What to do about Interviews: Before, during & after

According to Undercover Recruiter, 33 percent of employers know if they’ll hire a job candidate within the first 90 seconds of meeting them.

This is a striking – and shockingly short – length of time in which you have to make a favorable impression.

However, the impression you make on an employer doesn’t start when you step into the interview, or after you leave it. Instead, you should employ these best practices before, during, and after your interview in order to ensure you’ll make the best impression possible.

Before the Interview

Research the company. One of the worst things you can do is go to an interview with a one-size-fits-all mentality. Instead, know what makes the company different from others. This way, you’ll be able to communicate that you already understand and appreciate the company during your interview.

Prepare the questions you want to ask your interviewers. In nearly every interview, your interviewer will ask if you have any questions for them. Don’t stumble over your answer, but instead have the questions you want to ask prepared beforehand. Be sure to write at least four questions in case some of them are answered over the course of the interview.

During the Interview

Provide details and examples whenever possible. Vagueness or non-specificity can kill an interview. Whenever you have the chance, offer up examples of notable milestones in your career. You can remind yourself to add these details by adding in a “for example” in nearly every question you answer.

Balance demonstrating your excitement about the position and sharing your qualifications for it. Your interviewer wants to know that you’re enthusiastic about the position. After all, who would want to work with a new hire who was already blasé about their new job? But don’t let your excitement outshine what you need to prove to them: that you have the skills to make you able – not just willing – to perform the job well.

After the Interview

Send a stand-out thank-you note. Whether you prefer email correspondence or a hand-written letter, it’s important to send a thank-you note after an interview. Consider including more than just a generic thank-you, however. You might send a follow-up article regarding something you discussed in the interview, or add a note about an interview question you feel that you didn’t answer completely.

Preparation is always the key to success. If your goal is to feel prepared for all stages of the interview process, contact Career Moves. For the past 18 years, we’ve helped over 500 professionals find their ideal positions in accounting and finance. Part of their success was, of course, because of the effectiveness of their interviews, and we know we can help you be just as impressive.