Basic Interview Suggestions/Tips
Do Your Homework
It is important to be well-informed about the company with which you are interviewing, as well as the person or persons who will be conducting the interview. Familiarize yourself with the company’s website; study their mission statement, and get a feel for the company’s brand. Be prepared to discuss why you are interested in working for this particular company. Find out the specific job titles and areas of expertise of your interviewers, and research how you can add value to their teams.
Face to Face
As simple as it sounds, presenting yourself well is a crucial step toward a positive interview. You should dress in conservative business attire. Practice a brief, firm handshake and make sure to sit up straight and avoid fidgeting. Never speak badly about current or past employers, regardless of the circumstances. Make sure to arrive early, and be friendly with the support staff. If you are having a lunch or dinner meeting, order “light” - the focus will be on the conversation, not the food. If you take a site tour, make sure to pay close attention and ask questions to show that you’re interested and focused. Be honest, be yourself, and remember to smile.
Tell a Story
Clearly rehearsed, one-line answers to interview questions are not impressive, dynamic, or intriguing to interviewers. The best way to demonstrate your capabilities is not by rehashing your resume word-for-word -- it’s by telling stories that capture your ability to make money, save money, and solve problems for companies. Let your personality shine through by giving real-life examples of situations where you added value in those three ways, whether the examples are in a classic business setting, through your community or school volunteer work, or in consulting roles. Employers want to see that you are passionate, personable, and capable of contributing to and complementing their existing teams.
Ask Good Questions
A good conversation flows both ways. Prepare some questions to ask about the company as a whole, your potential boss, and the role you are interviewing for. Focus on the people who are interviewing you, the particular role, and how the company differs from its competitors. Pay attention during the interview and identify appropriate times to bring up your questions; you don’t necessarily need to wait until the end of the interview to ask.
Money Matters
When it comes to a first interview, we never recommend bringing up money. If the interviewer brings up compensation, emphasize that while money is one aspect of any career move, it is not the driving factor in your job search. You are looking for a position where you can make an impact, enjoy your work, and grow professionally. Say something like: “If you feel that I can be the asset to your company that I believe I can be, I’m sure the offer will be fair, and I’ll be happy to consider whatever you bring forth.”
No Rubber Stamp
Remember: there is no such thing as a “rubber stamp” interview. Regardless of whether you’ve been told that the interview is just a formality, or how long you’ve been friends with the interviewer, always conduct yourself with the utmost professionalism. Do not take a job offer for granted, and take the interview seriously.
Say Thank You
Follow up within 24 hours of the interview. Send a simple email or handwritten note thanking the interviewer or team for meeting with you, and reiterate that you look forward to hearing their feedback. Be brief, but specific -- mention a particular conversation point, joke, or anecdote that stuck with you. The more you can demonstrate your interest in and passion for the role, the more memorable you will be to the hiring authorities.
Discomfort is normal. Don’t lose sight of the big picture -- you started this process for a reason.
There’s no one correct formula for success; every company and interview are different. However, if you get comfortable with these basics, you can focus on personalizing every interview and finding ways to showcase your unique value to each specific company.