Sample Interview Prep for Candidates

KEY INTERVIEW PREP POINTS Even the most confident person is likely to experience some nerves in an interview situation. In fact, research shows that 55% of interviewees think interviews are the worst part of finding a new job. While it’s completely normal to feel nervous, the more preparation you do, the better you will be able to show why you are the right person for the job. Here are some key points to help land your ideal job.

1. COMPANY KNOWLEDGE Employers want to believe that you have a genuine desire to work for their organization and will be a committed member of the team. There’s nothing worse than being faced with a candidate who hasn’t got a clue about the business and just wants any old job. That’s why it’s essential to demonstrate you understand the company’s history, plans and culture.

An internet search will usually reveal all you need to know about the main people in the business and whether there have been any major changes recently, such as the launch of new products or services. You don’t need to remember tons of information - a few facts and figures are enough to show you’ve done your homework.

2. KNOW THE NAME OF THE INTERVIEWER Make sure prior to the interview that you obtain the interviewer’s title, name and pronunciation. One way to do this is by calling the recruiter or the main number and ask the receptionist for the proper pronunciation of the person interviewing you.

Somehow, after the interview you walked out neglecting to jot down notes or get a business card from the interviewer. You want to follow up the interview by sending the interviewer a personal interview thank-you note but don’t remember the name.

An easy solution is to check with the recruiter, who can supply that person’s name and contact information. If a recruiter was not involved but you remember the interviewer’s title or department, call the company’s operator and ask for the person's name (and spelling).

3. PREP YOUR PORTFOLIO For most it will be a 3-ring binder with plastic page protector sheets and categorized tabs where you record the milestones of your career. For others, it might be a virtual web portfolio that can be stored on a USB or hard drive as well for portability and review.

The elements of a portfolio can vary widely but frequently are composed of items such as: 

10 copies of your resume

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Cover Letter

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Reference Page

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Copies of Letters of Recommendation

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Copies of your I-9 documentation

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Copies of Educational Certificates, Certifications, CompTIA A+, Network+, CCNA, Licenses and Degrees

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Copies of Transcripts

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Copies of Awards, Honors, or other Recognition Items

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Samples of Work or Summaries of Projects. This could include a report you wrote, a print out of a spreadsheet you designed, a flow chart, a test you took, a project summary, a flowchart, etc.

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Positive employment evaluations

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Pen, pad, prepared questions

Your portfolio leaves room for creativity so do not be afraid to include resources that demonstrate your expertise. For instance, a new graduate with a programming specialty might include a list of every programming function he can perform with a certain tool or language. A sales person might include a sample newsletter he created or photos of himself receiving trophies when there are no paper awards to insert in the portfolio.

4. STUDY EVERY DETAIL OF YOUR WORK HISTORY Your resume will contain the highlights of your education and career history but this is designed to be a concise document, so there may be other relevant points to discuss face to face. Before going into the interview, make a list of the less obvious but equally important skills you’ve acquired over the years, whether through formal training or selfdevelopment. These could include proficiency in different software programs, or internal training specific to your current or previous organization.

Having this list handy will allow you to easily demonstrate competency in a particular area, such as the ability to learn new systems and processes.

Cross reference your past experience and training with the description of the job. Do your homework, make comparisons and be ready to talk about these comparisons and how they will benefit the employer.

It’s highly likely that your interviewer has already met several other candidates for the role, so you need to make sure you stand out from the competition. When discussing your abilities and experience, try to steer clear of over-used phrases that your potential employer has probably heard a million times before, such as “I’m a real people person” or “I pride myself on my work”.

Instead you should discuss situations where you demonstrated these qualities with a positive effect. For example, if you do pride yourself on your people skills then you may want to talk about a time when you led a team, helped a colleague or were commended for your excellent customer service.

Study the job description and think of accomplishments from the list of responsibilities and qualifications. If the job description includes customer service, prepare one or two PAR statements on customer service. The same goes for troubleshooting, you can talk about a time when you troubleshot a project in class.

5. SCORE A SUCCESS IN THE FIRST FIVE MINUTES Some studies indicate that interviewers make up their minds about candidates in the first five minutes of the interview – and then spend the rest of the interview looking for things to confirm that decision! So what can you do in those five minutes to get through the gate?

Come in with energy and enthusiasm, and express your appreciation for the interviewer's time. (Remember: She may be seeing a lot of other candidates that day and may be tired from the flight in. So bring in that energy!)

Also, start off with a positive comment about the company – something like, "I've really been looking forward to this meeting [not "interview"]. I think [the company] is doing great work in [a particular field or project], and I'm really excited by the prospect of being able to contribute."

6. LINKEDIN PROFILE You don’t know what you’re missing out on. While you’re reading this, someone is searching LinkedIn for the services you provide. You need to make sure you’re highly visible to that person. This means having a complete profile that’s replete with the right keywords – related to your thought-leadership – so opportunities can easily come to you.

In the future, there will be no job listings. Hiring managers will use their social networks and tools like LinkedIn to find the ideal candidate.

7. PRACTICE YOUR 60 SECOND PITCH Many interviewers begin interviews with this question. So how should you respond? You can go into a story about where you were born, what your parents do, how many brothers and sisters and dogs and cats you have, and that's not okay. Would you rather have the interviewer write down what kind of dog you have – or why the company should hire you?

An experienced interviewer who has met with countless applicants can cut right through the bluff and see a lack of confidence and a lack of preparation when not delivering a well crafted pitch. The goal is to make a great first impression that can last through an hour long interview. A well-developed 60 Second Pitch is an essential key, and should be practiced and perfected.

When prepping for your 60 second pitch, make sure you are: 

Concise. Your pitch should take no longer than 30-60 seconds.

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Clear. Use language that everyone understands. Don't use fancy words thinking it will make you sound smarter. Your listener won't understand you and you'll have lost your opportunity to hook them.

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Powerful. Use words that are powerful and strong. Deliver the "Sis-Boom-Bang" to grab their attention!

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Visual. Use words that create a visual image in your listeners mind. This will make your message memorable.

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Tell a Story. A short story, that is. A good story is essentially this: someone with a problem either finds a solution or faces tragedy. Either type of story can be used to illuminate what you do.

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Targeted. A great pitch is aimed for a specific audience. If you have target audiences that are vastly different, you might want to have a unique pitch for each.

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Goal Oriented. A kick-ass elevator pitch is designed with a specific outcome in mind.

What is your desired outcome? You may have different pitches depending on different objectives. For instance do you want to: make a sale, gain a prospect, enlist support for an idea, or earn a referral.

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Has a Hook. This is the element that literally snags your listener's interest and makes them want to know more. This is the phrase or words that strike a chord in your listener.

8. REVIEW YOUR IT KNOWLEDGE. SPEAK CONFIDENTLY ABOUT IT! Candidates often don't think about whether they are actually answering the questions their interviewers ask. Make sure you understand what is being asked, and get further clarification if you are unsure. Talk about the skills you have and try to steer away from talking about the skill you do not have. Review your technical expertise and create stories based on your technical knowledge.

Give specific examples One specific example of your background is worth 50 vague stories. Prepare your stories before the interview. Give examples that highlight your successes and uniqueness. Your past behavior can indicate your future performance.

9. CONTACT YOUR REFERENCES. LET THEM KNOW THAT YOU ARE INTERVIEWING AND WHERE YOU ARE INTERVIEWING Who Should Serve as a Reference? 

References can be individuals who know your work style, can attest to your performance, time management, punctuality, professionalism on the job and ability to do the work.

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References can be selected from a part-time or full-time job, an internship, and volunteer or paid work experiences.

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References might include current or former supervisors, faculty mentors, campus staff or advisers, coaches or anyone in a professional position who can speak about your character, skills and work ethic.

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References should NOT be family, friends or peers.

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Do not choose people who are not well versed on your background and accomplishments.

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Choose people who have known you for a minimum of three months, though the longer they have known and worked with you the better.

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If you must choose between several people who know you well, select those who witnessed you in positions most related to the prospective job.

Preparing Your References 

Always ask permission from your references BEFORE you use their names. Ask if they are willing to provide a strong, supportive recommendation.

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Make sure you have current contact information (i.e., name, position, organization, email and phone number).

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Ascertain if they are available via phone or email during your critical search time.

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Prepare them in advance by sharing your current resume or CV and cover letter, and the position description.

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Be sure to thank your references after the selection process is complete; it is always best to maintain a strong, ongoing, and professional relationship.

When Submitting References 

You will need to bring at least one copy of your reference list to your interview. Some employers may ask for it before the interview.

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If an employer does not ask by the end of the interview, you should ask them if they would like reference information.

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Create a consistent and professional application packet; your list of references should have the same font, format and paper choices as those used for your resume and cover letter.

10. PREPARE YOUR INTERVIEW ANSWERS Be ready to answer common interview questions such as these: 

Tell me about yourself.

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Why did you leave your last position, or why are you leaving your current position?

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What do you know about this company?

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What are your goals?

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What are your strengths and weaknesses?

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Why do you want to work here?

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What has been your most significant achievement?

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How would your last boss and colleagues describe you?

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Why should we hire you?

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What are your salary expectations?

11. PRACTICE BY DOING MOCK INTERVIEWS It's one thing to come prepared with a mental answer to a question like, "Why should we hire you?" It's another challenge entirely to say it out loud in a confident and convincing way. The first time you try it, you'll sound garbled and confused, no matter how clear your thoughts are in your own mind! Do it another 10 times, and you'll sound a lot smoother and more articulate.

Let’s face it, getting a job interview is exciting but also a little nerve-racking. Like the saying goes, practice makes perfect. Setting up a mock interview is a great way to prepare for your real interview, but only if you do it right. It takes an estimate of 7 to 12 interviews to land a career driven job. Why not start by setting up some mock interviews to start the interview preparation.

But you shouldn't do your practicing when you're "on stage" with a recruiter; rehearse before you go to the interview. The best way to rehearse? Get two friends and practice interviewing each other: Have one person act as the observer and the "interviewee" gets feedback from both the observer and the "interviewer." Go for four or five rounds, switching roles as you go. Another idea (but definitely second-best) is to tape record your answer and then play it back to see where you need to improve. Whatever you do, make sure your practice consists of speaking aloud. Rehearsing your answer in your mind won't cut it.

Here are a few dos and don'ts to help you out. 

DO dress appropriately. Wear professional clothes that you would wear to a real job interview. First impressions can have a huge impact so knowing what to wear to your interview will pay off.

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DON'T just roll out of bed. Believe it or not, the way you dress can affect how you carry yourself so wearing your PJ’s probably isn’t the best decision.

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DO prepare like a real job interview. This means bringing copies of your resume and preparing interview questions and answers.

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DON'T wing it.

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DO feel free to start over. Now is the time to practice your answers, so if you stumble or make a mistake, gather yourself, and start over.

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DON'T freak out if you make a mistake

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DO take feedback constructively. Learn from the feedback you receive so you can better prepare for your real job interview.

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DON'T take constructive criticism personally.

TIP: Doing a mock interview will allow you to spot your mistakes before your actual interview and get you that much closer to landing a job.

12. DRY CLEAN/PREPARE YOUR CLOTHES IN ADVANCE First impressions count. You don’t want your first impression to be a good one, you want it to be a great one. When you are interviewing and you make minor mistakes they may be forgiven due to your positive first impression. If projecting a bad first impression, nothing will be forgiven during the interview. The good news is that you don’t have to reinvent the proverbial wheel when it comes to your interview style. While there may be some leeway in creative fields, the standards for interview attire are already wellestablished. Read on for tips and dress for professional success.

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Conservative. Even if you’re seeking to work in a creative field, it’s wise to dial it down for the interview – it shows that you take the opportunity seriously, and helps you avoid a faux pas.

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Be neutral. The interview is not the time to show off your mastery of the latest color trends. Keep it low. Colors such as black, navy, grey, beige, or white will do the trick.

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Make it a match. It’s said that the shoes make the outfit for a reason. Be sure to match your footwear – if you like to wear heels, keep to a conservative heel.

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Dust off your iron. Your clothes should be clean and pressed, every time.

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Be polished. Scuffed shoes, small stains on clothing, and other minor gaffes will stand out.

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Watch hemlines/cuts. a. Shirt sleeves should extend about a half inch beyond your jacket, and your tie should go to your belt. b. Avoid low-cut blouses, and if you wear a skirt or dress, don’t take it more than an inch or two above the knee.

Go beyond the outfit.

In addition to choosing your outfit carefully, pay attention to your grooming choices, from trimming your hair (or beard, for the guys) to avoiding heavy fragrances or excess makeup. This may mean taking some extra time getting ready, and it’s 100% worth it. Personal style is about how you present yourself. Make eye contact. Offer a firm handshake. When you’re confident in yourself, others will follow suit.

13. POSITIVE ATTITUDE AND FLEXIBILITY In most roles, there are times when you will be expected to go above and beyond the call of duty, or do something that doesn’t technically fit within your remit, in order to get the job done. This is all part of the natural flow of working life and not something to avoid.

Businesses need people they can rely on, so interviewees who demonstrate a willingness to be flexible and stretch themselves are more likely to be hired than those with rigid expectations or working habits.

14. BE ASSERTIVE AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE INTERVIEW Perhaps out of the effort to be polite, some usually assertive candidates become overly passive during job interviews. But politeness doesn't equal passivity. An interview is like any other conversation – it’s a dance in which you and a partner move together, both responding to the other. Don't make the mistake of just sitting there waiting for the interviewer to ask you about that CompTIA A+ certification you earned. It's your responsibility to make sure they walk away knowing your key selling points.

15. SPEAK THE RIGHT BODY LANGUAGE Dress appropriately, make eye contact, give a firm handshake, have good posture, speak clearly, and don't wear perfume or cologne! Sometimes interview locations are small rooms that may lack good air circulation. You want the interviewer paying attention to your job qualifications -- not passing out because you've come in wearing Chanel No. 5 and the candidate before you was doused with Brut, and the two have mixed to form a poisonous gas that results in you not getting an offer!

16. IF YOU HAVE ANY “BARRIERS TO EMPLOYMENT” (GAPS, TERMINATIONS) PREPARE YOUR ANSWERS NOW The most effective way to deal with barriers is “awareness” and solid preparation. Some barriers you know about now. You will have to address them (being terminated from a job, employment gaps, etc.). Be prepared with solid positive answers so the employer is satisfied.

17. BEWARE OF PROJECTING RED FLAGS Arriving late to the interview Arriving even a little late is definitely a big no-no when it comes to a job interview. Give yourself plenty of time to plan out your journey to the location of your interview, ideally a day or two in advance of the actual meeting with the hiring manager.

If you’re not familiar with the destination, check how you’ll get there using Google Maps or another reliable map app. Write down the directions on your phone or a piece of paper, and then make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get there.

It’s also a good idea to account for things that could go wrong, such as accidentally missing your bus or traffic congestion. Arriving to the interview on time can also be considered a red flag, do your best to be a little early. Plan to get to your job interview fifteen minutes early, no matter what happens!

Arriving way too early It may surprise you to learn that arriving way too early for a job interview is another red flag for hiring managers. Being extremely early may make you look desperate, or worse, inconveniencing the hiring manager before your interview even starts.

If you happen to accidentally get to the job interview more than 15 minutes early, take advantage of your free time. Take a quick walk around the block or grab a cup of tea, do a little meditation, review your resume, and relax.

Being unprepared In most cases, a hiring manager can tell if a candidate is unprepared to meet with them for a job interview. Your best bet is to simply do the best that you can to prepare beforehand.

Print out a list of typical job interview questions that you expect the hiring manager to ask you, and then ask a friend or family member to quiz you with them. It might help to make notes to help you remember your best answers to the questions for your actual interview.

Being prepared for the hiring manager’s job interview questions will help you answer their questions confidently and completely.

Bringing some things into your job interview will also make you look more prepared to a hiring manager. When you’re getting ready for your job interview, remember to bring: 

Copy of your resume and cover letter

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List of references and their contact information

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Professional-looking notebook and pen

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Portfolio, if necessary

Not wearing appropriate attire for the position.

This is a variable. A janitor applicant might be acceptable in clean jeans and a T-shirt, although dressing up a bit would be a plus, whereas someone applying for a management position should be wearing proper business attire. Again, it’s a sign of judgment and awareness.

Forgetting the Hiring Manager’s name Don’t forget the hiring manager’s name during the job interview! If you’re not very good at remembering names, write their name down in your notes beforehand, and then bring your notes into the actual job interview if you need to. When you meet them in-person, after they introduce themselves to you, repeat their name out loud again.

Interrupting the Hiring Manager Many people interrupt other people when they feel nervous or excited, two feelings that are very common during job interviews. However, it’s super important that you avoid interrupting the hiring manager when they’re speaking, regardless of how you’re feeling.

The easiest way to avoid interrupting other people is to be conscious of the bad habit ahead of time. But if you know that you’ll be overly nervous or excited during the job interview, one trick that helps is to pause and take a calming breath before you answer any question.

Getting too personal with the hiring manager If you can create a happy rapport with the hiring manager, that’s great, but getting too personal or informal with the hiring manager can be a major red flag if you’re not careful.

Even if you’re a naturally outgoing and friendly person, you should still stay professional, polite, and relatively formal. Remember, the hiring manager may be your boss in the future, so it’s best to always remain respectful.

If you can, avoid discussing topics that may be too personal and don’t ask intrusive questions, no matter how comfortable you happen to feel with the hiring manager.

Stopping the interview ahead of time Sometimes a job interview will go longer than you expect, but it’s important to schedule your time so that you can stay for the entire interview without cutting it short.

Leaving your job interview early could leave the hiring manager thinking that you don’t know how to plan your time wisely or that you’re too busy for them, two poor first impressions that you want to avoid when you’re trying to get a job.

Being distracted Your complete attention should be on the hiring manager at all times… so turn your cell phone off prior to getting to the interview!

Show enthusiasm A firm handshake and plenty of eye contact demonstrate confidence. Speak distinctly in a confident voice, even though you may feel shaky.

Not asking any questions Asking smart, thoughtful questions after the job interview finishes makes you look prepared, engaged, and competent, which are all characteristics that you want to impart when you’re meeting a hiring manager.

It’s helpful to prepare a few general questions before you walk into your job interview, just in case you get flustered during your job interview. Some questions you could ask the hiring manager include: 

How do you feel I could contribute to the company culture?

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Could I help out with the company’s charitable work?

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When can I expect to hear back from you?

18. ILLEGAL QUESTIONS Addressing inappropriate or illegal questions can be tricky. You can certainly choose to answer the question honestly, though a candid response could jeopardize your candidacy for the job.

You can also refuse to answer the question, which may be appropriate in some situations, but can also make you seem defensive or unfriendly if the question was asked without ulterior motives.

Luckily, there are ways to answer these questions without seeming evasive and without being offensive. Here are some techniques: 

Gracefully avoid the question and steer the conversation elsewhere

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Keep your answers short, broad and general

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Redirect a question to your interviewer

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Ask the interviewer why the question is relevant to your job

Remember that sometimes these questions are asked innocently — the interviewer is making conversation and hasn’t been properly trained regarding what questions to avoid. If this is the case, going straight to “I’d prefer not to answer that” can lead to unnecessary awkwardness. Do your best to diplomatically dodge the question first.

19. Question About Criminal Background Interviews are high-pressure situations for many job seekers. Prepare for tough questions about your past. Pay attention to your body language.

Job seekers with less-than-perfect work histories or with a criminal background may have a hard time answering some interview questions. Here are a few tips to increase your chance of getting hired: Never lie to an interviewer or put false information on your resume or application. This will disqualify you when the employer does a background check or checks your references.

Don't give too much information or too many details about your past. Instead, answer questions directly with a relaxed face and a genuine smile. Address any concerns an employer might have about your past. Then steer the interview back to your skills and the positive traits that you bring to the job. For example: "I can see why that gap in my work history might concern you. But that was several years ago and since then, I have maintained a solid work record. I come to work on time and don't call in sick. I am a very hard worker and quick learner."

Avoid talking about negative issues at the very beginning or the end of an interview.

Employers are more likely to remember their first and last impression. If possible, try to address your criminal history in the middle of the interview. Then end with a summary of your qualifications.

If asked to give information about your past (convictions, incarceration, drug and/or alcohol abuse), say something like: "I understand that you have questions about my background. I assure you that I have learned from my mistakes and have corrected past problems. I have spent the past few years training for this career path because I am more mature now and have a solid plan for my future. If given the chance, I will give your company 100 percent effort. I will be at work early, and even stay late if necessary. I know you will not be disappointed if you hire me."

Use every opportunity to talk about your current activities and future plans. Emphasize the education and job training, community work, and other activities you have done since your release. Talk about your career goals, how you chose them, and how the job you are applying for fits those goals.

Your Body Language Even when you are not speaking, you are sending a message. How you walk, your posture, eye contact, and how you dress all say something about how you are feeling and what you are thinking.

Sometimes your body language can give off the wrong signals. People may think negatively about you because if it. This can be problem during job interviews if you seem too nervous, uninterested in the job, or like you are hiding something or not telling the truth.

When you practice how to answering interview questions, pay attention to your posture and eye contact. Remember to smile often stand and sit tall. Shake hands firmly and show interest in your face.

Acting natural in a stressful situation like a job interview can be hard. The more you practice your interview skills, the easier it will be for you to answer questions and give positive cues with your body language.

20. MANNERS If there’s ever a time to be on your best behavior it’s in an interview. This may seem an obvious point but it’s something all too many people forget. Be polite to everyone you meet, from the receptionist to your potential boss. Smile; say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ when appropriate and show that you would be a friendly and valuable member of the team. When it comes to making a final decision between two equally qualified candidates, the one who comes across as most personable is bound to get the job!

If you remember all these points when preparing for an interview then you can feel confident you will perform to the best of your ability on the day.

21. CLOSE ON A POSITIVE NOTE If a salesman came to you and demonstrated his product, then thanked you for your time and walked out the door, what did he do wrong? He didn't ask you to buy it! If you get to the end of an interview and think you'd really like that job, ask for it! Tell the interviewer that you'd really, really like the job – that you were excited about it before the interview and are even more excited now, and that you're convinced you'd like to work there. If there are two equally good candidates at the end of the search – you and someone else – the interviewer will think you're more likely to accept the offer, and thus may be more inclined to make an offer to you.

Even better, take what you've learned about yourself from your career assessment and use it to explain why you think this is the job for you: "I've done some careful career self-assessment, and I know that I'm most interested in [one or two of your most important career interest themes], and – correct me if I'm wrong – it seems that this position would allow me to express those interests. I also know that I'm most motivated by [two or three of your most important motivators from your assessment], and I have the sense that if I do well, I could get those rewards in this position.

Finally, I know that my strongest abilities are [two or three of your strongest abilities from your assessment], and I see those as being the abilities you most need for this position." If you follow this tip, you'll be (a) asking for the job, (b) explaining why you think it's a good match, (c) displaying your thoughtfulness and maturity, and (d) further disarming the tug-of-war dynamic that interviewers anticipate. You'll be making the strongest possible "close" – and that's worth a lot!

22. TELEPHONE INTERVIEW There are two types of phone interviews -- scheduled and unscheduled. Often the first contact for a scheduled one comes by email or via LinkedIn, but theoretically your phone could ring at any time. So make sure you answer it yourself (keep it out of reach of your two-year-old) and have a professional voicemail message.

Unscheduled calls never work in your favor. If you're caught by surprise, schedule another time to talk. Nobody will blame you for saying something to the effect of, "Great to hear from you. I am not at my desk and won't be able to give this call the attention it deserves. When can I call you back?"

Do your homework. Thoroughly research the company and the interviewer, just as if you were preparing to meet in person. Expect some variation on the question, "What do you know about us?" If you are not able to state the company’s key figures, strategy and markets, the interview might be over after only three minutes. One of the nice things about a phone interview is that you can have your "cheat sheet" in front of you.

Dress to impress, yes even for phone interviews it is important that you dress right. Research has found that humans perform best when they are well dressed. It is a psychological impact that propels us to do better when we are dressed professionally and conservatively. Wearing your pajamas during the interview can be hazardous as your psych is still in a relaxed mode and you are not in a productive frame of mind.

Prepare questions. These can make or break an interview. Design them with two goals in mind: To give you the information you need to determine if you want to go further; and to show you are perfect for the job.

Create a comfortable environment. If you don't have a lot of experience with phone interviews, you might find them more stressful than live ones. So do everything you can to feel at ease.

Shut out distractions and eliminate background noise (for example, from young children and pets). Have a glass of water handy. Print out your résumé and mark key parts that you want to highlight in the conversation. Be ready 10 minutes early, so you don't sound rushed. If you will be talking on a landline, turn off your cell phone; if you plan to do the interview on a cell phone, make sure it is fully charged. Have a paper and pen handy, so you don't have to take notes on your computer during the call -- the keyboard clicks might be distracting for the interviewer. If your computer makes audible pings as you receive email, turn off the sound.

DURING THE PHONE INTERVIEW Listen first. Usually, the interviewer will set the stage. He or she will talk about expectations, why the person before you left, what it takes to be successful in this company and what the major challenges will be. Take notes so you are able to respond to all these points when it is your turn to talk.

The theme of a successful interview is finding things that you have in common. Flagging them helps you bond with your future boss or the human resources manager. Look for ways to make these connections – for example, by saying, "Sounds familiar: We had a similar situation at company ABC. Here is what I did. And these were the results."

Then talk. When we are in front of someone, we can send and receive visual cues. On the phone, we must make a good impression purely with our voices. Drink as much water as you need to avoid having to clear your throat. If you haven't talked in several hours, do some voice exercises before the call. Posture is important too and has an impact on your voice. Stand, or make sure you sit up very straight, during the call.

Smile as you speak. If you don't believe the difference this makes, test it by leaving yourself two identical voice messages -- one with and one without smiling. During the phone interview, a good time to smile is when you talk about the work you've done, ask questions, or express your enthusiasm about the company.

Create a positive ending. If you really want the job, end the call on a positive note. Say something to the effect of, “Thanks for the call. I like what I heard and from this information, I am confident I could fill the role. I am very interested in this job and would be pleased to meet you in person. What is the next step?”

AFTER THE PHONE INTERVIEW Send a thank-you note. Let half a business day go by and then send a brief note (no longer than one screen shot). This email should come on the same day, but not immediately after, the call. Confirm your interest in the company, ability to do the job and desire to take things to the next step.

Be patient. You won't necessarily get a reply email to your thank-you note. Follow up one week later, and again after two weeks. I do not send more than two of these "chasers." After three weeks, I write one last reminder saying, "Dear Mary, I was happy to talk to you on [date].

Please note that this is my third message and I will no longer bother you. I am still interested in the job (in my case, the search assignment) we discussed and would be delighted to make your acquaintance soon." After that, it's up to them.

Face reality. We are all up against stiff odds. Do not take rejection personally. Once you've followed all these steps, move on to other things. Remember: Somewhere out there is a job for you. You just have to find it.

23. VIDEO/SKYPE INTERVIEWS These days, making a good first—or fifth—impression isn't necessarily done in person. Remote interviews and business meetings are becoming more common in today’s workforce. According to a 2012 Census Bureau report, about 13.4 million U.S. workers currently work from home. CNN Money reports that the number of people who work at home at least one day per week has increased in 2010 to 9.5%, up from 7% in 1999.

As with all interviews you must sell yourself as the best possible candidate. All 21 topics discussed in this presentation apply, with a few more to add. Let’s review: Whether your call is video or telephone, do it in a quiet, businesslike setting, ideally in a room with a door.

“Look behind you, because that's what (they’ll) see.” A cluttered background may distract your audience, not to mention send the wrong idea of your organizational skills. Also, rid the area of personal items—no need to share too much information. A blank or neutral background is best, with a well-organized desktop.

Be sure to inform anyone else at home about the meeting; you don’t want to be interrupted by a sudden blast of stereo music or someone bellowing your name. Feed and walk the dog ahead of time, and call a sitter (or a neighbor) if you have young children.

Practice It First Your first few video calls are bound to feel awkward as you figure out where to look, what to do with your hands, or how loudly to speak. But it’s easy to work out those kinks ahead of time.

“Conduct a practice interview with a friend, and record it so that you‘ll have an accurate idea of how you come across on video.”

Analyze your tape (you can practice using a free service like Skype) and repeat the process until you feel comfortable with the result.

Don’t Forget to Smile!

At an in-person interview you’d naturally smile upon arrival, and try to keep a pleasant facial expression for the duration.

It’s more difficult to do this with a telephone and remote interview. Lacking a ‘live’ person in front of you, and sidetracked by thoughts of equipment or cameras, you might be less likely to smile reflexively. If that's the case, you can seem like you're staring wide-eyed at the camera.

“Smiling is the best way to break the ice and develop rapport with your interviewer. And on the phone, your smile will come through even though the interviewer can't see you,” as discussed earlier.

Of course, it’s difficult to smile sitting alone in a room. Just before the call, loosen up by smiling before a mirror, or call a friend who never fails to make you laugh. If you need to, hang a silly picture or Post-it note on the wall (out of camera range) to remind you to stay upbeat.

Stay Present Ever heard of active listening? Especially with a phone interview, it’s important to give the other caller periodic clues that you’re still there. After all, do you like speaking into silence?

It is suggested that you interject listening sounds ("hm," or "yes") as your interviewers speak.

In addition to making your conversation more pleasant, it also reassures the other party that the technology is functioning correctly and you are, indeed, still listening.

And even though the people can’t see you, never tinker with your computer during a call.

Nothing screams “not listening!” like the tapping of a keyboard in the background. Even if other callers are engaging in a side conversation, follow along so you can jump back in as soon as it’s appropriate.

Go Ahead and Cheat One advantage to a video or phone interview is that you don’t have to remember everything you want to mention.

“You can have notes in front of you—without your interviewer knowing.” “Place your resume in front of you, news about the company, questions you want to ask and potential talking points.”

Of course, you don't want to be reading off the page verbatim, so make sure you’re familiar with your material, and keep your notes in an easily scannable format to get what you need at quick glance.

Address Tech Problems Immediately When you’re relying on video or phone equipment, there's a good chance you’ll experience a technical glitch: a weak connection, interference or garbled signals.

You may hesitate to draw attention to the problem, but you don't want to give an inaccurate answer because you didn’t understand the question. A simple “excuse me?” works fine. But if the problem persists, bring it up.

“If you’re getting too many blips, it’s good to stop the call (and redial),” says Cober. “The future employers may take away that you’re a problem-solver, and you would provide top-quality service if employed by them.” Not to mention that fixing this kind of issue is just plain polite.

Prepare Your Environment Checklist 

Test your video connection. Make test calls to check sound and light levels. If using Skype, use a professional username.

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Set up a clean, quiet, neutral room with good lighting. There should be no religious, political or controversial pictures or posters in the background.

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Make sure there will be no interruptions (no kids, pets, T.V.’s, radios).

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Have a copy of your resume, notes, prepared answers and questions ready.

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Be prepared to take notes during the call.

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Dress as if you were going to an in-person interview, from head to toe.

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Take 15-20 minutes before the call to relax, focus and center your thoughts.

PRACTICE 

Record yourself answering common interview questions and your 60-Second Pitch. Take note of your: Pace – Did you speak too quickly or slowly? Clarity – Did your words clutter together? Did you ramble? Were your stories easy to understand? Tone – Did it sound like you were reading from a script? Were you too casual (slang, ums, likes)? Body Language – Did you slouch? Did you maintain eye contact? Do you talk with your hands? Keep your eyes on the camera, not the screen.

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Listen before you speak. An interviewer may give you details which you can use to ask follow up questions.

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If you don’t understand a question, ask for clarification. Take time to formulate your answers.

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Handle technical glitches professionally. If something goes wrong, remain calm. Clearly explain what happened, hang up the call and dial again.

CLOSING AND FOLLOW-UP Close the interview by thanking the interviewer for their time, stating that you’ve learned much from the call and are excited to proceed in the process. Then ask ‘what are the next steps?’  Send the interviewer a thank you email within 24 hours. The email should re-emphasize your interest in the role and mention a topic that was discussed during the interview. DOs Do test the video connection in advance

TIP: Creating a cheat sheet will help you feel more prepared and confident. You shouldn't memorize what's on the sheet or check it off during the interview. You should use your cheat sheet to remind you of key facts. A cheat sheet is not really cheating. It's a checklist to make sure you stay focused before, during and after the interview.

By following these simple interviewing tips you can begin to control the direction and tone of the interview. Taking charge during your meeting by preparing effectively will boost your confidence, creating a positive environment during the interview. If you don’t get the job then try not to feel too disheartened. Instead try to think about where you could do better next time and take steps to fill any knowledge gaps or work on your interview technique with a friend.

24. THE 'ONCE IN A MILLION' COINCIDENCE As this implies, it almost never happens, but we know of rare occasions in which the candidate has had some negative interaction with the interviewer prior to the interview. There could have been impolite comments exchanged on the elevator on the way to the interviewer’s office or when you were both waiting in line at Starbucks. What horror it is to see that person sitting behind the desk when you come in for the interview!

The best way to address this is to tackle it head-on. Before the “official” interview questions start, acknowledge the unfortunate incident that took place earlier and apologize if appropriate.

Make clear that you don’t want it to negatively influence the interview.

In your thank-you note, acknowledge that there was some unpleasantness between the two of you prior to the interview. Indicate that you’d like to put that aside and move forward with the possibility of working for the company.

Interviewing for a job can lead to all kinds of unexpected situations. The key is not to get flustered. There is always a way to recover from an awkward interview so that you end up in a positive light and leave the door open for future interactions.

DAY BEFORE INTERVIEW Check the weather forecast.

Your job is to project a great first impression; you will fall flat if you show up with a wet suit.

Check your grooming.

Get a haircut, and make sure you have clean nails.

Lay out your interviewing clothes.

Follow Per Scholas guidelines.

Get your portfolio ready.

10 copies of your resume, pen, pad, job description, certifications, degrees, prepared list of questions (10), typed reference page and work samples you may have.

Fill out the sample application with all of your information.

A sample application will provide key information to easily and quickly transfer to the onsite application, making you look polished and well prepared.

Have accurate directions.

Record the address and directions in a separate piece of paper in case your phone or GPS malfunctions and you have a hard copy.

DAY OF INTERVIEW Eat a good healthy breakfast.

Make sure to have a healthy amount of protein to help keep your mind sharp during the interview. Nothing too heavy that may get you drowsy. If necessary take a power bar to keep in your suit pocket or purse in case you get hungry later. Do not eat in the reception area or during the interview.

Bring mints (if needed), comb and brush, umbrella if raining.

Have you ever worked with someone with a hygiene issue? It is a serious problem. You don’t want the interviewer to be concerned about your hygiene.

Arrive 20 minutes early.

Remember first impression Be friendly and polite to everyone.

There are relationships that have been in place prior to your arrival. You are the new face, everyone else knows each other and they will talk about you to your possible employer with negative or positive feedback. Do your best to project your best self always.

Have an IT magazine, and read it while waiting.

You want to impress the employer by allowing her to see you researching and preparing for the interview. This displays passion. Do not use your phone for this task.

Fill out application neatly and completely. No errors.

Use sample application as a guide.

BEFORE AND DURING THE INTERVIEW CHECK LIST 

Observe employees and “culture”. Read available company literature.

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Greet interviewer by name and give firm hand shake. SMILE.

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Maintain good eye contact.

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Smile often. Sit up straight.

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Have a confident appearance.

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Speak clearly and articulate every word. Show passion and energy!

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Try to focus on the points you have prepared without sounding rehearsed or stiff.

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Relax and enjoy the conversation.

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Learn what you can about the company.

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Be prepared to answer standard questions. Study!

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Ask questions and listen; read between the lines.

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Have at least 10 questions for the employer (in writing)

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Avoid generic answers. Give full answers with details.

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Structure answers so they relate to employer’s needs, as stated on the job postings.

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Use “success stories” to demonstrate your important skills and traits.

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Make a strong case why the employer should hire you.

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At the end of the interview ask what the next steps are.

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Don’t discuss salary/benefits (unless the employer does)

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At the conclusion, thank the interviewer, and determine the next steps.

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Ask for the interviewer's business card so you can send a follow-up letter.

AFTER THE INTERVIEW 

Reflect on the interview. What could you have done better?

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Send thank you note via email within 24 hours.

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Proof THOROUGHLY. Reinforce why you are the right candidate for the job.