The first Do, is to research the company you are interviewing with. This seems to be a no brainer but it cannot be stressed enough. Search through the company’s website, look at their mission statement and any key words they use, as well as any recent good news that can be found. You never know the questions you will be asked in the interview so do the legwork. Those who fail to plan, plan to fail. Additionally, interviewees do need to show up early, dress appropriately, and be kind and courteous to everyone, gatekeepers especially.
Once a candidate gets through to the interviewer, the questions begin. Do keep all answers on a professional level. The person interviewing you does not need to know about the crazy Aunt in your family or the time you went to Cabo on holiday. Do try to be as honest as possible. If asked about personal weaknesses, an honest answer is not that you are a perfectionist. Pick an actual weakness and mention actions you have taken to turn this into a strength. If you have a weakness in organization, talk about the class you took on the subject or the date book you have started keeping to help with this. Do expect a situational question to be asked. For example, “name a situation where you faced a difficult work decision and what you did to overcome it.” The best way to handle these questions are through the STAR method. Describe the situation, relay the task, detail the actions you took during, and lastly the results of this action.
The last do, is to be prepared with your own questions. At the end of every interview, expect to be asked if you have any questions. By this point, you have sweated through your shirt and the adrenaline has started to wear off. Instead of relying on the fact that you may be able to come up with things on the fly, it is good to come up with a few good stock questions just in case nerves get the best of you. Follow these Do’s and the interview process should be a little easier.
Ashley Herbert
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