So now we’re at the point where we are ready to have an interview! Maybe it’s in-person or maybe it’s online. Regardless, we have to be prepared.
Now – a common concern we frequently get from candidates is the fear of having a gap in their resumes because they were laid off due to COVID. If this was your circumstance as well, you need to understand that it’s okay! You are far from being the only person that has experienced this.
Hiring managers and recruiters understand – just be sure to not blame the past employer. In interviews, you never want to speak poorly about anyone. If you had a difficult coworker, just say that the environment was “not collaborative.”
Now that we’re on the topic of interview etiquette – here are some Dos and Don’ts:
- DO
-
- Keep extra copies of your resume on-hand
- Do have a pen/notepad to take notes if needed
- Do show confidence in your responses
- Ask the hiring manager about their journey with the company
- Ask strong questions – wow them!
- DON’T
- Interrupt the hiring manager when they’re speaking
- Give indirect answers to questions asked
- Share too much personal information
- Ask about salary right away
- Forget to ask questions about the role/company/team at the end of the interview
Now – when it comes to being interviewed, there are some questions you will be most likely asked than others. Here are the most common interview questions:
- Tell me about yourself
- Experience working with difficult clients/coworkers
- Where you see yourself in 5 years
- Why this firm/company
- What are your strengths/weaknesses
On the topic of weaknesses, no one wants to admit any major flaws they have. And of course, no one wants to hear “my weakness is that I’m a perfectionist!” A great example of a weakness is if you are not familiar with certain software or program that the firm uses – so you say “one of my weaknesses is that I have not used XYZ program before, but since I saw it on the job description, I took the time to look it up and I am sure I can pick it up in no time.” This shows honesty and initiative.
Although the employer is the one driving the interview, there are certain questions that they cannot ask the interviewer. Here are some interview questions you cannot be asked:
- How much are you currently making
- Contacting your current employer
- Marital status/ if you have kids/ religion/ age/ orientation
Now that you are prepared for the questions, prepare for arrival! We highly recommend if your interview is in person – that you practice the drive to the location. And be sure to show up early so you can find parking and navigate the office.
You may have to fill out paperwork in advance, so be sure to complete all of that prior to your interview. Have your business cards and copies of your resume ready as well. And like we mentioned before, have an extra change of clothes in your car. What if you unexpectedly hit a speedbump while drinking coffee and spill all over your pants? Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
If you are going to have your interview online, be sure to have all the equipment you need for it. Especially if the job is remote (even partially remote) they’ll probably want you to have certain equipment and level of tech-savviness for the job. Do not wait until the last minute to see if your microphone and camera work. Check your wifi and have an ethernet cable close by if possible. Have your resume readily available, look presentable! Treat it like an in-person interview.
Post-interview etiquette is also very important. We always recommend to my candidates that they send a follow-up email to the hiring manager to thank them for their time. Try to send it on the same day of your interview, so you are still fresh in their mind. Bring up something significant from your meetings with them – such as ideas you have for a project they were working on – or something you had in common. This shows you were truly engaged in your conversation with them.
With that said – you should feel more confident and prepared for your interview. Best of luck!