Preparing for an Interview
You applied for a job, and they have invited you to interview. What now? Interviews are meant to:
- Help the employer understand the value you can add to their organization.
- Assess your knowledge, experience, and trainability.
- Determine if your personality would be a good fit for their team.
Below are a few tips to help you prepare for your interview.
What to Wear
Employers often make a judgment about whether they like you or not within the first 10 seconds of meeting you. To make the best impression, dress professionally and appropriately for that industry and region. Here are some tips:
- Research the dress customs for your industry and region. Follow the company culture when selecting an interview outfit. You want to look like you already fit in nicely with the company and its culture.
- Generally, clothes should be conservative in color and fit. Nothing too tight, too flashy, or too bright.
- If you don’t know the company culture, dress in business casual or business professional clothes, depending on the type of job and organization you are applying for.
- Business casual: In the U.S., business casual for women might be slacks/skirt with a blouse. For men, slacks/khakis and a polo shirt or button-up shirt, with or without a sport coat, and nice, clean shoes. Refer to dress customs for your industry and region for specific guidance.
- Business professional: In the U.S., business professional for women might be slacks/skirt, a blouse, blazer, and a low-heeled shoe. For men, a suit or slacks with a button-up shirt, a suit coat or sport coat, a tie, and dress shoes. Refer to dress customs for your industry and region for specific guidance.
What to Bring with You
Bring a folder or briefcase with 5–10 copies of your resume, a notepad, and pen. Here are some tips:
- Avoid bringing flashy items or items with logos.
- Offer a copy of your resume at the beginning of each interview.
- Be ready with multiple copies of a few relevant pieces from your portfolio (if applicable) that demonstrate your skills and the value you might add to their organization.
General Interview Tips
- Dress professionally (appropriate for your industry and region, see above).
- Smile! Even when on the phone or over video.
- Make sure you know about the company — its mission statement, core values, and why you want to work for them.
- Represent yourself confidently but honestly. Do not make up or exaggerate skills or experience.
- Practice looking into the camera as you answer interview questions and share your "Me in 30 Seconds" statement and high-impact statements.
- Have a notepad, pen, and drinking water with you.
Types of Interviews
There are multiple types of interviews, and you may face several or even all of them during your interview process. Practice each type of interview to be most prepared.
Phone Interview
This interview is usually the hiring manager’s first contact with you and is typically a way for the employer to narrow down the number of applicants they are considering. Be prepared by practicing your “Me in 30 Seconds,” interview answers, and power statements. Make sure to smile when you are talking on the phone; the sound of your voice changes when you smile.
Recorded Video Responses
An employer may send you a link to record a video of yourself answering a series of questions. Much like a phone interview, this type of interview is a way for the employer to narrow down the field of applicants.
For this interview, you will not have the benefit of seeing your interviewers’ facial expressions to guide your answers. However, you will generally be able to do your interview in the evening or on a weekend without taking time off from your current job. Here are some quick tips: Practice looking into the camera as you answer interview questions and share your "Me in 30 Seconds" statement and high-impact statements.
- Choose a quiet and professional setting:
- Make sure there is nothing behind you that would make you an unappealing candidate, such as political posters or busy backgrounds.
- Make sure you are alone: pets, friends, and family should be outside and quiet.
- Do not sit in your bed when doing the interview.
- Sit back from the camera. You want the camera to show as much of you as they would see if you were sitting across from them at a table.
- Normally from your torso up. Don’t have your face too close to the camera.
- Keep your device stable. If you are using a mobile device, use a tripod or set it on something stable.
- Test your microphone and camera.
Videoconference Interview
Many companies choose a videoconference interview rather than having you come in-person to a physical building for the interview. Follow the same tips as for a recorded computer interview (above) and an in-person interview (below).
In-person Interview
In-person interviews require you to come to a physical building to meet with one or more people. There may be multiple interviews that could take up most of the day.
If you are invited to an in-person interview, you should understand that you are a final candidate for the job. Even if you are not selected for the position you are interviewing for, the employer may want you for a future position. Here are some tips:
- Wear deodorant, but do not wear perfume/cologne.
- Make sure your handshake is strong and sweat free. If you need to, keep a tissue in your pocket to absorb moisture before offering your hand.
- Practice making eye contact as you answer interview questions and share your "Me in 30 Seconds" statement and high-impact statements.
Panel Interview
A panel interview is when two or more people interview you at the same time. Here are some tips:
- Follow the same tips as the in-person interview.
- Make eye contact with the person you are answering. Do not scan the group randomly as you respond. Finish a complete sentence or thought while looking at one person before moving to look at another.
- Remember the names of the people interviewing you. A quick way to do this is to draw an outline on your notepad of the table or room you are sitting in. As people introduce themselves, write their names on your drawing in the spot that represents where they are sitting. Do not draw your attention away from the person talking for more than a couple seconds.
Skills Tests
Skills tests may be used during the interview process to assess if you have the skills the employer needs. When you are invited to interview, ask if there are any skills tests, and if so, what you need to bring for them.
After the Interview
Follow each interview with a thank-you email. Thank them for their time, use the opportunity to respond in more detail to an interview question you didn’t feel you answered completely, and share your desire to be a part of their team and organization. Here are some tips:
- Send a separate email to every individual you met within 24 hours of the interview.
- Keep the tone and writing style of your email formal and professional.
- Include your contact information in the email.
- Attach your resume and a professional photo so they can remember your face.