Interviews are opportunities to sell yourself and to demonstrate what’s not on your résumé. Although you don’t know what the interviewer will ask you, you can take steps to maximize your chances of getting the job.
Here’s a list of 7 tips for making a good impression:
- Do your homework. Prepare ahead by researching as much as you can about the company and its products or services.
- Be prepared for chit-chat. Initiating conversation is a sign of good interpersonal skills.
- Recall your past experience. Make a list prior to the interview of examples of your achievements and challenges you overcame in your career.
- Dress appropriately. First impressions are critical, and as Mom says, “it’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed.”
- Exhibit basic social skills. Look people in the eye when you’re having a conversation and give a firm handshake.
- Anticipate common questions and prepare for them. Most interviewers will ask you to talk about your background, discuss what expertise you bring to the table, and why this company appeals to you.
- Avoid the worst interview answer. Despite it being a perfectly valid reason for seeking an in-house position, “I want better work-life balance,” is never something prospective employers want to hear.
- Do your homework. Research the company by checking the website and all news releases about the company. Hoover’s is an excellent resource for basic information that you’ll be expected to know, such as company revenues, number of employees and product or service offerings. Don’t forget to Google.
- Be prepared for chit-chat. Have some interesting topics to discuss in the event your interviewer is unsociable or unprepared. You may need to fill some dead air – but be careful not to appear uncomfortable by talking too much. The goal is to demonstrate good interpersonal skills.
- Recall your past experience. A common interviewing technique is to ask “behavioral-based” interview questions. These types of questions focus on relevant, specific examples of past behaviors in order to gain insight into how someone might perform in a similar situation. The key to answering is to provide examples. So, in order to prepare for the interview, make a list of difficult situations from previous jobs that resulted in a positive outcome, and examples of successes from previous jobs.
- Dress appropriately. As my mother told me, “it’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed.” While the trend in major cities is heading back to formal work attire, it depends on the season, the company and the day of the week. If you have any doubt, there is absolutely nothing wrong with asking. Also, if you know your clothing selection will scream, “I’m interviewing today,” call the recruiter or the company’s HR department and explain. Showing up in khakis and a golf shirt when everyone else wears suits is an indicator of poor judgment.
- Exhibit basic social skills. Look people in the eye, smile and shake hands. Remember – a handshake is supposed to be firm. Even for women! Some people view a limp handshake as a sign of poor social skills.
- Anticipate common questions and prepare for them. What are your strengths and weaknesses? These are opportunities to promote yourself. With respect to weaknesses: the key is how you dealt with something or overcame it. (Obviously, don’t mention a problem or issue you haven’t solved.) What are you looking for in terms of salary? Resist – if at all possible – being the first to mention a number. The risk is leaving money on the table or giving the interviewer sticker shock that taints your candidacy.
- Avoid the worst interview answer. You’re in private practice and interviewing for an in-house position, and you’re asked why you want to move into a corporate legal department. Don't answer, “for better work-life balance.” Even though there are many aspects of in-house practice that make life generally better, this answer says, “I’m tired of working hard.” It’s the kiss of death.
