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INTERVIEW
SKILLS
Interviews can be nerve-racking; but, they don't have to be! Use our guideline so you can show up confident knowing you're going to kill that interview.
BEFORE
We are here to give you tips overall tips on how to nail that job interview and land the perfect job for you!
RESEARCH
Remember, research is everything! You do not want to dive into a pool without knowing what the temperature is which might burn you. Research about the industry and company you are applying for. Without a background of what it is, you will get lost during your interview. It is also important to research questions you would want to ask your potential employer.
PUNCTUALITY CHECK
Plan ahead of time so that you anticipate to be early or on-time for your interview. Being late for an interview can give a negative impression of you. First impressions last!
YOUR SELLING POINTS
Interviewing for a job is also marketing yourself to these companies. You must present to them value that will later convert to results for the organization. Have at least 3 selling points you want them to grasp after the overall interview. It usually translates into what makes you stand out as a candidate. You can think that way too as your personal selling point.
MOCK INTERVIEW
Practice makes perfect. As they say, the more you practice for your interview, the better the outcome will be. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll be answering the questions. For usual questions asked by the interviewer, check out the common questions tab!
GRACE UNDER PRESSURE
In all preparation and duration of the interview, your mind should be calm and collected. It is hard to think if you let pressure and panic overtake your thoughts. It’s good to take a step back and clear your thoughts once you feel like you’re overwhelmed with pressure.
MASTERING YOUR RESUME
Make sure that you know every detail of your resume. Mastering your resume, especially strengths and weaknesses is important for you to be able to present yourself well during the interview.
ABOUT YOURSELF
Questions like “Tell me about yourself” or “What can you bring to the company?” are only on of the common few. When being asked questions likes these, you may want to start telling them what makes you a unique candidate. Remember, many companies do a lot of interviews and interviewers meet different candidates. It is important for you to stand out so that they remember you as remarkable. We also highly recommend using the STAR (situation, task, action, result) method. It gives you a clear direction on how to answer questions that pertain to how you overcame a struggle in the workplace. Like we said, this is the time for you to market yourself to the interviewer and convince him/her that you are the best fit for the position.
THE COMPANY
Interviewers will often ask about the company you are interviewing for. They want to make sure that you’ve done your research to get to know the industry & company. Questions like, “Why do you want to work for this company?” is one of the top questions they ask. Make sure to tie something of interest on your end and connect it to the company. It is also good to mention how the company aligns with your goals.
THE PAST
Your work history will speak a lot about yourself. Employers want to gauge the type of worker you are through questions like, “Tell me about a time you had a conflict at work and how you handled it.” They want to see what personality you have and how you face work when it becomes challenging. Never give them answers such as “I never had one.” It is important to focus on resolution rather than conflict but its also good to follow the STAR method. As closing, never forget to mention what you would have done differently to show that you are open to learning through other tough experiences.
THE PRESENT
This category of questions will often ask you about your current employer (if applicable). They can also ask you why you want to change your career path (if applicable). Remember, keep things positive. Never bad mouth your previous employer. It shows what personality you have rather than what message you want the interviewer to grasp. The key here is to be honest without being antipathetic. Rather, focus on the things
THE FUTURE
Interviewers want to know how your perceived future aligns with your potential employment with the company. They might ask you questions that are beyond the line (most of the time they are not ill-intended) like your gender, race, religion, nationality, etc. Most of which are actually not allowed to be asked based on the law. However, if they do, it’s important to be calm and professional when answering. Consider the question beyond the question that is being asked. If they ask if you have intentions of having children, you can always redirect the answer to, “I’m not quite there yet, but if you’re looking at whether my family and personal plans would affect my job here, I can assure you that the sincerity of my commitment to this job will not change.”
They always say dress to impress especially at the first meeting. It is important to dress for the occasion. In this case, dressing properly for the interview. It is important to know what type of environment or company culture when it comes to outfit so you don’t overdress or under dress. When in doubt, you can contact the point-of-contact for your interview and ask for their advice.
WOMEN
Business/professional formal: Typically, job interviews call for you to wear a business or professional attire. For women, a blouse and a dress pants or a statement dress with a blazer will do a good impression. It goes without discussion that you should look neat and tidy for the type of style you want to go for. Avoid colors that are too bright that would suggest unprofessionalism.
*For more inspiration, click here.
Business/non-professional casual: This type of attire would usually be the case for startups. For women, a sleeved blouse and dark-wash jeans with heels can do the trick. This option is more flexible when it comes to your own personal taste.
*For more inspiration, click here.
MEN
Business/professional formal: The basic suit and tie comes into mind when the attire suggests business or professional for men. A pristine button down, grey or black slacks would be your safest option if you do not want to opt for a suit & tie. Pair it with some black or brown leather shoes & you’re good to go! Another idea you can take is to have a tie of your choice that somewhat relates to your personality. However, do not go overboard with bright colors that may leave a questioning impression from the interviewer.
*For more inspiration, click here.
Business/non-professional casual: For a more laid-back environment, you make opt for a button down and sweater on top with dark wash jeans and leather shoes. Another idea can be a collared polo and khakis. This type of attire can be used when you know that the working environment is not as formal.
*For more inspirations, click here.
DURING
VIRTUAL
IN PERSON
IN PERSON
• Arrive early. Be on the premises at least 10 mins early than your interview
• Offer a firm handshake when meeting the hiring manager Make eye contact during the interview
• Address your hiring manager by his/her title (Ms, Mrs, Dr, etc) and last name, until invited to do otherwise
• Be aware of nonverbal gestures such as eye contact, smiling and posture
• Ask for a clarification courteously if you don’t understand a question
• Evaluate interviewer and the organization he/she represents. An interview is a two-way street Answer truthfully & respectfully while being critical of how the interviewer treats you
• Don’t make negative impressions about your previous employer
• Don’t falsify interview answers
• Don’t express interest for the organization from a superficial point of view (E.g. Location, etc)
• Don’t ask about the salary and benefits straight up until the employers opens up the topic
• Don’t come unprepared for basic interview questions
• Don’t smoke right before the interview
• Don’t cross your arms during the interview
• Don’t play with your hair
• Don’t exhibit a tensed persona
VIRTUAL
• Make sure that the lighting is proper, and your background is neat and professional
• Test your internet connection
• Look straight into the camera so that it looks like you are looking directly at the interviewer
• Still be aware of nonverbal gestures such as eye contact, smiling and posture
• Leave a 1 second pause every hiring manager asks. This can help with delays depending on your or the manager’s internet
connection
• Do the interview in a quiet area in your home
• Do not rely on notes
• Do not skip your mockup interview
• Do not dress casually. Dress as if you are still doing a face-to-face interview
• Do not use an unprofessional username when entering the virtual meeting room
• Do not open other programs or tabs on your computer to avoid distractions
• Do not wear informal clothes for your bottoms. It may feel comfortable but when unexpected movements such as standing up may occur, you still want to be professional-looking
IN PERSON
VIRTUAL
• Arrive early. Be on the premises at least 10 mins early than your interview
• Offer a firm handshake when meeting the hiring manager
Make eye contact during the interview
• Address your hiring manager by his/her title (Ms, Mrs, Dr, etc) and last name, until invited to do otherwise
• Be aware of nonverbal gestures such as eye contact, smiling and posture
• Ask for a clarification courteously if you don’t understand a question
• Evaluate interviewer and the organization he/she represents. An interview is a two-way street Answer truthfully & respectfully while being critical of how the interviewer treats you
• Don’t make negative impressions about your previous employer
• Don’t falsify interview answers
• Don’t express interest for the organization from a superficial point of view (E.g. Location, etc)
• Don’t ask about the salary and benefits straight up until the employers opens up the topic
•
Don’t come unprepared for basic interview questions
• Don’t smoke right before the interview
• Don’t cross your arms during the interview
• Don’t play with your hair
• Don’t exhibit a tensed persona
• Make sure that the lighting is proper, and your background is neat and professional
• Test your internet connection
• Look straight into the camera so that it looks like you are looking directly at the interviewer
• Still be aware of nonverbal gestures such as eye contact, smiling and posture
• Leave a 1 second pause every hiring manager asks. This can help with delays depending on your or the manager’s internet connection
• Do the interview in a quiet area in your home
• Do not rely on notes
• Do not skip your mockup interview
• Do not dress casually. Dress as if you are still doing a face-to-face interview
• Do not use an unprofessional username when entering the virtual meeting room
• Do not open other programs or tabs on your computer to avoid distractions
• Do not wear informal clothes for your bottoms. It may feel comfortable but when unexpected movements such as standing up may occur, you still want to be professional-looking
AFTER
FOLLOWING UP
THANK YOU NOTE
• Thank them for their time. Showing your appreciation is a good note to leave.
• Mention something you liked about the interview and organization.
• Never forget to courteously remind them about hearing back from them.
FOLLOW UP NOTE
• If you haven’t heard back from the hiring manager within a few days or weeks, it is important to follow up with them.
• Ask about news for the position you’ve applied for.
• Ask if there is any other information that you can provide for them to help the process.