An Interview can often be the most stressful part of the job-hunting process. You've already shown your potential employer the best of your job history on your resume, but face-to-face encounters are much less predictable. While you can't foresee everything that will take place before or during the interview, it's in your best interest to make sure things go smoothly on your part.
Here are few basic tips to get you started:
Research the Company
Do some homework on the company prior to the interview and take notes for reference. Check out the LinkedIn profiles of the HR manager or other personnel who will be conducting the interview, to get a sense of their background. Browse the company website for any recent important changes or organizational milestones.
When your interviewer asks if you have any questions, this is the perfect opportunity to bring up information you found during your research. It will let them know you’ve put in the effort to learn more about the company and you’re invested in what they have going on.
Arrive Early
Give yourself at least an extra 30 minutes to get to the interview site to allow for any unforeseen detours during your route. This also gives you spare time to take a last look over your notes, freshen up, or do some breathing exercises.
Arriving early is not only good etiquette, but it keeps you calm and collected in spite of those pre-interview butterflies. Preparing for a first impression with a potential employer is stressful enough without adding the dynamic of being late.
Ace the Q&A
Interview questions can range from basic scenario style to complex, field-specific questions. There’s no way to predict every question the interviewer might ask but practicing beforehand will keep you confident and at ease.
EmpowerU offers 30-minute and 1-hour coaching sessions, where the expert staff will guide you through practice behavioral questions, proper etiquette, and questions to ask the interviewer. After your session, you will be equipped with the tools to navigate your next interview seamlessly. Visit the website to learn more about available services!
Send a Thank-You Email
Stand out from other candidates by sending a short thank-you email to each person you met with during your interview. You want to stay fresh on the mind of a potential employer, so be sure to do this within 24 hours of the interview.
Thank the interviewer for taking out time to speak with you, and add a short paragraph reiterating how your skills and experience will make you an asset to the team. Conclude the email with the best way to contact you for any further questions. This simple but important strategy shows that you value the time the company took to get to know you.
