Tips to Ace the modern interview process
From preparation to follow up, we offer seven tips to ensure a strong interview.
1: Do your homework.
Companies always like a candidate to have taken the time to do some research and learn about them.
2: Make an impact.
Dress for the occasion. The rule is, when in doubt, overdress. Recent trends have dictated business-casual attire, but it’s still appropriate to wear a business suit. If you mean business, show them. And remember…it’s not always what you say, but how you present yourself that makes an impression. Be sure to shake hands firmly and maintain eye contact. During the interview, sit up and stay focused. If your mind starts to wander, it shows.
3: Be confident.
Composure in the business world is crucial. And an interview is a good measurement of how you handle pressure. You don’t want to appear too nervous. At the same time, don’t be too relaxed. Maintain an appropriate level of professionalism without being unapproachable. The best advice is to just be yourself.
4: Ask questions.
Remember, an interview is a two way process and asking questions let’s the interviewer know that you are interested in them. Depending on what you ask, it may also prove you’ve done your homework. Before the interview, make sure you’ve prepared a list of questions that have not been addressed through publically available information.
5: Sell yourself.
Your qualifications got you in the door. Make sure you can speak confidently about any experiences you’ve had in the workplace and in the classroom. Specific examples of how you’ve contributed to an organization or learned something exciting are of interest to the hiring manager. The fact that you are being interviewed means that the organisation is seeing potential in you, so be sure to sell yourself by promoting your skills and abilities.
6: Get clarification.
If you don’t understand a question, don’t hesitate…ask them to repeat it. You have a better shot at giving your best answer if you know exactly what the question is.
7: Follow up.
It’s good etiquette to thank interviewers for their time. Make sure you get a business card from the person or people that you meet with and send a letter to each one as soon as possible after the interview. This will also let them know that you liked what you heard and are interested in the opportunity.