27 Job Interview Tips
/When to Show Up
Wait until 10 minutes before your scheduled interview time to announce yourself. Arriving any sooner shows that you're not respectful of the time the hiring manager put aside for you. A candidate who arrived an hour early made workers uncomfortable. Companies really don't want someone camped out in their lobby.
The Interview
Signal confidence by offering a firm handshake.
Avoid looking around the room, tapping your fingers, or other nervous movements.
No matter how you're feeling, keep your personal woes out of the interview process. For example, if you were laid off, instead of lamenting the situation, you might say the experience prompted you to reassess your skills, and that's what led you here. "You want to demonstrate resilience in the face of unpredictable obstacles."
When you've done your homework on the company by explaining how your background and track record relates to its current needs.
Find out how recent changes in the marketplace have affected the firm, its competitors and industry overall. Read recent company press releases, annual reports, media coverage and industry blogs, and consult with trusted members of your network.
Questions to be Ready to Answer
What are your positive leadership qualities?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Can you describe a time when you had to make a decision in a crisis?
Tell me something about you I can’t read on your resume?
Questions to Ask
What would be your highest priority for me to accomplish?
What does success look like in this position, and how do you measure it?
How can I best contribute to the department’s goals?
What would you say are the top two personality traits someone needs to do this job well?
What improvements or changes do you hope the new candidate will bring to this position?
I know this company prides itself on X and Y, so what would you say is the most important aspect of your culture?
Do you like working here?
Is there anything that stands out to you that makes you think I might not be the right fit for this job?
What were the best things about the last person who held this position?
To whom do I report and what does that mean in terms of authority?
Who will I be working most closely with?
Are there opportunities for professional development?
Salary
Your best bet is to wait until you're extended a job offer before talking pay.
Come prepared, having researched the average pay range for a position in case you're pressured to name your price. You might say, for example, that money isn't a primary concern for you and that you're just looking for something fair. You can try turning the tables by asking interviewers what the company has budgeted for the position.
Follow Up
After an interview, make sure to address thank-yous to the right people. Look closely for spelling and grammatical errors.
Don't stalk the interviewer. Wait at least a week before checking on your candidacy.
Leave a message if you get voicemail.