Last week, we began learning how you can use professional speakers’ tips for preparing for your next job interview. This week, we discuss tips that will help you nail your next virtual or in-person interview. Follow the tips below it out of the park.
At the Interview
4. Dress for the Interview.
The outfit you wear to an interview shows your prospective employer you understand the position. For example, if you are interviewing for the position of the CEO’s administrative assistant, a suit or nice dress will work. If you are interviewing for a position at a local nursery and garden, khakis and a nice shirt will do. When in doubt, a simple suit or a blouse with dress pants are always appropriate.
5. Make eye contact.
When speaking to the interviewer or when the interviewer is speaking directly to you, look them in the eye. If there are two or more people in the interview, make sure you take turns speaking directly to each one. It is appropriate to take notes during an interview and to make notes as people are talking. However, don’t keep your head down the entire interview; lift your head frequently to acknowledge the speaker.
6. Answer the question.
Nothing can be more frustrating for an interviewer than someone who will not answer the question asked of them. Oftentimes, if someone does not have experience in the area the interviewer is focusing on, they want to ignore the question, but you don’t have to.
If the answer is no, answer the question directly and then transition to an example of an experience that is similar to what the company is seeking. For instance, if you are asked if you have managed a front desk in a busy office before, and you haven’t, your answer may look like this:
“While I have not managed a front desk, I was the administrative assistant to the CEO at XYZ Company for five years. I managed and prioritized her incoming phone calls, which could reach 50 a day, planned and setup meetings with employees and customers and oversaw her daily calendar.”
In this example, you have answered the question honestly, while also describing an experience that illustrates you can do the job.
7. Be natural and sincere.
Interviewers are not only trying to find out if you have the skills to do the job; they are also determining if you will fit into the company culture. So, it is important to be natural and professional. If you normally talk with your hands, talk with your hands. Keep your facial expressions natural. Don’t be too stern or too smiley. Remember, you are speaking to people who may be your colleagues one day. Let them see your personality.
8. Remember what not to do.
Here are some things you do not want to do at an interview:
Chew gum.
Place your phone on the table. It should be turned off and put in your purse.
Wear jewelry that can be distracting, such as large, dangly earrings.
Fold your arms.
Rock or sway.
9. Ask questions.
Most interviewers will end by asking if you have questions. Show you are interested in the job by having a few questions at the ready. These may include:
What are your goals for this position in the first six months?
What is a typical day like for the person in this role?
What do you like most about working here?
What type of job training is provided for this position?
After the Interview
10. Say Thank You.
At the end of the interview, be sure to thank each interviewer. Later, send an email to the interviewer(s) and thank them again, taking this opportunity to include your elevator speech. If you do not have email addresses for everyone on an interview panel, ask your primary contact to pass your note on to the others.
Dress for Success Triangle offers career tools to women at no cost. Meet with a career and image coach to prepare for your next interview by requesting an appointment here.
Mindy Hamlin is President of Hamlin Communications