HOW TO PREPARE FOR AN INTERVIEW

“Before anything else, preparation is the key to success” (Alexander Graham Bell) … The most profound truths are often the most simplistic, aren’t they? Success is heavily guided by the hand of preparation, and when it comes time to interview for your dream job, preparation is key! Following these tips on how to prepare for an interview will help to guide your success.

 

PREPARE FOR YOUR INTERVIEW

When it comes time to prepare for an interview, whether the interview will be conducted on-site, over the phone, or virtually via a video conferencing tool, you should always do the following to prepare for an interview:

  • Thoroughly review the job description for the position which you are applying for and notate any questions that you would like to ask the interviewer(s)
  • Familiarize yourself with the company by reviewing its website
  • Review the LinkedIn profiles of the individual(s) that you will be interviewing with to familiarize yourself with their backgrounds and their role at the company
  • In order to articulate your interest in the position and the company, prepare a few keys points to share during the interview
  • Know the details of your resume and be prepared to discuss the following:
    • Your qualifications for the position
    • Your strengths, weaknesses, and significant experiences
    • Any career transitions or gaps in employment
  • Prepare a list of thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer
    • For samples of common questions, including suggestions on what to ask and tips on questions to avoid, download your complimentary copy of ConnectPoint Search Group’s Interview Question Guidelines & Samples here

 

 

ADDITIONAL PREPARATION FOR VIDEO CONFERENCING INTERVIEWS

For interviews conducted via a video conferencing tool, such as Zoom or Teams, the following interview preparation will aid in guiding the success of your interview:

  • Familiarize yourself with the video conferencing platform; download the tool, if applicable, and test it before your interview
  • Test the webcam on the device from which you plan to interview to ensure that the video and audio work properly
    • Use headphones with a built-in microphone or headphones and a separate microphone to maximize audibility
    • Ensure that you are positioned in the center of the camera; not too high or too low or left/right on the screen
    • Avoid interviewing from a phone or tablet. However, if you must, place it on a stand/prop it up on a stationary surface
  • Select and prepare your interview space
    • Your interview space should be quiet, private, free of other people, pets, and background noise
    • Select a well-lit space. Position yourself facing a window or place a lamp in front of you
    • Select a neutral background and be mindful of everything that is positioned behind you; avoid clutter, messy areas, and anything that could be distracting or viewed as unprofessional
    • Select a stationary chair to sit in and avoid swivel or rocking chairs

 

 

ON INTERVIEW DAY

The interview day preparation depends on how and where your interview will be conducted; review each of the scenarios below, including onsite, over the phone, and virtual video conferencing interviews.

ONSITE INTERVIEW
    • Dress professionally
    • Bring copies of your resume, a notepad, and a pen
    • Silence, including vibrate, or turn off your cell phone
    • Plan to arrive 15 minutes early, allowing additional time for traffic or other delays
    • Present yourself in a professional demeanor with all of those that you interact with before, during, and after the interview
PHONE INTERVIEW
    • Take the call in a quiet space that is private and free of background noise and distractions
    • Ensure to take the call in an area where you have strong cell reception
    • Silence your cell phone
    • Do not use speakerphone during the call
    • Print a copy of your resume and have it in front of you for the interview
    • Have a pen and notepad ready for notes
    • Note that the call may come in as an “Unknown Caller” or “Spam”
    • Be ready for your interview 5 minutes before your scheduled interview time
    • Maintain a professional demeanor during the call
VIDEO CONFERENCING INTERVIEW
    • Take the video call in your prepared interview space. Remember, it should be…
      • Neutral, tidy, and professional
      • Well-lit
      • Private and quiet, free of background noise and distractions
    • Ensure to take the video call in an area where you have a strong and stable internet connection
    • Dress professionally, just as you would for an in-person interview
      • Avoid bright colors and busy patterns; opt for a soft or neutral color palette and solid or subtle patterns
      • Even though the interviewer will likely only see your upper half, it is still a good idea to wear professional bottoms in case you need to stand up
    • Ensure that your webcam and audio are properly set up and position yourself in the center of the camera screen
    • Be ready for your interview, with the video conferencing platform open and ready, 5 minutes before your scheduled interview time
    • Silence your cell phone
    • Close any unnecessary web browser tabs and computer applications
    • Print a copy of your resume and have it in front of you for the interview
    • Have a pen and notepad ready for notes
    • Maintain a professional posture and demeanor during the video call
    • Maintain eye contact; this means looking at the camera and not at the screen
    • In order to show engagement, nod and smile while listening. Use subtle hand gestures when appropriate
ALL INTERVIEWS
    • At the close of the interview, thank the interviewer(s) for their time and consideration. If you are interested in the position, clearly express your interest and inquire about the next steps

 

 

AFTER THE INTERVIEW

  • If your interview was scheduled through a recruiter that you are partnering with in your career search, call the recruiter as soon as possible after the interview to discuss your feedback and the next steps
  • Write a “Thank You” note for each interviewer
    • For interviews scheduled through a recruiter, confirm with the recruiter first if you should send the “thank you” note to them to forward on or send it directly to the interviewer(s)
    • For more information on interview follow-up “Thank You” notes, including writing tips and samples, check out our blog Job Interview Follow-Up “Thank You” Notes

 

 

ADDITIONAL INTERVIEW TIPS

For more interview tips, check out our blog 8 Things to Do After Every Job Interview.