Career Site

Interview Tips

  1. Do your research.
    • Be sure to visit the company website prior to the interview, paying particular attention to the company's products and services.
    • Understand how your experience correlates with the job responsibilities.
    • Be prepared to give specific examples using your past work history.
  2. Learn who your interviewer(s) are.
    • If you are provided the names of those you will be interviewing with, consider typing their name into a main search engine to see if they have a professional social media profile that’s visible to the public. If so, review the profile and write questions to ask them during the interview that are related to their experience or position within the organization.
  3. Practice responding to behavioral-based interview questions.
    • Past behavior is viewed as the best predictor of future behavior. Understanding how you handled a past situation shows how you may behave given similar circumstances.
    • Prepare by thinking of examples of how you dealt with situations similar to what you might encounter in the job you’re applying for.
    • When asked a question such as, "How do you handle conflict?" cite a specific instance of what you have done.
  4. Plan ahead.
    • Make sure you have directions to the interview site.
    • Determine how long it will take to travel to the interview location, making sure you allow enough time for heavy traffic, an accident on the road or other unforeseen issues that have the potential to make you late.
  5. Take extra care in personal hygiene.
    • Limit perfume or cologne.
    • Do not smoke before entering an interview.
    • Wear clothes that are comfortable and appropriate for work such as dress pants with a blouse or button-down shirt.
    • Avoid wearing flip flops, shorts, hats, or very casual attire.
  1. Arrive early.
    • Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to the interview.
    • If you realize you may be late, contact your Recruiter to alert the interviewer of the delay.
  2. Put your phone and all other electronic devices away when entering the interview.
    • Mute your phone to avoid distractions or interruptions.
  3. Be friendly and energetic.
    • Maintain a positive and outgoing attitude throughout the interview.
    • Make eye contact and be sure to smile.
  4. Provide information the interviewer does not already have.
    • When answering questions such as, "Tell me about your experience," try to provide information that is more insightful or detailed than what is already included on your resume or application.
  5. Be truthful.
    • Companies place a great deal of value on trust and integrity; it's important to be truthful in all responses to interview questions.
  1. Focus on topics related to the role and your experience.
    • Avoid controversial topics in the interview such as politics, religion, or other personal opinions.
    • Try to not be overly negative, including when mentioning previous employers.
  2. Sell your skills.
    • The interview is an opportunity to expand on your skills and experience, demonstrate how you will add value to the organization. This is your chance to make a good impression.
  3. Create a two-way conversation.
    • An interview not only allows the hiring manager to determine if you are a fit for the position but also allows you to determine whether they meet your expectations as an employer.
    • This is an opportunity to gather more information on the position, company, growth opportunities, benefits, and the next step in the interview process.
  4. Ask questions.
    • At the end of an interview, the hiring manager will typically ask you what questions you have. Bring 3-4 questions with you to ask of the interviewer. Asking questions at the end of an interview shows you were engaged in the conversation and are interested in the position.
    • It's ok to ask at the end of the interview how you did; reinforce your interest in the position and encourage the interviewer to reach out to you should he or she have any additional questions.