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Workplace Tips

NUSU's Interview Tips!

Want to ace your next job interview? Below find a list of some very important interview tips, and easy to make interview mistakes.

Do Your Research!

Interviewers will often ask “What do you know about [company name]?”It is good to be prepared for this question. If this question is not asked it is good to show your knowledge of the company on your own. You can find a lot of information about the company on their website.

Develop a Connection with the Interviewer.

In addition to sharing your knowledge on the company, you should also try to connect with the interviewer. Know the interviewers name, and try to use it in the interview. Listen carefully during introductions. People tend to hire candidates they like, and who seems to be a good fit for the company’s culture.

Practice & Prepare!

  • It is good practice to review typical job interview questions and practice your answers. Strong answers are those that are specific and concise that draw on concrete examples which highlight your skills. Try to use examples from multiple job and volunteer experiences.
  • Make a list of the requirements for the position and match them to your experiences and skills.
  • Listen carefully to all of the questions and answer them exactly. Give the interviewer the response they are looking for.
  • Have a list of questions ready to ask the employer at the end of the interview. This shows your interest in the organization.

Get Ready Ahead of Time.

Get ready for your interview ahead of time. Prepare everything the night before. This includes your outfit, a note pad, a pen, and an extra resume. Have everything ready to go to relieve pre interview stress.

Be on Time!

This means early! Five to ten minutes early is a good time frame. Give yourself extra travel time minutes, time to use the restroom, and time to calm your nerves.  A late interviewee is never impressive, so make sure to be there early.

Try to Stay Calm.

Try to stay calm during your interview. Body language says as much about you as your answers. Proper pre equates in confidence! Maintain eye contact, listen to all of the question, and take time to think about the question. It is unnecessary to jump into the answer and fill the silence with “ums”.

Follow Up After the Interview

When appropriate follow up with a thank you for their consideration. It is good practice to send this within 24 hours of the interview, or 24 hours from the rejection / job offer.

10 Easy to Make interview Mistakes

Here is a list of 10 easy to make (and easy to avoid) interview mistakes. Do not do these!

  • Dressing inappropriately.
    • Make sure you look professional and polished during your interview.
  • Arriving late.
    • Arriving late to an interview shows poor time management skill, and almost always goes over poorly.
  • Bringing a drink with you.
    • This can be seen as unprofessional. Focus on eye contact and the questions. This can also be a risk of distraction (water may be an exception) .
  • Using your phone.
    • Silence your cell phone, or turn it off completely.
  • Not knowing about the company.
    • This is almost always a question.
  • Fuzzy resume facts.
    • Review your resume incase you must refer to it during your interview.
  • Not paying attention.
    • Make sure you are well rested and are properly prepared for you interview.
  • Talking too much.
    • Keeps your answers specific and concise.
  • Not being prepared.
    • Interviewers can almost always tell when an individual is unprepared.
  • Bad mouthing past employees.
    • It is a small world. You never know who has connections with who. This also gives off the impression that you do not work well with others.