Research
Before going into the interview, develop a thorough understanding of the needs of the hiring company. By reviewing the job description and doing research on the company website, social media channels, and LinkedIn page, you will be able to identify:
- Job requirements
- Key responsibilities for the role
- What the company does
- Their products and services
- Who the organization serves
- The mission and values
Interviewers look for candidates to demonstrate that they:
- Can do the job
- Want to do the job for this organization
- Would fit in with the rest of the company
Research the company, the industry, and the competition using LinkedIn, Google, networking contacts, Handshake, and the company website.
Anticipating Questions
While there is no way to anticipate exactly what you’ll be asked, most interview questions are based on:
- The job description
- The company description
- Your resume
To ensure you can easily recall your best examples of your ability to do this job and the fact that you’re a fit for the organization, do this bridging exercise: draw a line down the center of a piece of paper. On the left side, make a bulleted list of what the employer is looking for based on the job posting. This should include the responsibilities, as well as any qualities, characteristics, qualifications, and skills noted in the description of the job or organization within the job posting. On the right side of the page, make a bulleted list of the experiences you’ve had that address show your ability to meet these needs.
What to Bring
- Padfolio with a notepad and two pens
- A printed copy of your itinerary for the day, including the names of the people you’ll be meeting with
- Enough copies of your resume for everyone you will meet, plus one extra
- Your questions for your interviewers – written or typed
Avoid bringing:
- A large purse/backpack
- Bulky coat (if possible)
- Smart watch or other devices that might alert and distract you during your interview
What to Wear
To make a positive impression on your interviewer, you want to walk-in or show-up virtually feeling comfortable and confident. There is no single right outfit that works for interviewing with every employer or for every candidate. Here are some tips to help you decide what to wear:
- Research what is the typical dress code for the organization or industry and plan to dress similarly. This could mean business professional, business casual, or casual attire. When in doubt, dress up, not down.
- Choose colors that complement you and keep in mind that anything too bold or bright – whether it is a solid color or pattern – may be distracting.
- Clothing should fit you well – items that are too large or too small will not look professional.
- Select accessories (belts, scarves, ties, jewelry) that complement your attire. If wearing a belt, it should match your shoes.
- Attire should be classic, not trendy, as you may be interviewing with people of all ages that have different expectations of what professional or semi-professional dress looks like.
- Shoes should be comfortable to walk in and polished if appropriate.
- If wearing fragrance or make-up, remember that less is more.
- If you don’t own professional clothing, try to borrow some from a friend or check local thrift stores.
You want the interviewer to remember that you can do the job, want to do the job, and would be an asset to the organization. Be sure that what you wear enhances the impression you make rather than distracting from it.