Quick Career Tips

How to communicate directly with hiring managers and recruiters.

5 Tips For Your Job Interviews

Do your research

Always do your research on a company before  your head into an interview. Wouldn’t it be a shame to get hired only to discover you don’t even want to work there? At the very least, research information about the company and the job, and do a Google search for current news on the company.

Some important information to look for includes what are the latest projects being carried out by the employer, how financially stable the employer is, and how well they treat employees.

Regarding the job, look for information that can help you be more convincing about how you’d be a great fit. Find former and current employees on LinkedIn who’ve had that job and ask them about it. If this isn’t possible, review the job ad and make a list of your relevant achievements. These will serve as talking points during your interview.

Dress for success

While your skill and experience should stand on their own, to have a successful job interview, start with your clothing. Dress one level above the job you’re seeking. It’s not all about expensive suits and ensembles — it’s about looking the part and wearing clothes that are clean and fit you well.

If you are unsure of the dress code at the company where you are interviewing, reach out to the recruiter and ask. Once you have a general idea, be sure to choose something that will make you feel confident. Decide what you’ll wear the night before so you won’t rush at the last minute. Lay out your clothes and make sure everything is clean and pressed.

Respect the schedule

How to succeed in a job interview 101: Plan to arrive for your interview 10-15 minutes before the appointed time. Arriving too early can confuse the employer and create an awkward situation. On the other hand, arriving late creates a bad first impression and may doom your chances right off the bat.

Ask for directions when making arrangements for the interview. If you run into a snag, phone ahead at the first sign of trouble. It shows good manners and a respect for the recruiter’s time and will give them an opportunity to reschedule if need be.

Be real

Speak clearly and enthusiastically about your experiences and skills. You should be proud of your accomplishments. Be professional but let your personality shine through. Employers tend to hire people they like. Don’t be afraid of short pauses. You may sometimes need a few seconds to formulate answers, and that’s fine.

Seal the deal

When both sides are done with their questions and the interview winds down, thank your interviewers for their time, and ask them when you can expect to hear from them next and what’s the best way to follow up with them (which you should note immediately).