You landed the interview- Congratulations!!!
Here are some items to consider when you are preparing for an interview:
Pre-Interview
Make sure you are prepared for the interview and have all of the information concerning the following:
Confirmed interview time, location and directions
Name, phone number and email of contact person and any additional names you may need
Phone number (main and direct) in case of emergency
General job description, company information and market information in applicable
Any insight on hiring managers interview style or interview questions they may ask
Dress for success
During the Interview
Let the interviewer guide the interview.
Do not analyze the position during the interview and try to decide if you want it. Your goal at this point is to get a second interview / offer! Until this happens you have no decision to make!
Be enthusiastic! Employers prefer candidates who are excited about the job/company over someone who is more qualified.
Regardless of what you hear in the interview, maintain enthusiasm. Candidates often “decide” that the job is not what they want during the interview based on what could be incomplete information. Your job is to sell yourself and to get a second interview. Bottom line is you want to be the one to make the decision on whether or not you move forward in the interview process!
Understand that, at this stage, 90% of the interview is designed to determine whether you’re a good personality fit within the organization and if you would be happy in the job. The interviewer might ask a variety of questions, but they are looking primarily at the personality fit. Be energetic, outgoing, and have a flexible attitude.
Be prepared for standard interviewing questions, Be prepared with questions of your own
Have fun and be yourself!
Most Commonly Asked Questions
Tell me about yourself.
What are your career goals?
Why are you leaving your current position?
Why are you interested in this position?
What are you looking for in a job?
What are your greatest strengths?
What are your greatest strengths/ weaknesses?
How would your boss/co-workers describe you?
What distinguishes you from your peers?
How do you set priorities /organize your time/ solve problems?
What has been your biggest professional/ personal challenge/accomplishment?
Top 15 Behavioral Interview Questions
Can you give me an example of a difficult problem you solved at work? How did you go about reaching a solution?
Tell me about a time when you made a mistake. How did you handle this experience?
Please share a time when you faced an unexpected challenge. How did you overcome this challenge?
Can you tell me about a time when things didn’t work out well?
Tell me about a time when you had to develop a new skill. How do you approach the learning process?
Please share a time when you had to share or pitch an idea to someone in a more senior position. How did you go about this task, and what was the outcome?
Tell me about a time when you had a task to complete with a tight deadline.
How do you resolve situations with difficult clients?
Tell me about a time when you experienced conflict at work. How did you overcome it?
What’s one thing you’ve done in your professional history that you wish you would have handled differently?
As a leader, how do you motivate those who follow you?
Tell me about a time when you were under a lot of stress. How did you handle this pressure?
Please share a time when you set a goal for yourself and achieved it.
Tell me about your proudest professional accomplishment and why this achievement is significant to you.
Tell me about your greatest professional failure and how you recovered.
Sample Questions To Ask
What characteristics will make someone successful in this position / company?
What would my typical day look like (ie. what percentage of my time would be spent on this, that…)?
What are the expectations of the person hired for the first 6 months?
How long was the last person in this position, and what made them successful?
What are the opportunities for advancement?
How would you describe the environment here (laid back, busy, etc…)?
What are the short & long term objectives of the company?
What is the organizational structure of: A) the department B) the company?
What do you see as the biggest obstacle for the person coming into this position?
Topics To Avoid
Avoid anything that can be construed as “what’s in it for me” such as:
Compensation! If they ask “what compensation are you targeting”, you can provide a range if needed. Indicate that compensation is not your motivation for making a change, and although an important factor, you are considering everything in your decision. Questions on benefits / cost of benefits
Questions about other compensation issues (bonus, stock options, paid parking, whether overtime is paid, flex-time, typical raises, etc)
Vacation policy
Timing of raises, reviews
After the Interview
Think about all of the pros and cons of the position. Write them down if necessary.
Accumulate a list of additional questions you have at this point (ie. that won’t be addressed in a second interview)
Reach out to your recruiter and provide your candid, honest feedback.
Virtual Interviews
Prior to your interview, be sure your internet connection is working and your device is charged. Make sure you are logged into the account and ready to join the meeting well before the start time so you aren't scrambling.
Specify with the interviewer if it will be an audio or video call. Have your account info setup for the platform you will be interviewing on, (zoom, google meet, teams, etc.)
Test the height of your device so that you are framed well within it and looking at the camera from the correct angle.
Remove anything that could be a distraction from behind you.
Be sure you are dressed in entirety, you might need to stand up during the call.