7 Tips for a Great Interview

Remember, all interviews are not created equal. While there is no one way to say exactly how your interview will go, we’ve got some tips from top Human Resources personnel, to help you ace your interview and stand out as a top candidate.

1. Do Your Research

The more you know about the company you’re interviewing with, the more prepared you’ll be to answer specific questions. Additionally, you’ll be able to ask questions pertaining to the job. Familiarize yourself with their website and anything else that you may want to ask about to ensure that this job is the right one for you.

2. Look Your Best

First impressions are important, and the way you dress for your interview says a lot about how seriously you take the interview. Dress professionally. You may feel inclined to dress as you would on the job, but this is an interview and the person or people interviewing will notice. For men, it’s better to be clean shaven. For women, no excessive jewellery or flashy clothing.

3. Your Resume

The resume can easily be put together in a 3-ring binder. Use tabs that can easily guide you to any section/document. Avoid using a large binder that includes very few documents. The portfolio should look simple and professional and include previous employment references.

4. Practice

Have a friend ask you a few questions, or ask them into a mirror, and practice your responses. This will help you work through any nervousness you may have. Here you can run through the best way to summarize your professional experience and really perfect your 30 second introduction.

5. Confidence

At the start of your interview you may have the opportunity to give your 30 second introduction. This is your chance to highlight your strengths and get the interviewer(s) interested to hear more.
Smile. Remember, this is the job you have trained for. Speak clearly and keep your answers concise.

6. Be Ready for Anything

Job interview processes vary by company. Interviewers have been known to pull in other professionals for a panel-type Q&A session, or have candidates run through management scenarios and see how well you respond.
Interviewers are looking for applicants who have a passion for their industry, but this all depends on your role in the company – especially when you’re applying for a sales, marketing or management position.

7. Have Questions

Typically, at the end of an interview, the employer gives you a chance to ask any questions that you may have. Take advantage of this opportunity. This will show genuine interest in the position. Make sure the questions are all related to the position and be sure to thank whoever is in the room for their time.
If, after the interview, you decide that this is the position you want, send a follow up email or phone call to let the HR representative that you interviewed with know that you are interested in the job and feel it is a great fit for you.