Tips for Job Interviews

You’ve made it to the interview stage – that’s a big accomplishment. The next step is to prepare yourself, so that you’ll rise to the top of the candidate pool. Your Valesta Recruiter will work closely with you to ensure you are properly prepared. The following general job interview tips will also help you best prepare and present yourself.

Research the company and position beforehand. This will enable you to both answer and ask questions appropriately. You will also get a sense of whether the company and culture are a good fit for you.

• Browse the company’s website(s) – the “About Us” page and current press releases may be especially helpful.
• Conduct an Internet search using the company name to get additional information.
• Look for other resources that have information about the company, such as newspapers and industry publications.
• Tap into your network for people who are familiar with the company or similar organizations.

Initial phone interviews are commonly done to prescreen applicants before setting up an in-person interview. The following are a few things to keep in mind before you answer the call:

• Be alert and interested – enthusiasm will increase your chances of being invited for an in-person interview.
• Eliminate background noise and interruptions, so that you can be 100% focused on the call.
• Keep your résumé and list of questions at hand to refer to during the interview.
• Give concise answers – provide enough detail, but don’t get off track.
• Show your interest by asking position-specific questions; don’t ask about pay and benefits.
• As the interview comes to a close, express your interest by asking about the next step.

You've been invited to the company for an in-person interview. Preparation is the key to being confident and ready. With a little effort and focus you will leave a positive and lasting impression.

• Confirm your appointment, know where you’re going, and be on time.
• Bring two clean copies of your résumé, along with a complete list of references and contacts, to the interview.
• Dress your professional best to help boost your confidence and make a strong first impression.
• Extend a firm handshake, make frequent eye contact, smile often, show interest, and be positive.
• During the interview, don’t just talk, listen. Focus on what the interviewer is saying; not about what you want to say next. This will help you communicate more effectively and build rapport with the interviewer.
• Prepare questions about the position and company that you genuinely want to know.
• Thoroughly review your work experiences, so that you can easily recall details during the interview. Be ready to support past accomplishments with specific information targeted toward the company’s needs.
• As your interview comes to a close, state why you feel you would be effective in the position. Ask what the next steps are in the decision-making process, and find out if there is any additional information you can provide. Thank the interviewer for their time and consideration.
• After the interview, send a follow-up letter or email to each of the interviewers. Thank them, and express your interest and why you would be an asset to their company. Make it personable, yet professional.

Reviewing answers to top interview questions, such as the ones below, will help you have a successful interview. Remember to always be positive in your responses.

• Why did you leave your last position, or if you’re currently employed, why are you looking for another position?
• Why do you want to work for us? (Hint: Do your research about the company.)
• What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
• Tell us about a few professional accomplishments and how you achieved them.
• Explain how you overcame a major obstacle.
• What qualifies you for this position and why should we hire you?
• What are your short- and long-term goals?

It’s as important to ask good questions as it is to have good answers. Well-thought-out questions will convey to the interviewer that you’re interested, conscientious, and have done your homework, among other things. Have several questions ready to go, and ask at least a few of them at appropriate times throughout the interview. Below are some examples to get you started.

• What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this job?
• Could you describe your company's management style and the type of employee who fits well with it?
• What are the company's strengths and weaknesses compared to its competition?
• Is there opportunity for advancement for this position within your organization?
• How would you describe the ideal employee for this position?
• What would you consider to be the most important aspects of this job?
• What are the next steps in the interview process? (Ask as the interview winds down.)