Interview Advice

When interviewing for a new company, it's essential to be well-prepared and make a positive impression. Here are some top tips for candidates to keep in mind:

Research the company: Thoroughly research the company before the interview. Understand its mission, values, products/services, recent news, and any other relevant information. This knowledge will help you tailor your answers and show your genuine interest in the organization.
Understand the job requirements: Carefully review the job description and understand the key requirements. Identify the skills and qualifications the company is seeking and think about how your experience aligns with those requirements. Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your skills and achievements in relation to the position.
Dress professionally: Dress appropriately for the interview, reflecting the company's culture and industry norms. It's generally better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. Presenting yourself professionally shows respect and seriousness about the opportunity.
Practice common interview questions: Prepare responses to common interview questions, such as "Tell me about yourself," "Why are you interested in this position?" and "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" Practice your answers, but avoid sounding rehearsed. Focus on showcasing your skills, experiences, and achievements relevant to the job.
Showcase your accomplishments: Highlight your achievements and successes in previous roles. Use specific examples and quantifiable results to demonstrate your abilities. Employers value candidates who can make a measurable impact.
Ask thoughtful questions: Prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer. This shows your interest in the company and the role. Ask about the company culture, team dynamics, growth opportunities, and any specific concerns or topics you'd like to learn more about.
Demonstrate enthusiasm and positivity: Show genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity and convey a positive attitude throughout the interview. Be attentive, maintain eye contact, and engage actively with the interviewer. A positive and energetic demeanor can leave a lasting impression.
Highlight your soft skills: Alongside technical skills, emphasize your soft skills, such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability. These skills are highly valued by employers as they contribute to a candidate's overall fit within the organization.
Be honest and authentic: Be yourself during the interview and answer questions honestly. Authenticity is crucial in establishing trust and building rapport with the interviewer. Avoid exaggerating or misrepresenting your qualifications or experiences.
Follow up with a thank-you note: After the interview, send a personalized thank-you email or note to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Briefly reiterate your interest in the role and mention something specific you discussed during the interview. It's a professional gesture that can leave a positive impression.

Remember, every interview is an opportunity to learn and grow, regardless of the outcome. Reflect on each experience, identify areas for improvement, and use that knowledge to enhance your future interviews. Good luck!

7 Tips On How To Succeed In An Online Job Interview
Forbes Magazine recently published an article by Robin Ryan where she offered the following advice.

Being on camera makes everyone nervous. It also is tricky because you can easily make mistakes. Online interviews using Skype, Zoom, or Go-To-My-Meeting have been popular in specific industries, especially for colleges and universities, for quite a while.

Online or video interviews can present a new challenge to the job hunter, especially if they are over 40 and have never used this technology. Baby Boomers need to be comfortable with the technology and be able to recover if there is a tech glitch in transmission. That is much easier said than done.

Here are 7 tips to help you excel in your online interviews.

Ask in advance all the details about this format. What format will they be using? How long will the interview be? What online service are they using? How many people will be there interviewing you? Don't expect the interviewer to volunteer much, so ask and call back a second time if you need clarification.
Use your desktop or laptop but not your phone. Phone connections can more easily drop the call and not have good reception when you want it most. You will not look good holding your mobile, which will shake or move around as you hold it and be annoying to the viewer. Your desktop computer (first choice) and laptop are the better options.
Don't start by apologizing for your being unfamiliar with online technology. That is not what the employer wants to hear. It'll make you come across as technically incompetent. Go to YouTube and watch some how-to videos on using the meeting software, whether it's Skype or others. Practice several times using this technology, so you know how to connect, reconnect, adjust the volume, and can ensure you look good on camera.
Pay attention to the background and lighting. Keep your background uncluttered and move all distractions, so they don't interfere with the camera focusing on you and not the light pole growing out of your head. Be sure to be in a quiet location. A plain background is ideal. Do not be sitting on your bed as it gives a poor impression. Check the lighting to see how your face looks at the time of day you will do the interview. You want perfect lighting, so we view your face without shadows. You may need to add a lamp to one side or in front of your face but out of camera view to get your whole self well lite.
Dress for the camera. Dress up like you would for a face-to-face interview. A suit jacket and solid shirt or blouse work best. Avoid prints or plaids as these don't look good when viewed via a monitor. For women, make-up is appropriate. Yes, you're on video, and you want to look your best. Review some YouTube tips from make-up experts who help you look polished and professional. Try the lipstick online to be sure it shows up and isn't too faded or bold.
Practice beforehand. This is a real interview, and you can land the job or lose it. You can use Skype with a friend to role-play the session. Your movements and nervous actions are exaggerated on video. Watch for your nonverbal clues and facial expressions. Get used to the camera. Focus totally on the interviewer and try to forget the camera. You do need to stare into the camera, so the viewer sees your eyes and not you looking down. Movements need to be slow. Best not to move around too much. Your poise and self-confidence are being assessed here. Be sure to exude these traits and smile often. Show interest and enthusiasm for the job.
Write out your answers. Review the questions you are likely to be asked. Many will require an example to answer. Write out answers. You can craft the best response when you aren't on the spot. Think through work examples and pick the better ones that make you shine in the employer's eyes.

In an interview, you are communicating your message on many different levels. Ensuring your preparations focus on both what you say and how you say it, will help ensure you deliver a polished, powerful and persuasive performance, worthy of any presidential candidate.

Finally, be prepared by completing the following;

Log in on time and always call if running late
Research the company and have a copy of your CV to hand
Know your CV i.e. dates, positions, responsibilities and key achievements
Prepare answers for common questions.
Show interest and let them know why you are interested and why you feel you are suitable for the position.
Remember the interviewers' name and repeat it throughout the interview.
Remember that the interview is a two-way process

REMEMBER
PREPARATION IS KEY - ENTHUSIASM IS PARAMOUNT