So, you’ve advanced to the interview process…congratulations!
The offer of an interview puts you one step closer to securing the job/internship/program placement/opportunity to which you’ve applied. The resume was important, but the interview is where you can truly sell yourself as a top candidate. Here are some tips and tricks on good interview etiquette that will set you apart.
Be Attentive and Be On Time
An interview above all else is a first impression, and your success is dependent on that impression being a good one. You should first and foremost demonstrate respect for the interviewer’s time. This means showing up on time! If your interview is in person, give yourself extra time to find the location and to check in with whoever may expect you. Even if your interview is remote, it’s good to double-check ahead of time that the link to the meeting works or that you’ve given the interviewer the correct phone number so that everything runs smoothly once the time comes for the interview to begin. It should also go without saying that you ought to demonstrate respect and cordiality to everyone you may encounter during the process, even if they are not interviewing you.
Do Your Research
You should already know about the position for which you’re interviewing, but it’s also a good idea to do some research into the company and the person conducting the interview if you know their information. I remember that the first question I was asked in my first-ever job interview was, “Tell me what you know about the company.” I was so ready to talk about myself that I hadn’t even thought of the place where I would work! Employers are impressed if you show a passion for the company’s work and an alignment with their mission. The more you can incorporate their own language into your experiences and skills, the better. It also helps to know the background of your interviewer so that you can form a more personal connection with them and ask them more relevant questions. Most importantly, research demonstrates an extra step of dedication to the position. Those extra steps matter in an interview!
Expand on Your Resume
It’s fair to expect that an interviewer will ask about experiences or skills listed in your resume. They will want you to further elaborate on the positions you’ve listed and they will want to know how your past experience will inform your performance in this new position. It won’t be enough to simply restate whatever description you’ve included on your resume. A good trick for selling your skills is the STAR method. STAR is an acronym that stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Results. For every experience on your resume, you should prepare to share…
S: The position title and job expectations
T: A problem you solved or a goal you achieved while in this position
A: The steps you took to achieve that goal or solve that problem and the skills you utilized to do so
R: What you learned from this experience and how you’ve grown since then
If you’re able to have a concise but informative description, you’ll be sure to stand out!
Prepare Your Own Questions
The importance of this cannot be overstated. There is a tacit assumption in every interview that you will bring questions for those interviewing you. This again demonstrates your commitment and interest in the position. Some good questions to ask in an interview can include:
“What are the daily tasks and expectations of this role?” (Note: Don’t ask this if the interviewer has described this as part of the interview!)
“Is there a project that will be completed by the end of this position?”
“What are the current goals and initiatives of the company, and how does this role contribute to those?”
“How will my performance be evaluated?”
“What other departments will I be collaborating with in this position?”
“What is the training process like for the start of this position?”
“What are the next steps?”
The Thank You Note
After you’ve completed the interview, it is crucial that you send a thank-you note to the person or people who conducted the interview. This once again demonstrates your respect and professionalism. In the thank you note, feel free to include a brief description of why you think you’d excel at the position, but make sure to emphasize your gratitude for their time and consideration. This can make or break your candidacy. Don’t overlook it!
These are just some basic tips that you can and should bring to every interview. But my best advice is just to relax and focus. Interviews can be intimidating, especially when you’re new to them. With practice, the routine will become more familiar and more comfortable. If you prepare beforehand, you’ll be more than ready!
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