Ace Your Next Interview

If you adequately prepare for an interview, the process will undoubtedly flow more smoothly. Employers often initiate contact with job candidates through a preliminary phone screen.  After you advance past the phone interview, you are typically faced with a series of one-on-one in person interviews, a panel interview, or a combination of the two. Before an interview, ask the employer about the format of your upcoming interview and the name(s) of your interviewers. This will help you know what to expect and mentally prepare for the interview road ahead.

Before the interview, be sure to do your homework!

Know yourself – Be able to confidently convey your value proposition. What sets you apart from other candidates?

Know the company and interview team – Research the company and your interviewers prior to your interview. Visit the company website, study their products and services, research current news and trends, look at the company LinkedIn page and profiles of your interviewers.

Know the position – Compare the job description with your resume. What does the position involve? Why is the position vacant? What is the typical career path for the position?

What to bring – Arrive to the interview with several copies of your resume, copies of your references, a list of questions to ask in the interview, and your business portfolio. (Possible items to include in your portfolio: samples of your work, sales charts/statistics, testimonials or thank you letters from former clients or vendors, CEU certificates, performance evaluations, writing samples.) Be prepared to do an on-the-spot exercise or activity or demonstrate a skill.

Practice, practice, practice – Review common interview questions and practice your response. Participate in mock interviews and master the art of answering behavior-based interview questions. Think about how to respond to tough interview questions (e.g.  Tell me about yourself? Why did you leave your last job? What is your greatest weakness?).

As your interview is coming to a close, ask permission to make a closing statement. This will give you an opportunity to thank your interviewers for their time and consideration, and summarize a few of your most relevant strengths for the position. Be sure to get each interviewers name and email in order to follow up with a thank-you note within 24 hours of your interview.

Interview advice from UK alumna, Alyse Caraccio, Sales Recruiter for Total Quality Logistics:

“Follow up! You can never be too assertive when pursuing a position. Staying in frequent contact with the recruiter or hiring manager shows initiative and interest, and will keep your name fresh in everyone's mind.”