How to ace your next interview

1. So, Tell Me
About Yourself…
Insider Tips for Acing
Your Interview

2. Interviewing Can Be Stressful…
Even for the most seasoned professional.
These tips and tricks will help you feel prepared for
your interview before, during, & after the meeting.

3. Do Your Homework
Now is the time to really dig deep…
• Research the organization: check out
the Devex company directory
• Learn the job description and match
your skills to it’s requirements
• Know your resume: refresh your
memory of past experiences

4. Know Cultural Norms
If you’re from a different culture than the
one you’re interviewing in, be aware of
cultural subtleties ahead of time.
Some to consider: dress code,
handshakes, business cards, eye contact,
questions about marital status, age, etc.

5. The Practice Round
How would you respond to the following?
• Why are you interested in international
development?
• Why do you want to work for this
organization?
• Describe a project where you did not
succeed. What did you learn?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?

6. Get Off on the Right
Foot
• Map out the meeting location the night
before
• Arrive with time to spare… 10 minutes
early is the general rule
• Bring the interviewer’s name and phone
number with you just in case
• Be prepared to provide extra copies of
your CV

7. Be Positive & Professional
Do:
• Focus on why you want to work for the
organization
• Articulate your points clearly
• Describe why you find the position
interesting
Don’t:
• Speak negatively about past experiences
or employers
• Seem distracted… keep your cell phone
switched off and put away

8. Relax
Usually there aren’t right or wrong
answers to interview questions. More
often than not recruiters are just trying
to gauge how you approach
challenges…
“It’s okay to ask for clarity and take a
moment to gather your thoughts together.”
-Valarie Barksdale, Recruitment Specialist,
Catholic Relief Services

9. Use Specific Examples
And give thorough responses.
The interview is the time to play all
your cards and really show the
interviewers what you will bring to
the position…

10. Interview the Interviewer
Always ask questions… Having thoughtful
ones prepared can set you apart from
your competition.
Avoid These Topics Though:
• Salary
• Benefits
• Overtime
• Topics that are too personal

11. Let’s Discuss Next Steps?
This question is a great way to close your
interview. It reiterates your interest in the
position and gives the recruiter
motivation to follow-up.

12. After the Interview
Make notes about your meeting.
This will help keep you organized,
especially if you’re interviewing with
many organizations at once.
And, send the interviewer a thank
you note. Use this as a way to
expand on how you will add value to
the organization.

13. Looking for More Career Advice?
Find more insider tips here…