Tips For Topping Face To Face Interview
  • Conduct Company Research

    Research should always be your first step before an interview. Gathering background information on employers is crucial to successful interview preparation.
    An employer will expect you to know something about the company, and expect you to know why you will fit in well there. You need to be prepared to answer the questions, "What do you know about our company"? and "Why do you want to work here?"
    Knowing as much as possible about the company's past performance and future plans can also...

    Research should always be your first step before an interview. Gathering background information on employers is crucial to successful interview preparation.
    An employer will expect you to know something about the company, and expect you to know why you will fit in well there. You need to be prepared to answer the questions, "What do you know about our company"? and "Why do you want to work here?"
    Knowing as much as possible about the company's past performance and future plans can also help you better explain how you can add value to the company.
    Before the interview, review the company's website, particularly their “About Us” section. Also check out their LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and other social pages to see what information the company is sharing.
    The more information you have, the more comfortable you’ll feel while you’re talking to your interviewer.

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  • Use Your Connections to Get the Inside Scoop

    If you know someone who works at the organization or who can put you in touch with a current or former employee, you’ll be able to gather information that can give you an advantage over the other applicants.
    Check LinkedIn to see if you have contacts at the company you can use to get insider information. If your college has an alumni network tap that, as well. Ask your connections about the interview process they went through when they were hired, ask what they like and don’t like about...

    If you know someone who works at the organization or who can put you in touch with a current or former employee, you’ll be able to gather information that can give you an advantage over the other applicants.
    Check LinkedIn to see if you have contacts at the company you can use to get insider information. If your college has an alumni network tap that, as well. Ask your connections about the interview process they went through when they were hired, ask what they like and don’t like about working for the organization.
    Learn as much as you possibly can about the company and the job for which you’re applying. It will help you know what to ask, as well as giving you insight into the role.

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  • Take the Time to Practice

    Practice makes perfect. Conduct practice interviews with a friend or family member, and ask for their feedback. You can also record or videotape your responses so you can review your answers and check your body language.
    Prepare answers to commonly asked interview questions. Doing so will help you analyze your background and qualifications for the position. You don’t need to memorize answers, but having an idea of what you’re going to say will help you frame a solid response.
    Also ...

    Practice makes perfect. Conduct practice interviews with a friend or family member, and ask for their feedback. You can also record or videotape your responses so you can review your answers and check your body language.
    Prepare answers to commonly asked interview questions. Doing so will help you analyze your background and qualifications for the position. You don’t need to memorize answers, but having an idea of what you’re going to say will help you frame a solid response.
    Also be ready to respond when you’re asked if you have any questions for the interviewer. Prepare a list of questions you want to ask the interviewer. Remember, you aren't simply trying to get the job — you are also interviewing the employer to assess whether this company and the position are a good fit for you.
    The more you practice, the more self-assured you will feel walking into the interview. Your answers will feel natural, and interviewers will be impressed by your confidence.

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  • Learn Behavioral Interviewing Techniques

    In addition to standard interview techniques, behavior-based interviewing is becoming more common. It is based on the idea that a candidate's past performance is the best predictor of future performance. Behavioral interviews involve you answering questions about how you have handled past situations at work.
    The best way to prepare is to make a list of your skills, values, and interests as well as your strengths and weaknesses. For each item on the list, consider a time when you displayed t...

    In addition to standard interview techniques, behavior-based interviewing is becoming more common. It is based on the idea that a candidate's past performance is the best predictor of future performance. Behavioral interviews involve you answering questions about how you have handled past situations at work.
    The best way to prepare is to make a list of your skills, values, and interests as well as your strengths and weaknesses. For each item on the list, consider a time when you displayed that quality. Take the time to compile a list of responses to common behavioral interview questions.
    When answering, describe the past situation, and how you successfully handled it. Make sure your answers are related to the job for which you are interviewing.
    It is very important to be on time for the interview. On time means ten to 15 minutes early. If need be, take some time to drive to the office ahead of time or check out other options for getting there so you know exactly where you are going, how long it will take to get there, and what the transportation and parking situation looks like.
    If you’re running late you’ll be stressed, and that’s no way to start an interview for what could be your new job.

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  • Interview Etiquette

    Remember that it’s not only the hiring manager who makes the decision on who to hire. Be polite and gracious to everyone you meet from the time you walk in the door to when you leave. The people you meet could be your future co-workers, so make the best impression on them that you can.
    When you arrive, introduce yourself to the receptionist. Make sure you know the interviewer's name and use it as soon as possible during the interview. If you're not sure of the name, call and ask prior to ...

    Remember that it’s not only the hiring manager who makes the decision on who to hire. Be polite and gracious to everyone you meet from the time you walk in the door to when you leave. The people you meet could be your future co-workers, so make the best impression on them that you can.
    When you arrive, introduce yourself to the receptionist. Make sure you know the interviewer's name and use it as soon as possible during the interview. If you're not sure of the name, call and ask prior to the interview.
    Turn your phone off and put it away before you walk into the office.

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  • What (and What Not) to Bring

    Remember to bring an extra copy of your resume, a list of references, and any work samples you want to show the employer. Bring a list of questions to ask the interviewer. It’s a good idea to bring a notepad and pen to take notes.
    It’s also important to know what not to bring. Do not bring coffee, gum, or anything else not related to the job.

  • Try to Stay Calm and Avoid Stress

    If you’re nervous, visit the restroom before your interview, and wash and dry your hands so they aren’t sweaty. Take some deep breaths.
    During the interview, try to remain as calm as possible. Ask for clarification if you're not sure what's been asked and remember that it is perfectly acceptable to take a moment or two to frame your responses so you can be sure to fully answer the question.
    Also, remember that thorough preparation helps build confidence and relieve stress. The more...

    If you’re nervous, visit the restroom before your interview, and wash and dry your hands so they aren’t sweaty. Take some deep breaths.
    During the interview, try to remain as calm as possible. Ask for clarification if you're not sure what's been asked and remember that it is perfectly acceptable to take a moment or two to frame your responses so you can be sure to fully answer the question.
    Also, remember that thorough preparation helps build confidence and relieve stress. The more you research the company, practice answering interview questions, and prepare for the day of the interview, the calmer and more confident you will feel.

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  • Take the Time to Follow-Up

    Even though you’ve finished the interview, you’re not quite done yet. End the interview with a thank you to the interviewer, and reiterate your interest in the position. Then follow-up with a personal thank you note or email message restating your interest. This is an opportunity to remind the employer of your qualifications, and to include any details you forgot to mention in the interview.