Best Practices for Interviewing
It is no surprise that employers seek people who are focused and mature, understand the requirements of the job for which they are interviewing, and can communicate how their skills can be used to meet those requirements. They want to hire people who are cooperative, organized, and are hard-working.
Listed below are some suggestions to help you build your interviewing skills and things to help you think a little more like the interviewer. Consider these five things to align your interview skills with an employer's mindset:
- Purpose, Prepare, Practice
- Purpose: Why do you want this job?
- Prepare: Read the company’s website and know the job description. Try role-playing with a friend before your interview
- Practice: Keep a journal of questions you might be asked and have answers formulated and get comfortable talking about what you have to offer
- Plan your day accordingly. Avoid rushing by mapping out your route and allow more time than you think you need.
- Be Positive and Optimistic
- Enthusiasm and confidence is infectious – be cheerful, energetic and have a good attitude
- Highlight your accomplishments and don’t be afraid to sell yourself
- Listen, Think, Speak
- Listen and understand what the interviewer has to say, and think before responding
- It is ok to ask the interviewer to repeat or rephrase the question
- Be concise and give answers that are clear and direct
- Don’t ramble and try not to use the words “like,” “um,” or “you know.”
- Prepare Your Own Questions
- Never say you have no questions
- Well-thought-out questions show you're really interested in the company and the job
- Say Thank You
- Always thank everyone you interviewed with
- Time is of the essence; send a thank you within 24 hours
- Highlight your key selling points
- Keep it short and concise and proofread before sending