up for a successful interview, and potential new career! Here are a few very basic tips to review prior to your next interview:

 DO YOUR RESEARCH!

I cannot tell you how many people I interview on a daily basis who don’t even remember what position for which they are interviewing. If you’re unsure, confirm with the recruiter or manager you’re interviewing with BEFORE the interview. Read and re-read the job description or posting and take some personal notes as to why you are qualified for the position and what you can bring to the table. Prepare specific examples related to the duties required- trust me, it will make your life easier when you come prepared for the interview!

 Did I mention: DO YOUR RESEARCH! 

Not only should you review the position you applied for, but get to know the company as well! A quick Google search is sure to inform you of the company’s industry, specialties, culture, growth, etc. There’s minimal benefit to interviewing for a position at a huge corporation when ideally you only want to work in a small office setting, and vice versa! Recruiters and hiring managers want to know that you already have a basic understanding of the core culture of our company before we speak with you. We want to know you’re engaged and excited to be part of our company and team!

Bring a respectful, positive, and confident attitude to the table! 

Do you want a job, or not? Your initial conversation with the recruiter or hiring manager determines your potential employment with the company. Period. You may have phenomenal experience, but if you’re rude and yell at the recruiter or hiring manager during your interview (yes, this has happened to me more than once), you’re probably not going to be the person we want on our team. Be positive and confident! You must have had some of the qualifications the company is looking for if they offered you an interview, so act like it! The interview is essentially your chance to sell yourself: your experience; qualities and traits; achievements, etc. Own the fact that you have the potential to be great and do great things for your next company, and let the interviewer know it (without being too overconfident)!

Listen.

As much as you want to speak, LISTEN. Listen to the questions that are being asked of you and answer accordingly. Listen to the details that the recruiter or manager is telling you about the company and position. Recruiters and managers understand you have limited time to impress us, but you’ll score more brownie points for answering the provided question than you would going off on a tangent about another topic. Listen. Try not to cut the interviewer off- sometimes it just happens, we get it. But continuously speaking over the recruiter or hiring manager will only do more harm than good. Have something to say that you really need to ensure is mentioned? Write it down and save it for the end (Extra Tip: Bring a notebook and pen for your own use)!

 Prepare a few Questions: 

Don’t you want to know more about the company and position other than just what the job description says? Who would your coworkers be? What’s the company culture like? What’s the management style of your direct supervisor? Why is the position open? The list goes on and on. Be sure to ask at least one or two questions at the end of your interview. And please, don’t just jump right into salary, specific benefits questions, etc. There will be a time and place for this later on.

Be thankful! 

Send a quick email follow-up thanking your interviewer for taking the time to speak with you. Time is the most expensive thing in this world- and they cared enough to spend it on you. Thank them! Take this opportunity to also remind them why you would be a great asset to the company. Relate back to the interview and let your recruiter or hiring manager know that you listened during the interview. Want to take it a step further? Mail a HAND-WRITTEN thank you card! I have saved every thank-you card that I have received from every candidate since the beginning of my career. These quick gestures go a long way.

Follow up!

If the recruiter/hiring manager does not specify when they will follow up with you, ask. And if you forget to ask, wait a week and follow up with a quick email or call to check on the status of your candidacy. Oftentimes candidate reviews may be pushed out a few days while all candidates are being interviewed and evaluated accordingly. That doesn’t mean you’re not being considered! Follow up with the recruiter and ask where you stand! Not only will their update give you piece of mind, but it also lets us know that you are still interested in the position.

Please remember that the above tips are only to be used as a basic interviewing guide. These recommendations do not guarantee that you will secure an interview, job offer, etc. I hope you enjoyed reading this quick article and will be able to use some of this knowledge for your next interview! Best of luck in your career endeavors!

 Warm Regards,

Katrina Kovalski

Corporate Recruiter, Dometic-Americas