Interview Preparation: Step-By-Step Guide
There’s a lot to do and remember when preparing for interviews. And then, after all the stress of researching and rehearsing your answers, you still have to actually do the interview. Get prepared and confident with this interview checklist. Following these tips and reminders for before, during and after your interview, your experience should be smooth sailing.
Leading up to the interview
- Research the company, industry and position as well as the organization’s competitors.
- Prepare questions to ask the interviewer. They will ask if you have any questions, so have some ready to go.
- If you’re required, ask permission from your references to submit their contact information.
- Research salaries that align with your position, experience, skills and local region.
- Prepare for behavioural and situational questions. Create a list of stories of challenges or situations you’ve faced at work in the past.
- Complete any required assignments or assessments.
Extra tips for remote interviews
- Download any necessary software or apps needed for the interview
- Check that your camera, microphone, and other required equipment are in working order.
- Have a backup plan in case something goes wrong. Yes, sometimes technology fails us.
Prep your interview responses
Prepare answers for some of the most common interview questions:
- Tell me about yourself
- What is your greatest strength and weakness?
- Why are you interested in this position?
- Why did you leave your last job?
- What is your expected salary?
- Why are you a great match for this job?
- Where do you see yourself five years from now? 10 years?
- What is your most outstanding achievement?
Read more:
7 questions for technical interviews
6 Common Remote Interview Remote Questions
Day of the interview
- Take a look in the mirror. Are you dressed professionally? Appear well-kept?
- Before you leave, ensure you have hard copies of your resume and references and a notepad and pen to take notes.
- Give yourself ample time to arrive at the interview. Consider obstacles such as potential traffic or weather. It’s always better to leave early than right on time.
- When you arrive, find a washroom to give yourself one last once over in the mirror.
- Greet the receptionist to check in, so the hiring manager knows you have arrived.
Extra tips for remote interviews
- Again, just like in-person, dress appropriately. Take note that solid colours appear best on webcams.
- Find a quiet room where you will be free of interruptions.
- If video calling, position yourself in front of preferably a blank and well-lit wall or use a blurring effect on the background if available.
- Before the interview, do one last test of your camera and microphone.
During the interview
- Smile and maintain eye contact.
- Focus on the points you’ve planned to share without sounding too rehearsed.
- Relax, remember it’s just a conversation.
- Listen, but don’t be afraid to ask questions if needed during the interview
- Take your time when responding. It’s okay if you need a moment to gather your thoughts.
- At the end, thank the interviewer for their time and ensure you understand the next steps.
Remote interview tips
- Typical in-person interview etiquette is expected, with a few additional reminders.
- To account for sound delays, pause a second longer than usual to ensure the other person has stopped speaking before giving your response.
After the interview
- Send a follow-up email thanking the hiring manager for their time and remind them of your interest in the positions
- Reflect on your first impression of the company. Can you envision yourself working there?
- Think about how you did during the interview. What went well? How could you have done better?
IT Recruitment Agency in Toronto | About Live Assets | IT Staffing Solutions
Live Assets is a boutique IT Staffing/Recruiting firm specializing exclusively in building IT teams of excellence for the Information Technology sector.
We are a small, but productive team that works closely together and has had a 96% success rate for the past number of years!
We have a diverse number of clients and industries and focus on both full-time and contract I.T. opportunities.
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