Elaine S. White Recruiting

Interviewing Tips for the Active Job Seeker

PREPARATION!     PREPARATION!     PREPARATION!

Before an interview is lined up for a candidate, I always schedule one final interview prep with them to make sure they are thoroughly prepared to meet with the future employer. To me, this is critical for a successful interview. Below are some of the tips that I discuss with them to make sure they are thoroughly prepared. I have categorized here the Dos and Don’ts for a successful interview.

DO:

Research the Company.

• If you have not already done so, please research the company by visiting their website to get a better understanding of their business and company culture.
• If possible, find out who will be interviewing you to get a grasp of what role they play within the company and how that relates to their company hierarchy. Also, find out if you are meeting with more than one person and their role in the company.
• Research office attire. Even if it is a business casual environment, you dress to impress!

Be prompt.

• Try to arrive 15-20 minutes early in case there is an application to be filled out.
• Even with GPS available today, if possible, try to do a trial run to be prepared for any traffic surprises or parking issues.

During the interview. 

• Always bring extra copies of your resume. The interviewer might have misplaced it, and it saves time and shows that you are prepared by having extra copies.
• Be prepared by having a notepad or legal pad to take notes to show the employer that you have an interest in the position and what they have to say.
• Be prepared by having questions ready about the position and company for the interviewer. Remember, you are interviewing them just as they are interviewing you. It has to be a fit for both parties.

Find out how soon they plan to fill the position, and you will hear back from them. Also, what their hiring process regarding second interviews is, etc.

• Again, this shows the employer your interest in the position and gives you peace of mind, knowing the expected time frame that you could receive an answer.

Ask for business cards at the end of the interview to send thank you emails to all who participated in the interview.

If you are working with a recruiter, please inform the recruiter how you feel about the interview. This helps your recruiter prepare you for the next steps.

DON’T:

Discuss past employers negatively!

• No need to share that you left your last position because of a toxic environment. No matter how unhappy you were, do not bad mouth that employer.

Indicate that you would be using this position as a stepping stone in your career! Employers are looking for someone who wants longevity in their company.

As hard as it is, try not to reach out to the company if you don’t hear from them immediately. Work with the time frame that they gave you. If you don’t hear by then, you can reach out. If you are working with a recruiter, they will keep you abreast of the situation.

Talk over the interviewer! Listen carefully to what they have to say. You have two ears and one mouth for a reason. Save your comments for questions after the interview.