Job interviews
A job interview can be very stressful. In order to prepare for your next job interview, we give you five Interview tips! There are specific examples here of technical interview questions that are typically found in technical companies. These interview tips will help you ace your next job interview!
Research
Go online and find out as much information as you can about the company and anyone you will be interviewing with. Companies are blown away when you can mention press releases, know their revenue numbers, quote statistics, know backgrounds of executives, etc. Many times this information is not available, but some savvy online searching can turn up valuable information about a company.
Cover strengths, weaknesses, etc.
Think about questions related to where you are in 2 to 5 years, your most difficult work situation, your most stressful job, your favorite job, what kind of person you’d like to work for, etc… Sit down and come up with answers to all of the stereotypical questions that get asked in interviews. And take a few minutes to write down the questions and answers so that you don’t have to re-invent the wheel with each interview.
Prepare for Behavioral Questions
Many companies use an interview technique known as behavioral interviewing. This method of interviewing asks candidates to give specific examples of situations they have encountered. Take time to go through the questions below and write out examples to keep for future interviews. It can be difficult to come up with good examples to behavioral interview questions on the spot, and you will be far better served if you can determine good examples in advance.
Work-related examples of:
- How you handled not meeting a deadline
- How you dealt with conflict with a co-worker or boss
- What you did when someone else’s actions caused your project to fail
- When you have shown initiative
- What you did when a customer was upset with you
Arrival
Arrive for your interview at least 5 minutes early but no more than 10 minutes early. Everyone has their watch set differently, and giving a 5 minute cushion is a good idea. Some interviewers are also very time-sensitive and notice if you’re even one minute late. However, arriving more than 10 minutes early will often pressure the first interviewer if they are not ready for you yet. If you are running late or think you might be late, call ahead of your arrival to let them know.
Introduction
When introducing yourself to each interviewer, give your first and last name, make eye contact, and let the interviewer be the person to initiate a handshake. When shaking hands, match the pressure of their handshake. Do not be limp or unusual with the way you shake hands. Wait a moment and smile at the interviewer after meeting them.
