14 Job Interview Tips
Have you been interviewing for jobs for a while and not receiving any offers? Your job interview skills may need some work.
Check out these job interview tips:
1. Confirm the details before you go.
Confirm the date, time, location and your point of contact. Set a reminder or alert and review directions to the interview location. Find out how many people will be interviewing you so you can prepare.
2. Prepare and practice common job interview questions.
Some common interview questions include:
- Tell me about yourself. Practice your elevator speech!
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult customer/coworker/supervisor.
- Tell me about a time that you went above and beyond the call of duty.
- Why are you leaving, or why did you leave, your last job?
- Why should we hire you?
3. Research the company!
Consider these questions:
- What products or services do they provide?
- Who are the customers they serve?
- What skills and experience are essential for the role?
- What possible challenges do they face? How can you help to be a solution?
4. Review the job posting in detail.
Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with the role (education/certifications, skills, professional experience). Provide examples of your work.
5. Use the STAR method.
Answer questions using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or CAR (Challenge, Action, Result) methods.
6. Bring copies of your resume.
Have copies of your resume, a notebook (portfolio) and a pen to take notes.
7. Dress for success.
Plan your interview attire, and a backup, in advance – dress for success!
8. Map your route.
Plan your route in advance and be prepared to arrive early.
9. Be ready for a virtual interview.
For virtual interviews – test out technology in advance (audio/visual/virtual backgrounds).
10. First impressions matter.
Make a good first impression – greet everyone with respect and make good eye contact.
11. Confidence!
Be confident in yourself and your skills and abilities.
12. Close the interview on a positive note.
Revisit questions as needed, recap your strengths and value-added qualities.
13. Yes, send a thank you note.
If possible, obtain the names and business cards of your interviewers and send a thank you email or letter.
14. Follow-up.
Be sure to ask the interviewer the best way to follow-up.
Download our one-page Job Interview Tips guide (.pdf) here.
No matter where you are on your career journey, CareerSource Brevard can help you. Visit our Career Services page to learn more, and contact us today.