Pre-Interview
Research The Company
Pull up your web browser and do a quick search of the company you are interviewing at. Hiring managers like to see that you are well informed and prepared before the interview. Do your best to find relevant information on the company. What do they do or who do they work directly with? What kind of culture does the company stand behind? Not only will answering these questions allow you to be prepared, it also will help you understand what type of environment you are potentially entering into.
Find Two Reasons Why You’re Interested In The Job
Most likely your interviewer will ask you why you are interested in the position. Hiring managers like to find candidates that are looking for more than a job that will pay the bills. Find at least two reasons why you would be interested in the position. Express why this job might interest you, whether it be the company itself or the challenges that the position offers.
Prepare An Answer To Why You’re Job Hunting
Chances are that your interviewer will ask you why you are job hunting. Are you are looking for new challenges or opportunities for growth and development? Is this your dream job? Or were you looking to join a larger company? As a reminder, avoid giving answers that would berate your previous place of employment at all costs. You never want to give potential employers a reason to doubt your character, stick with the positives of searching for a new career.
Familiarize Yourself With Your Resume
Even though it is your work history, familiarize with what you are highlighting on your resume. This way, if the interviewer misses a bullet point on your resume you can speak on how your achievements are applicable to the position for them to reference later.
Interviewing
Summarize Your Work History
Your interviewer will most likely see numerous resumes and candidates. Even if your resume is sitting in front of your interviewer, chances are they will not remember any of the details. Give a quick 2-3 minute summary of your work history while focusing mainly on your most recent place of employment. Highlight important achievements, projects you have worked on, or measurable objectives to feature your accomplishments.
Explain Your Interests
Give your potential employer an idea of why you decided to apply and interview for the position. Refer back to the two reasons you’ve prepared to why you’re interested in the job or share reasons why you are job hunting.
Ask Your Own Questions
At the end of your interview ask questions pertaining to the job. If you don’t have any questions that pertain directly to the day to day responsibilities, ask your interview some opinion based question. For example: “What challenges do you face working here? What is your greatest need for someone stepping into this position? What are your favorite things about working for this company?”
Show them Know Your Enthusiasm
It is your job to convince your interviewer that you want the job. At the end of your interview, ask about next steps or express your anticipation to hearing back from them. Though it is acceptable to display your excitement, avoid asking for direct feedback. Give your interviewer some time to think. If you haven’t done so already, exchange contact information so that if they are interested they can reach out.
Post-Interview
Send A “Thank You Note”
Follow up with your interviewer the day after. State your appreciation for the time they took to meet with you and highlight on something that you had both previously spoken about the day before. At the end of your thank you letter, add in reasons why you believe you would be an asset for the company.
Play The Waiting Game
After sending your thank you letter, stop. Do not further engage or harass your interviewer. If they are interested, they will reach out.