Ideal Staffing Solutions

Congratulations! The hiring manager has reviewed your resume/job application and has determined that you’re well-qualified for the position. Now comes the most challenging and nerve-racking part of the job search process: the job interview.

To help you out, we’ve collected the following interview tips to help you perform at a high level and increase your odds of landing your dream job:

1. Do your research. Prospective employers will be impressed if you know something about the company and can relate the information to the job. For example, if you’re interviewing for a sales position, you could ask about how the recent acquisition of a new product line will impact your role.
2. Schedule the interview at an ideal time. Try to schedule your interview mid-morning Tuesday through Thursday. Managers are often overwhelmed on a Monday or thinking about the weekend on a Friday afternoon, which means you might not receive their undivided attention.
3. Get there early. Arrive at least 10-15 minutes early, so you have time to compose yourself, find the correct office or go to the restroom. It also gives you time to gather your thoughts and relax.
4. Don’t ramble. Answer all questions clearly and concisely. Going off on a tangent often indicates to interviewers that you really haven’t listened to or understood the question.
5. Have a “story statement” ready. Many interviewers will ask you to them about yourself. Be prepared to provide a relevant “story statement” that goes beyond your work experience. For instance, mention a life event that inspired you to pursue your chosen career path.
6. Be prepared to address the “weakness” question. Here’s another favorite job interview question: “What is your biggest weakness?” You can address this question effectively without sounding phony or arrogant by mentioning a shortcoming you may have had in the past and how you’ve managed to overcome it.
7. Demonstrate your problem-solving abilities. Employers are impressed by candidates who can handle challenging situations. Look for an opportunity during the interview to elaborate on a time where you were faced with a problem, the steps you took to resolve it, and the ultimate successful outcome.
8. Ask well-informed questions. Interviewers invariably ask if candidates have any questions at the end of the interview. This is a great time to shine by asking well-informed questions that also allow you to expand upon previous interview questions and topics.
9. What’s the next step? At the conclusion of the interview, be sure to ask about the next steps in the hiring process and the expected time frame. The way the interviewer answers this question can often shed some light on the status of your candidacy.
10. Follow up. Send a personalized email within 24 hours to thank the interviewer and reiterate your interest in the position.