I was guest host for last night’s #ProCircles chat, where we discussed essential interview tips for job seekers! Anecdotal advice and strategies were revealed about the pre-interview through post-interview – if you weren’t able to make the chat, or need a reminder, here is the recap:
Join us for our next #ProCircles chat Thursday, April 19, at 8pm EST!
Once you’ve received an offer for a job interview, how do you prepare for it?
heatherhuhman Research, research, research! And don’t just look at the company’s website…Google them to find the good stuff.
heatherhuhman Find out everything you can about your interviewer. Do you have anything in common? What are their interests?
hurdleja I like to look up as much as I can about the company (i.e its culture, clients and values).
AsariFletcher I try to look at Linkedin for profiles of people at the company.
liching Prepare answers when you apply, not only when you get that phone call. Videotape or at least record your practice.
You did your preparing & now you’re in the interview. What are some etiquette rules to follow?
heatherhuhman If it’s a phone interview, conduct it in a quiet place. Doesn’t have to be a landline, but make sure you get a good signal.
heatherhuhman Repeat the question back if you need time to think about an answer.
heatherhuhman Lean in a little when conversing with the hiring manager. This shows “active listening”.
heatherhuhman Don’t bring your cell into an interview if possible. Or, turn it off completely. Even vibrate can be loud!
liching Listen. Do not start to craft or run your answer in your head while the interviewer is still talking. That is not listening.
We’ve talked phone and in-person interviews, but what about video interviews? What are some tips for a Skype call?
heatherhuhman Dress the same as you would in-person. Act the same as you would in-person. Clear the room like you would for a call.
heatherhuhman The most important advice though: Test the equipment beforehand! Lots if you can. Technology likes to fail when we need it.
heatherhuhman As @liching mentioned before, practice recording yourself doing an interview so you can get used to it.
Is following up after an interview always necessary?
heatherhuhman Let me put it to you this way: I don’t hire anyone who doesn’t follow-up after every interview w/every interviewer.
heatherhuhman Follow-up with an email within 24 hours of the interview. Send a snail mail around the same time for added touch.
heatherhuhman Keep your email short and to the point: I’m still interested, here’s what I offer, and here’s something we talked about.
What all goes into a follow-up? Is there anything to say (or not say) that can boost your chances (or bring you down)?
heatherhuhman Don’t just say “thank you” — use this as an opportunity to reiterate strengths.
heatherhuhman Yes!! RT @hurdleja: Would you consider sending writing samples and a thank you for the interview as a follow-up?
heatherhuhman And with that added info, you should use the thank you note to connect the dots between yourself and the position
Is it OK to network with your interviewer later on, even if you didn’t get the job?
heatherhuhman Ok?? It’s encouraged! If you didn’t network with everyone who ever turned you down, you’d have a small network
heatherhuhman Some companies have a policy not to give feedback, which is unfortunate. But ask anyway!
heatherhuhman Connect with the interviewer on LinkedIn — during the hiring process if possible but after is fine too.
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