Interview Tips and Tricks

Interviews are the most important step to receiving a new job offer because it reflects your very first impression. First impressions cannot be changed so you want to make sure you are prepared and ready to make a good one. Interviews place a lot of pressure on applicants and can be very intimidating, but we are here to provide you with tips and tricks to help prepare you for your next interview.

Tip #1: Do your Research

Research the company and make sure you have a good understanding of what they do, their competitors, what your roles in the company would be, etc. The more you familiarize yourself with the company and your roles within the company the better off you will be answering interview questions.

Tip #2: Practice your answers to common interview questions

There will be some similarities within interviews specifically the questions. It is important to review some frequently asked questions to have an idea how you want to answer them. Sometimes when we are put under pressure we freeze or say filler words like umm which we want to avoid so we can sound confident and prepared.

Tip #3: Have a couple key points in mind for why you are a good fit for the position

You are most likely not the only person they are interviewing for this position, so it is vital to make a good impression and have key points about why you are the best fit. This can range from skills you can bring to the company like communication skills, to even education and experiences like managing other people. You want to really sell yourself to the interviewer.

Tip #4: Have questions to ask the interviewer at the end of the interview

Asking Questions after the interview shows you are invested in the conversation and shows you are intrigued in the position. Think of some questions beforehand to ask and write some down during the interview if you think of any. This will give you brownie points with the interviewer.

Tip #5: Be prepared to talk about pay

Most interviewers will discuss pay with you during your interview, some won’t but it is better to be prepared beforehand in case. To be prepared, consider researching what a typical person with your experience level and skills for that position is paid within your state. Also consider looking at what that company typically pays as well. The more prepared you are for this conversation the better.

Tip #6: Arrive Early

It is important to arrive early for an interview because it shows you are prepared and ready. If you arrive late, it can leave a bad first impression. When you arrive early, while you are waiting you can prepare, review everything and take a minute to review the work environment and space you would be working in.

Tip #7: Dress professionally and appropriately for your interview

How you dress will have a large effect on your first impression, you want to make sure you are dressed responsibly and have appropriate attire. For instance, if you are applying for an office position you want to be in business professional but if you are applying for a welding position you are going to want to wear clothes you can weld in for the welding test after your interview.

Tip #8: Bring a couple copies of your resume, and a notebook and pen.

It is important to bring a copy of your resume even if they did not specifically ask for one. It looks professional to be prepared. Some interviews will have more than one interviewer, so we recommend bringing at least 2 copies. It is also important to bring a notebook and pen with you to take notes and ask questions.

Tip #9: Plan what you are going to say when they ask you to tell them about yourself

Most interviewers will ask you to tell them about yourself. This question can be used to your advantage. Instead of telling them about your pets and family consider talking about key characteristics you have that will make you a good fit for the position, consider talking about volunteer work, or even appliable education experience.

Tip #10: Be confident and express that through your body language

Interviewers can read your body language and tell if you are nervous or confident. You want to make sure you are sitting up tall, smiling, keeping your head up, not fidgeting with your hands or feet. This will express to them that you are confident this is a good fit which gives you a better opportunity for receiving the job offer.