Every Thursday, we do something fun on social media aptly named “Thursday Thoughts,” where we ask our followers to share their insights and advice on various career-related topics. Recently, we asked, “What is the best advice you like to give out before someone you know interviews?”
Here are some of our favorite answers:
“Start off with a firm handshake and eye contact when introducing yourself.”
First impressions are everything when it comes to interviews! You only get one chance to make a great first impression. A firm handshake and eye contact are a great way to start off on the right foot (and don’t forget a smile!).
“At Johnson Search Group, we like to coach our candidates on the due diligence prior to their interview. Doing this aids you in talking points throughout the interview process.”
Doing your research before an interview will boost your confidence and make a notable impact on your interviewer. Try to look for information beyond just the company website. Keep an eye out for social media updates on company culture, any recent news, and search for your interviewer on LinkedIn. Jot down a couple tidbits that you can sprinkle into your interview answers or that inspire a couple end-of-interview questions.
“If you are in the interview room before the interviewer, don’t be on your phone when they come in. I personally think it’s unprofessional and may not be the best first impression.”
Not only does phone scrolling tend to look unprofessional, it’s a waste of valuable time! If you’re waiting for your interviewer to arrive, it’s the perfect opportunity to review your pre-interview notes, get out copies of your resume, or even just to observe the environment around you (you never know what you might learn!).
“Ask questions. It’s not just you being right for the company, it’s if the company is also right for you.”
Asking great questions at the end of the interview will not only show how invested you are in this position, it will help you determine if this is the right company, culture fit, and job for you. (These are some of our favorites!)
And most importantly…
“Prepare, prepare, prepare…. Research the company, ask for the job description, look up your interviewers on LinkedIn. Think of examples to use that highlight your skills, write them down if you need to. Be confident and energetic when communicating the information you gained from this preparation.”
We think Christopher summed it up pretty nicely – never go into an interview unprepared! For more interview, resume, and job search tips, visit the JSG Blog.
