Simple Interview Guidelines to Implement now

Once you have prepared accordingly, (if you have not already, read our previous blog on prepping for an interview to be best prepared)and you are heading into your first interview, here are some tips to help you ace the interview and make a great impression. 

Interview Etiquette 

• Body language
  1. Eye contact and a  strong firm handshake. 
  2. Don’t cross arms that can come off as defensive and closed off. Best is to mirror your employer with hands crossed on the table at your wrist.
  3. Do not bounce your legs or fidget as best you can.
  4. If it is a video call, ensure you have good lighting to show facial expressions and do your best to look into the camera and not the screen as that may come across as avoiding eye contact or looking down. 
• Attire 
  1. It is better to overdress than underdress. “Dress for the job you want”. Even if the company is casual and the hiring manager is wearing jeans, it is recommended to wear at least business casual. 
  2. For women, a blouse or button up shirt and a knee length skirt or solid colored slacks. Pair with close-toed shoes or low heels. 
  3. For men, a nice button up shirt (make sure it is ironed and does NOT have wrinkles) with solid colored slacks and a matching jacket, if appropriate. Neutral solid colored close-toed shoes are best for men with dark socks. 
  4. If the interview is remote, still dress professionally from head to toe so that you are in the mindset of being in an in-person interview.
• Resume 
  1. Make sure you have fresh copies ready in a folder to prevent folding or wrinkling. 
  2. Ensure it is the same one used when applying for the position.
  3. Often employers will have one ready but if not, you can give one to the employer to have in front of them. 

Ice breaker Questions 

• “I have been told about the position and gone over the job description, but what do you think is the most important aspect?”
  1. This will let you know what to emphasize in your background that may not be in the job description.
• “What brought you to this company and what has kept you?” i.e. what do they like about working here
  1. Again, this gives you insight into the company from someone who is there on a daily basis and potentially give you more insight to the cultural aspect.

Previous Jobs and Why You Left 

• Typically an interviewer will go over each job on your résumé and ask about your role, pay, and reason for leaving. 
•  The reasons for leaving can predict why or how you will leave in the future
  1. Do NOT speak poorly or bash your previous employer no matter the circumstance. 
  2. Not every job ends well, but if you reflect back discussing the good points and the positive references you have from that employer, that helps smooth it out.
• Address problem areas with confidence. 
  1. Humbly acknowledge where there is concern for lack of a certain skill while mentioning comparable skills that are similar 

Finishing Points 

• You do not know everything. You are always learning. Meet the challenge of learning something new with enthusiasm.
• Have confidence in what you do offer now and in what you CAN offer in the future. 
• Be prepared to answer hard questions with a positive attitude. 
• Remember that if you had EVERYTHING your employer wanted, you would probably be deemed “overqualified”. 
• Do not underestimate the power of a good attitude and a confident personality. These traits are often more valuable than the traits you may not yet possess.

Discussing Money

• If asked about money, the best way to respond is to state your current or last salary, then to let them know you are open to any fair offer for that particular position.
  1. Example: “I am currently at 50K, but will consider any fair offer for this position.”
  2. This approach ensures you do not price yourself out of the opportunity but also that the pay should be fair for the expectations and market rate.

Questions for the Interviewer 

• These questions help you quickly determine what is most important to the employer and this gives you a chance to sell yourself
  • “What are 2-3 things that make someone successful in this position?”
    1. Align your strengths with their responses as best you can relying on your strengths and past experiences that will make you successful as well.
    2. Do NOT merely repeat what the interviewer says.
  • “What are the most pressing issues facing this department in the next 6-12 months?”
    1. This can help determine whether or not you can potentially help the department solve these issues by bringing you on. 
    2. Sell your strengths in terms of problem solving, working under pressure, meeting and exceeding deadlines etc.
  •    Tell me about yourself 
    1. Make sure to keep this answer short and to the point, it is easy to get carried away and lose focus on the point of the question
    2. 60-90 second synopsis 
    3. Start with your first job, skills you picked up as you grew your skills and jobs along the way and some selected accomplishments.

 Wrapping up the Interview 

• Make sure to address any potential concerns with the interviewer that could potentially prevent you getting the position. 
  1. What concerns if any do you have about my ability to succeed in this role? 
  2. If there is a concern, this is your chance to better address it/explain it and you have a realistic idea of where you stand.
  3. If there is no concern, there shouldn’t be any reasons to not get a potential offer.
• Thank them for their time in speaking with you whether it is via video call or in-person and let them know you are looking forward to hearing from them soon.
• Show enthusiasm and end the conversation with politeness and confidence. This could be your new employer or in the very least, a valuable learning opportunity. 

After the Interview 

• If you are working with a recruiter: 
  1. Contact them right away and let them know how the interview went. 
  2. Impression of the role, the questions, any hesitations etc.
  3. Even if over a voicemail or email, clients will often call for feedback as well, we can improve the process and answer any questions depending on what feedback you give us
  4. Agency 8 will contact the client to determine their impression and we will give you complete transparency and constant communication through all these steps.
• If you are applying on your own: 
  1. Immediately send a follow-up email and thank them again for the opportunity to interview. 
  2. Give employers at least a week before reaching back out if you do not hear anything from them. 
• Reflect on the job opportunity and interview to make sure this job is what you want. Trust your instincts.

Hopefully these guidelines alongside your qualifications ensure that you get an offer or at least proceed further in the interview process. 

Good Luck!!