Are you on the hunt for a new job? Learn all the most helpful interviewing secrets in our full three-part webinar series. Following the first installment about phone interviews and a second chapter on virtual interviews, this third and final installment focuses on the biggest step: in-person interviews.
HR Executive Sara Hill shares insider tips that will lead to a stellar face-to-face interview. It can be tricky when it feels like you’re starting over with each new interview. The key is to get in the zone and treat each interview like a clean slate. Here’s how you can prepare, engage with the interviewer, and set yourself apart afterwards. Follow these steps to get closer to landing the job.
Discover what it takes to have successful in-person interviews in the webinar below:
As of this writing, we’re still in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic, and most of us haven’t gotten out as much as normal in the past year. Luckily, vaccines are now available and it looks like things will be opening up more in the coming months. As we return to normal life, you’re likely to have in-person interviews after passing the initial phone and virtual interviews.
In many ways, going into the in-person interview can feel a bit like starting over. You’ve likely already had a couple — or several — phone or video interviews, generally with different people and often going over many of the same questions. In any case, you have to keep the enthusiasm up and act as charming as you did in that first conversation.
You’ll want to prepare, perhaps a lot more than you did for the earlier interviews. Unlike the phone and virtual conversations, you won’t be able to look at your notes during your in-person interviews! As such, you’ll want to be well practiced and ready to think on your toes.
How do you get in the zone before heading in for your interview? It can help to renew your mindset. Many also find it helpful to visualize yourself in the job position you’re after. It will help keep your eyes on the prize and give you that added confidence and drive to push you to shine. Just remember to take care of yourself, too!
As you do some final preparation, remember to bring extra copies of your resume, check that your appearance is appropriate for the organization (err on the side of dressier if you’re not sure), and keep your manners in check.
During the interview, be prepared to take part in friendly small talk. Regardless of where the conversation takes you, you’ll want to stay alert and engaged, showing your genuine interest in the company and the position. Watch the webinar above for more tips on how to be on point throughout the conversation.
Sara goes over what is called the STAR format: Situation, Task, Action, and Results. Watch the webinar and take note, because this will provide invaluable information to take your in-person interviews to the next level. Be sure to practice answers to anticipated questions using the STAR format.
No matter what happens in the interview, do your best to stay calm and collected. Be ready for curveball questions, and don’t allow yourself to get frustrated, even if it seems they’re egging you on a bit. Instead, stay in the moment and rely on your good self-esteem and value.
After the interview, be prepared to ask thoughtful questions. Sara shares what questions you should and shouldn’t ask here. Re-emphasize your interest, thank them, and be sure to send a thank-you email later, too. Watch our webinar for advice about follow-up expectations as well.
And that’s a wrap! With this advice, you’ll be well prepared to rock your in-person interviews and land that job!
This is the final installment of our three-part Interviewing Secrets series. Look out for our tips on phone interviews and virtual interviews, too.
Petite2Queen is a virtual mentoring community for women who want more out of life and their careers. We are women who have been there, done that… and women who are in it with you. Our virtual mentoring series, podcasts, blogs, and more provide real-life learning, insights, and transferrable skills. Create your own amazing life!