Interview Tips

Pre-Interview Tips

Most jobs are won or lost before you walk in the door. Be as prepared as you can before you interview.

• Study the job description – Know what is required. Be prepared to give examples of your experience with the “required” area of the job description. Most applicants do not hit every “required” skill, but make sure you know the “must haves” for the position.  
• Know the interviewer’s name – If you’re not sure of the name, call or email to ask prior to the interview.
• Visit the company website – Review the company mission statement, company history, “about us” sections, products, and services.
• Use LinkedIn – Company profiles are a good way to find, at glance, more information on a company you’re interested in. Look at your interviewer’s profile to get insight into their job and their background.
• Use social media – Check Facebook, Google+, and Twitter. Like or follow the company to get updates. You’ll find information you may not have found otherwise.
• Google and Google News – Search both Google and Google News for the company name. If you can reference an article during the interview, it will show that you did your homework.
• Tap your connections – If you have a connection that will help you find inside information, use it.
• Know where you are going – The interview day is not the time to get lost.

Interview Tips

• Dress the part – While most IT departments are casual or business casual, interviews at most companies are formal.
• Be prepared – Bring a portfolio, pen, extra resumes, and a copy of the job description with you.
• Be early – Give yourself some extra time. It also gives you some time to relax before the interview starts.  
• Turn off your cell phone – This should be a no-brainer, but people forget or think a vibrating phone is less of a distraction… it is not.
• Maintain eye contact with the interviewer – If there are multiple people, address the person asking the question.
• Listen to the entire question before you answer and pay attention – It will allow you to accurately answer the question they are asking.
• Explain your answers – If the answer is “Yes,” use past work examples. If the answer is “No,” try to use something relatable or simply that you are excited to pick up new skills and/or technologies.
• Be modest – If you are asked to rank yourself on something, your true ranking will be how you explain your experience.
• Show what you know – Try to relate what you know about the company and the position when answering questions. 
• Sit up straight and lean slightly forward in your chair – It projects interest and engagement in the conversation.
• Let them know you are interested – At the end of the interview, let them know if you are interested.
• Ask about next steps – It shows you are interested and will also give you a gauge on their timeline. It is also a good time to mention any other offers or final interviews you have, which will give them a gauge on your availability.  
• Don’t
  • Rub the back of your head or neck. These gestures make you look disinterested.
  • Rub or touch your face. This suggests that you’re not being completely honest, and it’s gross.
  • Sit with your arms folded across your chest. You’ll appear unfriendly and disengaged.
  • Cross your legs and idly shake one over the other. It’s distracting and shows how uncomfortable you are.
  • Lean your body towards the door. You’ll appear ready to make a mad dash for the door.
  • Slouch back in your seat. This will make you appear disinterested and unprepared.
  • Check your watch or cellphone. It projects that you would like to finish up the conversation.
  • Bad-mouth your current or previous company or colleagues. It will raise flags for a multitude of reasons.

Post-Interview Tips

• Send a thank you email – Always follow up with a thank you note/email reiterating your interest in the position. If you interview with multiple people, send each one a thank you note.