Interviews

You have an interview, Congratulations! Getting an interview is amazing news when your'e job searching. With planning, preparation and a positive attitude, you can ace the interview. Here are some interview tips and recommendations to help you land that job.

Tips Before the Interview

Preparation is the key to Success. Things you should days before your interviews

Research Company

Navigate the company’s website, social media posts and recent media releases, it will provide an understanding of the company’s goals and how your skills and experience makes you a great fit.

Study Job Description

Read what skills and qualities the employer/company is looking for in an employee Think about examples from your past and current work experience that align with these requirements.

Practice Questions

Prepare answers to common questions. "What makes you unique?" Quickly communicate who you are and what value you will bring to the company and the role; it’s your personal elevator pitch.

Prepare Questions

Employers expects you to ask smart and intelligent questions. This will show your genuine in the company/organization. Example: "Can you explain the day-to-day responsibilities this job entails?"

Common Interview Questions

Questions To Ask

Preparing an "Elevator" Pitch"

An Elevator pitch; also known as an Elevator speech is a quick summary of your experiences and background. The reason why it's called an elevator pitch is because it should be short enough to deliver on an elevator ride.

Tip: Your elevator pitch is a way to share your expertise and resume promptly and effectively with people who don't know you.

how-to-write-an-elevator-pitch-2951690-9

Who are you- single sentence about yourself

What do you offer- Mission Statement

What problem you solve- Your value and benefit

How are you unique- What sets you apart from the rest

Call to Action- Provide a means of contact and schedule a meeting

Preparing a Mission Statement

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Questions to Ask

Myself

Part of who I am?
Part of who I'm working to become?
Part of my purpose in life?

Example:

" To encourage, motivate and inspire positive change in the mindset of the youth."

Tips During the Interview

Now that you have prepared for the interview, let's get ready for the special day.

Come Prepared

Even though the employer may have a copy of your resume, bring extra copies. Also come equipped with a pen and notepad.

Arrive Early

It is very important that you arrive to your interview at least 15 minutes early. Know if advance where the interview is located and drive time

Stay Focused

Keep your questions compact and focused on the question at hand. Practice commonly asked questions before hand to prevent rambling. Remember, you're on a time schedule.

No Negativity

DO NOT bad talk your previous/current employer. Talk about the things you've gained from your current employer. Companies want to hire positive thinkers.

What to Bring to Interview

Confident Body Language- When walking in hold head up and shoulders back

Treat Everyone with Respect- From the time you walk into the building; smile and speak.

Be Honest- Sell your achievements, but be honest and have integrity.

Ace Introductions- Greet by standing, looking in eyes and with a firm handshake. At the end, thank the employer for their time.

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After the Interview

The hard part is over, now you follow up and wait.

Examples of Follow-up Emails

Ask for Next Steps

After the interview, ask the interviewer, recruiter or hiring managers what are the next steps in the process. Don't be afraid to ask what should you expect next.

Follow-up

After the interview, ask everyone who was in the interviewing process for their business card. That way, you can send a "thank you for your time" email. If the interview was in the morning, send the email that afternoon. If the interview was in the afternoon, send the email the next morning.