Interview Tips

Thoroughly preparing for an interview is crucial to your success.

You cannot change your education, your background or your resume but you can invest the time and energy into doing research & preparation that will allow you to feel confident on the day of your interview.

What You Can Expect

Regardless of the role, level, specialty or industry, you can expect the following questions to come up:

• Why should we hire you?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Why are you looking to leave your current role?
• Walk me through your resume.
• Do you have any questions for us?

Additionally, you will be asked to give examples from your career. Be prepared to have very specific examples from your experience that address a time when you...

• took initiative
• overcame an obstacle
• dealt with a difficult personality
• exerted leadership
• set and met a goal
• tried something and failed
• motivated other people
• anticipated potential problems and developed responses to prevent them.

In responding, describe the situations in detail, using facts and data whenever you can. Each story/situation should show a positive impact on the company/team or project. Always conclude a story on a positive note.

If the interviewer comes up with a difficult question that you aren't prepared for, you can say, "That’s difficult; let me think for a moment." You can provide an example of something that's close to it, even if it isn't exactly that.

Selling Yourself as a Match for the Job

It is your job to draw the parallel for the interviewer between the job and your experience. You need to show him or her that you are a great match for the role.

A particularly helpful exercise is to print out the job description and your own resume and place them side by side.

Go line by line through the responsibilities on the job description. Next to each one (or on a separate sheet of paper), jot down notes highlighting specific examples from your career that speak to each and every responsibility on the job description.

This way when you are in the interview, you will have talking points that very directly address why you are an ideal fit for the role. Remember: the more specific, the better.

Don't be overly modest. Don't talk about your accomplishments as team accomplishments - say "I" instead of "we." Remember to smile and make eye contact. This will help you be more relaxed.

Asking Questions

The questions you ask are as important as the answers you give. Questions are a great way to set yourself apart from other candidates they may be interviewing.

Take some time to put together some thoughtful questions relating specifically to the job itself, the team/group structure and the company as a whole.

Write the questions down and bring them with you. When someone asks you if you have any questions, there’s no harm in checking your notes – it just shows that you took the time to prepare.

The best way to engage the interviewer is to get them talking about themselves, their experiences with the company and their career in general. They will be more relaxed and comfortable. If you want the job, you have to create that bond.

Here are some examples of general questions you can ask the interviewer:

• What made ABC Company stand out from other opportunities you looked at?
• What’s the main thing that’s kept you here?
• What are the characteristics that will make someone successful in this position and at this company?
• What are the challenges you faced when you started?
• What are the challenges that someone in this role will face?
• What are some of the initiatives or projects that the group will be involved in coming up with?
• Where do you see the company going in the future?
• What makes ABC Company stand out from their competitors?
• What’s the career path for someone who is successful in this position?
• Can you describe your management style?

Researching the Company

In addition to presenting your strengths and skillset, you must show that you’ve done your research on the organization and position you are interviewing for.

Visit the company’s website and make sure you understand their business, affiliates and competitors.

Search online articles about the company, read annual reports, press releases and other relevant information. Look up the people you will be meeting on LinkedIn to get a sense of their background and experience.

Just doing the research is not enough. You have to find some way to show that you put that effort in. Use the material you find to ask the interview specific questions about recent acquisitions, company growth or changes in leadership. Showcasing the depth of your research will help to set you apart from the competition.

The Simple Things

Finally, don’t overlook the simple things. They may seem extremely obvious, but the little things matter. Be sure to:

• Find out the location and know exactly how to get there, including where to park
• Allow plenty of time to get there – don't be late
• Print and bring along multiple copies of your resume and any work samples
• Be nice to every person you meet. Smile at the receptionist when introducing yourself. - Prior to the interview, check in with people that you are planning to list as references
• Gather the contact information of anyone you should send a thank you note to, and do so as soon as possible after your interview
• Give a firm handshake
• Be dressed in a suit (pants and jacket of the same cloth)

The more preparation you put in, the more confident you will be. If you’re prepared, confident and relaxed, you are more likely to connect with your interviewer and land the job!