Ace the Interview

You have landed that job interview, now what? Information on this page is designed to serve as guidelines to assist you in preparing for and conducting a successful job interview. 

Remember, how you apply for a job is as important as the qualifications you have to offer. In fact, you should view your job search skills as part of your overall qualifications. Employers evaluate not only the skills you possess for the job, but also the skills you exhibit in looking for the job. These are evidenced in the quality of your resume and cover letter as well as your ability to conduct yourself professionally throughout the interview process.

Top 10 Reasons to Hire Me
How to Research Companies
Avoiding Interview Mistakes
Professional Dress Guidelines

The interview can feel intimidating, whether it's your first or hundredth. Learning about what to expect, practicing, and reflecting ahead of time can help ease this tension and help you become a great interviewee. Use the below links to dive deeper into the interview.

Sample Interview Questions and Answers
Appropriate and Inappropriate Questions for You to Ask
Behavioral Interviewing
Virtual or Phone Interview

Here are some basic tips to be successful in an interview. Practice these using Big Interview.

• Arrive early (approximately 15 minutes—if you are any earlier, wait in your car until about 15 minutes before the interview).

• Introduce yourself to the secretary/receptionist and inform them that you have an interview with Mr./Ms. (name of interviewer) at (time).

• Follow the interviewer's lead. When he/she greets you, pause a moment and allow them to initiate the handshake, so as not to appear you are dominating the interview. If they do not, you may initiate it. Always offer a firm handshake.

• Make and maintain good eye contact. If it is a group interview, respond to one of the interviewer's questions by first looking at them, then making eye contact with each of the other interviewers throughout your answer.

• Show interest and enthusiasm by using attentive listening skills such as nodding to show you are hearing and understanding the question, smiling periodically, and maintaining a pleasant and alert facial expression.

• Pay attention to verbal cues from the interviewer so you'll know when it's time for you to stop talking. However, make sure you end your own responses appropriately by developing "concluding statements" that summarize your response and show that you are finished.

• Be an active participant in the interview by bringing up key qualifications you possess if the interview questions aren't allowing you to communicate these. Use tact and build upon information the interviewer shares by relating specific knowledge, skills, or experience you have relevant to that information.

• As the interview draws to a close, you will likely be asked if you have any questions. Ask about the hiring date or when you can expect to hear from them regarding their decision. Remember to send a thank you within two days of the interview. See Post-Interview Tips for more details.

The interview is over and you can relax...? Not quite! There are some very important, and often overlooked, follow-up activities to complete. Doing so will not only allow you to demonstrate your professionalism, but it will also keep you at the forefront of the employer's thoughts, and therefore increase your chances of getting the job.

Concerned about annoying the interviewer with follow-up activities? Navigate the links below to see how you can maintain a connection that will reiterate your interest and illustrate your persistence without crossing into annoyance.

Post Interview Tips
Second Interview Preparation