Interviews… They are something we all have had to go through at some point in our lives and may have to do a few times throughout our careers. I have been on both sides of the interview table throughout my career and want to share some useful tips on what to do and not to do during an interview. Most of these seem pretty obvious, it’s never a bad idea to brush up on your interview skills.
Do not arrive late.
There is nothing worse than starting an interview behind the eight ball because you are late. The person or group of people interviewing you probably have a pretty busy and tightly scheduled day and having an interviewee run late will not make them happy. More importantly, it is a test of your commitment to the potential job.
Dress appropriately.
First impressions are very important. The first judgment an interviewer is going to make will be based on how you look. Dress professionally and smile when you greet your interviewer. Dressing more formally for a business casual environment is appropriate. For men, wear a suit and tie. Yes, socks are required. For women, it is best to be conservative on your first interview.. Some examples for women would be a pant suit or skirt suit, conservative shoes, modest makeup and no perfume. If you ever wonder if something is appropriate to wear to an interview, just don’t wear it.
Don’t be unprepared.
Know about the company and position you are applying to. Ask questions.
Do your homework before going into an interview! Review the history, mission statement and values of the organization you will be interviewing with. Update yourself with any current events regarding them and feel free to bring questions about the organization with you to the interview. You may be a marketing genius, but it would probably help if you knew what the widget they sell actually does. Taking the time to ask a few questions shows you are genuinely interested in the company. Utilize the opportunity to learn more about them when they ask if you have any questions.
Be sure to know specific examples of work, projects or quotas you have met.
Be prepared when you go into an interview to be able to speak about some of your successes. Employers want to know why you would be a good fit for their company and how you are going to improve their organization. When asked about a recent project you have been working on or a major contribution you had made to your current employer, have some quantitative measurements or specific examples to share. Keep the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) approach in mind.
Do not talk negatively about a previous employer.
This is one of the most ignored rule of interview etiquette. As an interviewer, we know you are ready for a new challenge and can assume that you are not 100% satisfied with your current job or company or else you wouldn’t be interviewing somewhere else.
Don’t forget to say thank you after the interview and follow up with a thank you email.
This tip is just common courtesy but not commonly practiced. When the interview has concluded and you stand up to leave, just take the extra second to thank your interviewer(s) for their time and consideration. It also wouldn’t hurt to send the interviewer(s) a short thank you note a following day. Little gestures like that really stand out to employers.
Don’t claim you have no weaknesses.
Believe it or not- no one is perfect. We all have strengths and weaknesses. Rather than saying you can’t think of any weaknesses because you don’t really want to admit that you are bossy and controlling. You can turn it around and say that you are hands on with your employees and really like when other stick to a plan. What may be a weakness in one organization could be more useful in a new organization.
Don’t over exaggerate your skills or current/ previous responsibilities.
If you would be embarrassed for past employers or your mother to read everything on your resume, you are exaggerating. Once an interviewer senses you have over stated your skills, you are done.