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Congratulations on your scheduled interview! You were able to impress on paper, but what comes next? At Solving IT, we see first-hand the benefits that ensue from helping prepare candidates before interviews. Candidates that Solving IT is able to thoroughly help prepare are 4 times more likely to receive an offer. Also, issues such as technical problems or time/date miscommunications are significantly less likely to happen following an interview preparation. My hope is that this information will set you up for success! Here are some tips to help you perform your best, stand out, and lock down an offer.
Details Matter
Do your research – What is visibly important to them? Company websites and official social media pages are littered with information that could be useful. Look on LinkedIn, does your interviewer have an old resume posted? What tech stack can you find on their profile? How long have they been working there? As you do research, you will begin to develop questions which you can ask during the interview. Showing this effort will surely separate you from the competition.
Review the job description next to your resume – Why do you think you were chosen for the interview? Be prepared to talk about those things. Can you tell a compelling short story? This is important. Connecting your skills to the company’s needs is the best way to stand out, and people remember stories. Not sure where to begin? Try the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Know your resume – You should be able to speak to everything on your resume, even if it’s not mentioned in the job description. Even if you think it’s unrelated to the job, if it’s written on your resume or posted on your LinkedIn page – it’s fair game.
Create Confidence
Mock interviews – Practice with someone or with yourself in the mirror/recording. Just be sure to talk out loud. This is a great time to practice delivering a compelling short story, cover any topics that you know the interviewers will ask/ be interested in. Speak slowly and clearly! This will also help relieve some anxiety and give confidence.
Print hard copies of your resume – Even if you’re doing a video interview. Print your resume and have it in front of you. You don’t want to be on a video call and looking at a second screen or flipping back & forth. If you don’t have a printer, try your public library or the nearest office supplies store.
The basics – What are you bringing? Resume in folder, notepad, and a pen. What are you bringing it in? Purse, backpack, or a briefcase. Remember to organize and clean out your bag beforehand. Be early. Search the location in advance and save all the contact information you were given. Is there a coffee shop nearby that you can hang out at beforehand? If virtual, test out your connection the day before and same day. Log in 5-10 minutes before the interview time. Mute yourself and turn off your camera until the interviewer(s) arrive.
Proper attire is key – “It’s better to be overdressed than underdressed” is true here, business or business-casual is usually safe. Make certain this outfit fits properly and is cleaned beforehand. Be sure to fully dress the part for video interviews as well! Looking your best helps you feel your best, which will reinforce confidence.
Dos & Don’ts
Ask questions – What questions can you ask to learn more about the project you could be joining? Only ask questions related to the job itself. Save your compensation, PTO, and benefits questions for the HR contact, unless the interviewer brings it up first. Also, be conscious of potential onboarding requirements if all goes well including background and drug screening requirements. This is another HR discussion, usually close to offer stage and preferably they bring it up first.
Don’t speak poorly of previous employers or coworkers – If the interviewer has asked a specific question about resolving conflict with coworkers, then be sure to explain how you resolved the issue efficiently, effectively & in a professional manner. Always end on a high note about how this compromise or resolution with your coworker benefitted the team. Never offer up this story but be prepared to respond to this type of question if it comes up.
Avoid distractions – Good reception / internet connection. There should be nothing distracting in the background during a video call. Also, sleep. Not getting enough sleep is a distraction and can affect your brain’s ability to remember and learn – two very important concepts of an interview.
Ask for it – Nearing the end of the interview, if you realize that you know you want the job and would absolutely accept an offer. Then ask for it! Most people don’t do this and it’s a great way to stand out.
Thank you note – Email or LinkedIn message a thank you note to each interviewer. Make the message personal, mentioning something meaningful and specific that was said during the interview. For further information on this topic please see: How to Write a Professional Thank You Note for a Job Interview.
