Ace That Interview

Whether you are pounding the pavement for a new job and/or career change or just want to brush up on your interview skills, Friedman Williams believes that preparation for an interview, whether in-person or via phone, can exponentially increase your chances of moving on to the next step in the hiring process.

How to Prepare Beforehand:

• Fully read and absorb key content on the company’s website, including:
  • Office locations and ballpark number of employees
  • Names and titles of senior management
  • Names, titles, and background of people you will be interviewing with (including their LinkedIn page!)
  • Mission Statement
  • Company history
  • Recent important news, press releases and/or events
• Have fresh copies of your resume and any other requested documents
• Reflect and refresh yourself on your job history and experiences. Have examples prepared of your ability to overcome adversity, work independently and in a team environment, and specific ways your skills and experience match the job
• Refresh yourself on what your day-to-day is like in your current job and what you are truly an expert in (could be technical skills as well as situational)
• Have a compelling and sincere reason as to why you want this position at this company. The hiring manager will respond to personality, energy and motivation as much as how technically able you are.
• Prepare a few questions so you come across as engaged and interested in both the role and company.

Day-Of Essentials

• Have your resume and any other requested documents with or in front of you
• Wear a suit, even if it is a phone interview. This will make you feel more confident and in turn your speech and language will come across at a higher level than if you were sitting on your couch in sweatpants.
• Do not arrive more than 5-10 minutes before the interview and treat everyone you meet with a friendly demeanor. You never know if the hiring manager(s) will ask the receptionist his/her opinion of you or how you behaved.
• Great the hiring manager with a smile and firm handshake. If a phone interview, smile and answer “This is {your name}.”
• Answer every question to the best of your ability and do your best to let your personality, ambition, motivation and technical skills match you to the role and company.

 Make Your Impression A Lasting One

• Follow up with a thank you note for each person you met during your interview. Reiterate your interest in the position and company and why you see yourself successful in their culture and environment.