Tips for Candidates > Interview

Interviewing for a new opportunity can be unnerving, but also very exciting. Being prepared, dressing for success and understanding the interview process can add confidence and be the key to obtaining the position of your dreams!

Before The Interview

The number one rule to a successful interview is PREPARATION!

• Research the company you will be interviewing with. Visit their website. Make sure you are familiar with:
• The organization, its history, structure, industry and product or services
• Company divisions, subsidiaries, entities, location of its headquarters
• The company’s mission and goals
• Market share, revenue (if available), stability and growth
• Review the job description and be sure you understand the responsibilities, requirements, scope and reporting structure
• Identify your strengths and weaknesses prior to the interview. You don’t want to be caught off guard when asked what your strengths and weakness are… And, you are almost always asked this question!
• Compose any questions you might have regarding the company, position, scope of responsibilities. You don’t want to bring a written list into the interview, but be prepared ask questions to clear up any uncertainties you may have regarding the opportunity.
• Compose a mental list of accomplishments and achievements you have made throughout your career and the value you can bring to any potential employer. Think: Made, Saved and Achieved. These are what will be of real interest to your next company and manager.
• Review your resume! It is easy to forget some of the functions of a role you held two or three companies ago. A hiring manager will ask about those responsibilities, so be prepared to discuss them.

Interview Attire

Professional attire should always be worn to any interview, regardless of the company’s typical dress code. You may be interviewing with a company that allows their employees to dress in business casual wear, but keep in mind – you are not an employee yet and it is always better to be overdressed than underdressed.

Men: A suit is always best!

• Slacks
• Blazer/Sports Coat
• Tie
• Pressed dress shirt
• Dark socks and dress shoes
• Minimal jewelry
• Clean shaven and neatly styled hair
• Minimal cologne/aftershave

Women: A suit always looks professional, however there are a few alternatives.

• Knee length, straight cut skirt
• Dress slacks
• Pressed, dress shirt or blouse (no bright colors or patterns)
• Dress shoes, moderate heels, dark colors and minimal or no open toe
• Neatly styled hair
• Conservative make-up
• Minimal perfume

• Go easy on the cologne, aftershave or perfume. If you smoke, hold off until after the interview. Often times the room you are interviewed in is small and the door is closed, make it a comfortable environment, free of distractions such as overwhelming scents.

During The Interview

• Always arrive a few minutes prior to your scheduled interview time
• When meeting your interviewer for the first time make eye contact and use a firm handshake.

After The Interview

• Send a thank you note to each person you interviewed with. Hand written notes are always best, but a close second is an email expressing your gratitude for the interviewers’ time and consideration.