8 Vital Interview Tips

Interview styles and processes vary from company to company as well as from industry to industry. However, there are a few key foundational tips or strategies that can be utilized almost universally for any job interview.

As a nationwide staffing agency, working with companies of all sizes in nearly every industry, our senior recruiters have compiled a shortlist of the most vital interview tips you can use to your advantage when beginning your job search.

This list will ensure that your only other responsibility while interviewing is being the best version of yourself.

Do Your Research

Do your homework on the company. Research their mission, values, current events, and both short-term and long-term goals.

Analyze the job description and determine relevant experiences you’ve had, responsibilities you’ve held that align with the position, and practice utilizing the STAR method to develop potential answers pertaining to each requirement and preferred experience.

Review Your Network

Examine your network on professional and personal social platforms to discover if you have any connections who currently work for the company or were a previous employee. Reaching out to these connections to discuss the company and role may provide you with valuable insight or even a strong foot in the door with a recommendation. This may also provide information on the company’s culture that isn’t widely apparent from the outside looking in.

Clean Up Your Social Media

Remove or privatize anything that could be considered inappropriate, unprofessional, distasteful, or a red flag on your social media accounts before applying.

Be Prepared

Plan to dress appropriately for your interview.

If you have a connection in your network who works or worked for the company, reach out to them to verify appropriate attire. If not, don’t be discouraged to call the hiring manager or recruiter to clarify.

Bring extra copies of your resume, something to take notes on, and have a reference list on hand.

Be Respectful

Treat everyone you encounter from the minute you leave your home with the utmost respect.

Practice good manners with everyone you come in contact with.

Thank the interviewer(s) for their time following the interview.

Be Self-Aware

Be confident and remain calm.

Show positivity and enthusiasm.

Don’t speak negatively about any of your previous employers.

Be aware of your body language.

Listen carefully.

Make sure your answers are direct and honest.

Ask Questions

Prepare questions to ask about the company and the position you’re interviewing for.

Inquire about future growth for both the company and the position.

Determine the next steps and what the timeline of their interview process looks like.

Follow Up After the Interview

Send a personalized “thank you” note and reiterate your interest in the position within 24 hours of the interview.

Utilize this time to include any other details you feel are relevant that you failed to mention during the interview.

Summary

We hope these interview tips add an extra layer to your confidence while interviewing and help you land the job of your dreams. For more helpful tips, specific to your career and industry, please don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our team members.