Interview Tips - How to "WOW" your potential employer

Here are a few tips on how to ace your interview and prepare to be the best candidate you can be.

Before the Interview

Do Your Research

Understanding key information about the company you’re interviewing with will help you enter the interview with confidence. You can use the company’s website, social media posts and recent press releases for a better understanding of the company's mission and goals.

It is important that you know what the company is looking for. Read over the job description and qualifications, underline specific skills the employer is looking for. Begin brainstorming examples from your past and current work that align with these requirements.

Come With Questions

Interviews are a two-way street. Your employer is asking you questions to get to know you. You should come prepared to ask questions to get more information and show your interest in the position. Your opportunity to ask questions usually comes at the end of the interview.

Prepare at least two questions that demonstrate your interest in the position and your drive to excel in the role. This is your chance to get to know the company, your potential boss, and understand the requirements of the position.

Example questions:

• What does a typical day at (name of company) look like? What are the day-to-day responsibilities?

• Where do you think the company is headed in the next 5 years?

• What are the biggest opportunities and challenges (the company) is facing right now?

• What do you like best about working for this company?

• What is the typical career path for someone in this role?

Doing research on the company will help you come up with questions.

When the interview is coming to a close, you can then ask about what you should expect next. This could likely be a phone call or follow-up email. You might be required to perform some additional task, including an assignment or another interview. Make sure to respond promptly!

Things to have prepared

A few hard copies of your resume

Notebook

A Pen and/or Pencil

Interview Attire

Interview Questions

The Interview

Be Sure to Arrive Early

"To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late."

Make sure to include extra time for traffic, parking, and finding the interview location.

Dress the Part

It is better to be too dressed up than too casual. If the interviewer does not specify interview attire, it is safe to come in business attire.

Be a STAR

Prepare to be asked about times in the past when you used a specific skill and use the STAR method to tell stories with a clear Situation, Task, Action and Result.

Respond truthfully to the questions asked

Honesty is refreshing and respectable. Focus on your key strengths and why your background makes you uniquely qualified for the position.

Tie your answers back to your skills and accomplishments

With any question you answer, it is important that you tie your background to the job. Use every opportunity to address requirements listed in the job description.

After the Interview

Thank you letters

Be sure to send everyone who interviewed you a thank you note for their time. Be sure to collect business card from all of the interviewers to assure proper delivery and for future contact. Bring a hand written letter or card with you the day of the interview to leave with a receptionist after your interview. An email should be sent the day of or the immediate day following. Continue to be enthusiastic in your letters, emphasizing your interest in the position and eagerness to hear back from them.