Helpful Interview Skills

Helpful Interview Skills

Helpful Interview Skills

Helpful Interview Skills
Last Updated: November 17, 20232.9 min readCategories: IT Staff Augmentation

Helpful Interview Skills

 

The Interview Skills You Need to Seal the Deal

It takes more than just applying for a position and showing up for the interview to get an offer today. You need to be on top of your game and stand out from the crowd. Here are some of the things our recruiting team looks for in candidates to help you get the offer.

Be prepared:

  • Conduct research on the company, e.g., products and services, markets, corporate culture, size, and locations. Be prepared to ask questions.
  • Visit the company website and be prepared to comment on the site or the latest press release.
  • Know your resume well and be ready to expand on the statements in your resume using numbers and accomplishments.
  • Rehearse common interview questions.
  • Prepare your interview materials in advance (e.g. certificates, awards, honors, clippings of any accomplishments, community involvement, or activities, letters of thanks, commendation, or recommendations).

Present a professional appearance and demeanor:

  • Wear appropriate business attire. A professional and well-groomed appearance is critical. Consult with your staffing manager or executive recruiter to help determine proper attire.
  • Pay attention to your grooming.
  • Don’t smoke or wear perfume.

Arrive early:

  • Arrive 5-10 minutes early for your appointment, unless otherwise instructed.
  • Always greet the receptionist warmly and professionally – he/she is the “gatekeeper” and your impression with him/her could either help or harm you.

During the interview:

  • Stand up to greet your interviewer with a firm handshake and a smile. Follow him/her to the interview room.
  • Mind your manners – be polite, but don’t overdo it.
  • Express yourself clearly and with confidence, however, without conceit.
  • Remember your body language. The manner in which you carry yourself can leave either a positive or negative impression. Sit straight, yet comfortably. Don’t be afraid to lean forward and show interest. Make eye contact with the interviewer whenever you can.
  • Convey enthusiasm and a sense of pride and dedication in your work.
  • Remember to listen – don’t interrupt.
  • Maintain a good conversational style and think about your responses before answering.
  • Focus on what you can contribute to the organization rather than what the employer can do for you.
  • Ask the questions you prepared in advance.

Closing an Interview:

  • Ask for the job. Too many candidates leave interviewers wondering about their interests. If you are truly interested in the position state that clearly to the interviewer and inquires about the next step. If you feel the position is attractive and you want it, be a good salesperson and say something such as: “I’m very impressed with what I’ve seen here today: your company, its products, and the people I’ve met. I am confident I could do an excellent job in the position you’ve described to me.” The interviewer will be impressed with your enthusiasm.
  • Ask the interviewer, “Are there any concerns you have about my background?” This is your opportunity to readdress any objections before you leave. Otherwise, you probably won’t get another chance.
  • Keep a positive attitude.
  • Thank the interviewer for his or her time and consideration. If you have answered the two questions – “Why are you interested in this position?” and “What can you offer?” – you have done all you can.

Don’t:

  • Exhibit overbearing, overaggressive, or egotistical behavior.
  • Show a lack of interest or enthusiasm about the position or company.
  • Appear excessively nervous.
  • Overemphasize your compensation.
  • Make excuses for unfavorable factors in your work history.
  • Disparage past employers, managers, projects, or technologies.
  • Answer only “yes” or “no” to questions.

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