Interview Tips

1. Research The Organization

Research is absolutely critical. In addition to the basics mentioned previous about the organization website, pay attention to how freqeuntly the company is producing press releases. This can by done easily by looking at the dates of each press release. The more marketing savvy companies produce alot more press releases in a much shorter period of time. The time between press releases is not the only thing to look for, so remember to look at is what they’re saying in the releases. Use this information to your advantage, ask yourself what are the key messages in these press releases? What are they trying to provide as a company? Reviewing some of these press confrences will not only give you great insights into the company strategy, but also the organizational intent.

2. Know People

Who you know matter, let’s face it. Who you know at the organizational corporation you are interviewing for really matters. Use your contacts and connections to get an insider advantage so you can ace the interview and impress the interviewer. Ask your Career Services or Alumni Office if they can give you a list of alumni who work at the company.

3. Practice Makes Perfect

Seeing as you have found this site you have already started practicing and preparing for your interview. Practicing interview questions and answers in the mirror will help with your replies to questions, your wits, and help build confidence. 

4. Improve Your Interviewing Skills

Since you are here you have already took the first steps of improving your interviewing skills. Reviewing interview questions and answers, and interview tips is a great way to improve your interviewing skills. Read the website and practice the example interview questions and answers, practice in the mirror, and focus on projecting your voice and sounding confident.

5. Dressing For Success

Professional attire varies depending upon age, and gender. Remember that the candidate that is dressed in a suit whether a man or a women, is always goign to make a better impression and therefore be a better candidate than the fellow in the scruffy jeans and a v-neck. 

6. Group Interview Preparation 

  • Greet all of your interviewers individually. Make eye contact, say hello, and if possible shake hands.
  • Don’t focus on any one individual. You should make an effort to engage everyone in the group when you are asking or answering questions.
  • Don’t show surprise or annoyance when faced with a group interview.
  • Prepare for the group interview by making a list of questions that you may be asked and practicing how you might answer them.
  • If you are interviewed with other candidates it is better to lead than to follow. Interviewers may not remember you if you blend into the background.
  • Skills you will be expected to demonstrate during group interview exercises include leadership skills, your ability to handle stress and pressure, teamwork skills and how well you take and give criticism. Be sure to keep this in mind when you complete the exercises.
  • Thank everyone who interviewed you and remember names and titles so that you can send a written than you note afterwards.

7. Work With A Recruiter

If you are working with an external recruiter (one who recruits on behalf of a company, but is not an employee), you might find through a follow-up discussion that the con’s you identified are not as critical as you first thought.  And, that the positives might have more benefits associated with them.  The beauty of working with an external recruiter is they know the client better than you and can help sort through your observations and opinions about the team.  Additionally, the recruiter can provide an objective perspective based on their own experiences with the company. 

8. Linkedin

Linkedin is such a great tool.  If you’re really pursuing an opportunity, review some of the ‘groups’ that employees of the company belong to.  Might find additional information from the group that wasn’t able to be found elsewhere.

9. Ask The Interviewer Questions

Ask the Interviewer the following questions always will help show your interest in the organization: 

What are the prospects for future growth and expansion of this organization?
What are the overall functional responsibilities of the job?
To whom does this position report?
What can you tell me about opportunities for promotion and advancement?
What has been the company’s gross sales and profit pattern during the last 10 years?
Five years? Two years? Now?
Will there be opportunities for greater responsibility and broader experience?
What is the company’s management/operating style?
Does the company have a growth plan?

10. Hand Shake

Before you leave shake hands, while looking in the eyes and say I look forward to hearing from you. This shows self confidence as well as positive attitude.