1. So, Tell Me About Yourself…
Insider Tips for Acing Your Interview
2. Interviewing Can Be Stressful
Even for the most seasoned professionals…
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.com company directory
-Re-familiarize with the job description: Match your skills to the different
points in the posting
-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 before the interview
Hand
? sh akes?
s Code
Dres
ds?
ess Car
Busin
Marit
al S tatus
t? ?
Co ntac
Eye ?
Age
5. The Practice Round
Think about how you would 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, try to be 10 minutes early as a general rule
– Make allowances for:
• Traffic Delays
• Getting Lost
• Security
• Bring the interviewer’s name and phone number with you
• 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 ahead of
time can set you apart from your competition
Avoid These Topics:
-Salary
-Benefits
-Overtime
-Topics already covered
-Topics that are too personal
11. What are the 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 the
same time.
Send the interviewer a
thank you note that
expands on how you
will add value to the
organization.
