Interview Tips Get Hired

Research the company and interviewers

Understanding key information about the company you're interviewing with can help you go into your interview with confidence. The company's website, social media posts, and recent press releases will provide a solid understanding of the company's goals and culture and how your background makes you a great fit.

Practice your answers

Prepare your answer to the common question: "Tell me about yourself, and why are you interested in this role with our company?" The idea is to quickly communicate who you are and what value you'll bring to the company and the role-this is your elevator pitch. Tip: You should come prepared to discuss your salary expectations.

Reread the job description

You may want to print it out and begin underlining specific skills the employer desires. Think about examples from your past and current work that align with these requirements.

Use the STAR method

Prepare to be asked about times in the past when you used a specific skill and answer with a story using the STAR method-situation, task, action, and result.

Practice with someone

Practicing your answers out loud is an incredibly effective way to prepare. Say them to yourself or ask a friend to help run through common questions and your answers. You'll find yourself gaining confidence as you repeat the words.

Prepare smart questions for your interviewers

Interviews are a two-way street. Employers expect you to ask questions: They want to know that you're thinking seriously about what it would be like to work there. Example:

• Can you explain some of the day-to-day responsibilities of this job?

• How would you describe the characteristics of someone who would succeed in this role?

• If I were in this position, how would my performance be measured? How often?

• What departments does this team work with regularly?

• How do these departments typically collaborate?

• What does that process look like?

• What are the challenges someone in this role might experience?

Plan what to wear the night before

If you speak to a recruiter before the interview, ask them about the dress code in the workplace and choose your outfit accordingly. If you don't have someone to ask, research the company to learn what's appropriate.

Bring resume copies, a notebook, and a pen

Take at least 5 copies of your printed resume in case of multiple interviewers. Highlight specific accomplishments on your copy that you can easily refer to and discuss. Bring a pen and a small notebook to take notes. Don't take notes on your smartphone. Write down details you can reference later in your follow-up thank-you notes.

Arrive early

Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the scheduled interview time. Map out your route to the interview location so you can arrive on time.

Make a great first impression

Don't forget the little things-shine your shoes, brush or style your hair and make sure your nails are clean and tidy. And remember to smile.

Treat everyone with respect

This includes those on the road and in the parking lot, security personnel, and front desk staff. Treat everyone you don't know as though they're the hiring manager. Even if they aren't, your potential employer might ask for their feedback.

Respond truthfully.

Being genuine during interview conversations can help employers easily relate to you. While it can seem tempting to embellish your skills and accomplishments, honesty is the best policy. Focus on your key strengths and why your background makes you qualified for the position.

Tie answers to your skills and accomplishments

With any interview question you answer, tie your background to the job by providing examples of solutions and results you've achieved in your career. Keep answers concise and focused.

Stay positive

Don't speak negatively about previous employers. Companies want to hire problem solvers capable of overcoming tough situations.

When your job interview is over, give yourself the best chances of moving forward by doing the following:

Ask about next steps

After your interview, it's appropriate to ask your interviewer, hiring manager or recruiter about what you should expect next. This will likely be a follow-up email with results from your interview, along with additional requirements like an assignment, reference list or another interview.

Send a thank-you letter

If your interview is in person, ask for the business card of each person you speak with so you can follow up individually with a separate thank-you email. If you interviewed in the morning, send your follow-up emails the same day. If you interviewed in the afternoon, the next morning is fine.