Job interview: advice, tips, and practice!

1. Job Interviews
Advice, tips, and practice!

2. Before the interview:
● Know and understand the job description and responsibilities.
● Identify the required job qualifications.
*Be prepared with examples of ways you have demonstrated vital skills and
qualifications in the past.
● Practice the interview questions.
● Create a list of talking points (things you want to make sure to bring up during
the interview).
● Prepare several questions you will ask the interviewer.
Ex. What qualities are you looking for in a person to hire?

3. Before the interview:
● Do your research on the company. Find out :
- What are they looking for in an employee?
- What project are they currently working on?
- What are their goals? What is their mission statement?
- Who are their competitors?
- What is their company size and where are they located?
- What is the average salary of the position you are applying for?
● Arrive 15 minutes early. Dress appropriately, better to be overdressed than
underdressed.

4. Day of the Interview
Turn your phone off.
Have a portfolio or folder with copies of your resume.
Maintain eye contact.
Smile and breathe.
Give a nice, firm handshake.

5. During the Interview:
Give simple and specific examples of your skills and qualifications.
Open up and be yourself.
Show passion and enthusiasm.
Follow the lead of the interviewer, feel out the conversation.
Be brief and to the point with your answers.
Be creative. Show a hint of personality and be confident.

6. Tips for answering interview questions:
Don´t be afraid to think about a response, but don´t take more than 15 seconds.
Be prepared with your “30 Second Commercial”
Use the STAR method when answering questions. (Situation-Task-Action-Result)
Be memorable.
Never imply badly on a former employee or colleague.
Be aware that your posture, facial expressions, and hand gestures reveal a lot
about you.

7. The underlying facts employers are interested in:
STRENGTHS - Can you do the job?
MOTIVATION - Will you love the job?
FIT - Do you fit with the vibe of the company and our other employees?

8. Most common interview questions:
● What are your strengths?
● What are your weaknesses?
● Why are you interested in our company?
● What makes you stand out from other candidates? / What makes you a good
fit for this position?
● Tell me about yourself.
● Can you tell me about a time when you handled a difficult situation?

9. The End of the Interview:
Ask the employer about the work environment, training and supervision,
professional development opportunities, and the next step in the hiring process.
Don´t ask about salary/benefits and don't say you have no questions.
Let them know you want the job.
Ex. I am very impressed with your company and I think I would be a great
fit for the position.

10. After the Interview:
Follow-up!
Send a thank you email in the next 24 hours.
Restate why you would be great for the job.
Revisit significant topics of conversation.
Thank them for the opportunity.