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Are you ready to play The Interview Game with me? In this episode, three candidates will compete for the same recruiter position by answering three typical interview questions. Whose answers will make the strongest impression? Pay close attention to see who comes out on top!
Congratulations! You have an upcoming employment interview. Now is the time to prepare yourself so you can leave the recruiting manager feeling confident about your candidacy and make the best impression possible.
Before the Interview:
Take some time in the days leading up to your job interview to do the following:
Research the company and the interviewers. Knowing important information about the organization you are interviewing with can help you enter the interview with confidence. Reviewing the company’s website, social media profiles, and recent press releases can give you a good understanding of its goals and values, as well as how your experience aligns with its needs.
Perfect your responses. Be prepared to answer the commonly asked question, “Tell me about yourself and why you’re interested in this role with our company.” This is your chance to give an elevator pitch, a brief summary of who you are and the value you can bring to the organization and the position.
Review the job description. Print out the job description and highlight specific skills and qualifications that the company is looking for. Think about past projects or experiences from your job that demonstrate your ability to meet these criteria.
Practice using the STAR approach. Be ready to answer questions about situations in the past when you used specific skills. Use the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, and Result—to provide structured responses to competency-based or behavioral interview questions.
Practice with someone else. One effective way to prepare for an interview is to practice your responses out loud. Practice with a friend or ask someone to help you go through common interview questions and answers. By rehearsing your responses, you will build confidence.
Prepare a list of references. Your interviewers may ask you to provide a list of references either before or after the interview. Having your reference list ready will help you complete this step quickly and move the hiring process forward.
Prepare examples of your work. During the interview, you may be asked about relevant projects or tasks you have completed in the past. After reviewing the job description, think about past work or volunteer experiences that showcase your skills and accomplishments in line with the job requirements. Using examples from your previous experiences to demonstrate how you meet the job criteria can help you make a strong impression during the interview.
Prepare thoughtful questions for your interviewers. An interview is a two-way conversation. Employers expect you to ask questions, as it shows that you are considering what it would be like to work there. You may want to ask your interviewers questions such as:
What are some of the daily responsibilities associated with this role?
What qualities do you look for in a successful candidate for this position?
How will my performance be evaluated in this role and how often?
Which departments does this team typically work with?
How do these departments collaborate?
What does that process look like?
What challenges might someone in this position encounter?
On the Day of the Interview:
Follow these guidelines to feel successful on the day of your interview after your preparation phase:
Choose your outfit the night before. Ask about the office dress code before the interview and select your attire accordingly. If you don’t have anyone to ask, research the company to determine what is appropriate.
Bring a notepad, pen, and copies of your resume. Bring at least five printed copies of your resume on fresh paper in case of multiple interviews. Highlight specific accomplishments in your copy that you can easily reference and discuss. Bring a pen and a small notepad to jot down notes. Avoid using your smartphone or other electronic devices to take notes. Note down specifics that you can use in your follow-up thank-you messages later on.
Arrive early. Plan to arrive ten to fifteen minutes before the scheduled interview time. Map out your route to the interview location to ensure you arrive on time. Consider doing a trial run before your interview day. If you are using public transportation, have a backup plan in case of closures or delays. Use the extra time you have before the interview to observe the dynamics of the workplace.
Make a strong initial impression. Pay attention to details such as polishing your shoes, styling your hair, and ensuring your nails are clean and neat. Check your clothing for holes, stains, pet hair, and loose threads. Remember to smile.
Treat everyone with respect. This includes people in the parking lot, on the street, as well as front desk staff and security guards. Approach everyone you encounter as if they were the hiring manager. Your future employer may seek feedback from them even if they are not directly involved in the interview.
Win them over. Being genuine in an interview can help employers connect with you on a personal level. Presenting yourself with confidence, a smile, and a positive attitude can help make the interview engaging and productive.
Respond truthfully. While it may be tempting to exaggerate your accomplishments, honesty is the best policy. Highlight your key strengths and explain why your background uniquely qualifies you for the role. Demonstrating maturity and self-awareness by acknowledging areas where you struggle and how you work to improve can set you apart. For example:
“I find managing my time for larger tasks challenging because I sometimes struggle to know when to shift from one task to another. I address this by setting specific project goals or SMART targets, and using techniques like the Pomodoro method to allocate my time.”
Connect your responses to your qualifications and achievements. As you answer each interview question, relate your past experiences to the position by providing examples of results and solutions you have achieved in your career. Use every opportunity to meet the criteria mentioned in the job description.
Provide concise, focused responses. Remember that your time with each interviewer is limited, so be mindful not to ramble in your responses. Planning your responses in advance can help you stay on track. Short responses also showcase your ability for clear communication.
Stay positive. Avoid speaking negatively about past employers. Companies are looking for problem solvers who can handle challenging situations. If your current job is not fulfilling you, focus on what you have learned from the experience and your future career aspirations.
Update your resume. Showcase your skills with the help of a professional resume writer.
After the Interview:
To maximize your chances of moving forward after your job interview, follow these steps:
Inquire about next steps. After your interview, it is appropriate to ask your recruiter or hiring manager what to expect next. This could include additional requirements like an assignment, a reference list, or another interview. In most cases, you can expect a follow-up email with the outcome of your interview.
Send a thank-you note. If you had an in-person interview, ask each person you interacted with for their business card so you can send them a personalized thank-you email. Send your follow-up emails on the same day if you had a morning interview, or the next morning if your interview was in the afternoon.
