How to Prepare for an Interview: Part 3 of 4
It’s Interview Time!
Welcome to the third in a small series of articles where we’ll discuss things to consider when preparing for an interview! This time, it’s what to do in an in-person interview.
Arriving
Aim to arrive 5–10 minutes early for the interview. If you are more than 10 minutes early, consider walking around the block or waiting in your car or at a coffee shop.
Make sure you know the name of at least one person you will be meeting with, and make a specific effort to remember the names of everyone you are introduced to.
Engage in small talk. Even better, initiate! Start with the weather or comment on something unique you noticed about the building, décor, etc.
Be Fully Present
Do whatever you need to ensure your phone makes zero noise during the interview. Even if it’s on silent, vibrations can be heard and are distracting.
Only check your phone during the interview if it is relevant to the conversation, i.e., they have asked you for your availability for a follow-up interview, and you need to check your calendar.
Communicate Non-Verbally
There likely will be at least 2 people interviewing you. Keep it conversational by sharing eye contact with all interviewers when you’re responding to questions, don’t only look at one person while you’re speaking.
Be aware of your movements, like spinning the chair, bouncing your knee, and fidgeting your hands. A comfortable posture is to sit tall and fold your hands in your lap.
Answering Questions
Answer questions with specific examples whenever possible, even if the interviewer has not asked a behavioural question. Doing so paints the most precise picture for your interviewers.
Don’t be afraid of silence! If you have said what you feel is worth saying in response to a question, then stop talking. Let the interviewers take notes and process what you said.
Asking Questions
Now is your chance to get them to tell you what they have to offer you! Ask for the details that are most important to you, but avoid bringing up salary, vacation, and benefits in the first interview. Ask about who you would be working closely with, the team manager’s style, how they encourage success on their team, etc.
An impactful final question is if they have any concerns about why you might not be the best-fit candidate for this position. It is a bold question that allows you to address any hesitations they have directly.
Ask about the follow-up process. When will a decision be made?
Tune in next time for: “All Done! Now What?”