How To Interview A Professional

Tips For Before The Interview

In the days before your job interview, set aside time to do the following:

1. Start by researching the company and your interviewers. Understanding key information about the company youre interviewing with can help you go into your interview with confidence. Using the companys website, social media posts and recent press releases will provide a solid understanding of the companys goals and how your background makes you a great fit. Review our Complete Guide to Researching a Company.

2. Practice your answers to common interview questions. Prepare your answer to the common question: Tell me about yourself, and why are you interested in this role with our company? The idea is to quickly communicate who you are and what value you will bring to the company and the roleits your personal elevator pitch. Review our guide to answering

Tip: You should come prepared to discuss your salary expectations. If youre unsure what salary is appropriate to ask for, visit Indeed’s Salary Calculator for a free, personalized pay range based on your location, industry and experience.

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Tips on responding to “Tell me about yourself:

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Why Is A Job Interview Important

Job interviews are important because they give you insight into whether you want to hire a candidate. Often in conversation form, the questions asked in an interview can show you a persons skills, job capabilities, and how they contribute to the success of a team or organization. You can use job interviews to compare candidates or build a list of future talent options for other open positions.

Before Turning Down A Job Interview

Before you decide to turn down a job offer, it’s important to consider how your future might get impacted by your decision.

Here is what to consider.

Do you have another interview?

If you have another interview but don’t have a job offer, it might be a little early to consider turning down a job interview.

Remember, a job interview doesn’t mean that you absolutely have to accept the job. It’s simply an interview.

And there’s a chance that the hiring manager or interviewers might not favor you, too.

It’s best to take the interview and see where it leads. Securing yourself against any potential issues that could arise with the job you’re most interested in.

Why are you turning down the offer?

Consider what you might be able to ask for. Is turning down the job interview the only thing that you have left to do?

Perhaps it’s best to consider how much time was spent trying to get into the interview process in the first place.

Is there potential that you could ask for an alternative job title if you aren’t happy with the one you’re interviewing for?

When someone with a strong background enters into the interview process, most hiring managers want to assist them in finding the best place for them. Don’t disregard how the company/hiring manager could help adjust for your preferences.

What’s your plan?

Before declining the job interview, what’s your plan after that? Do you have job interviews lined up already? Are you ready to submit your resume to more job applications?

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The Best Ways To Prepare For An Interview

A study from JDP reports that applicants spend up to seven hours researching the company before their interview. Many candidates also research their interviewer. Because interviewing is often stressful, 70% of those survey practice their responses out loud, and 62% prepare anecdotes to share with the interviewer.

Here’s how to research the job and company, how to practice interview questions and answers, how to dress for the interview, how to follow up after the interview, and more interview preparation tips.

How To Reply Interview Confirmation Via Email

Subject: Interview Confirmation: ,

Dear Mr./Ms. ,

Thank you for the opportunity for the job interview. I will like to confirm interview for the job position at .

I will like to confirm on the details for the interview appointment to be on at .

As requested, I will be bringing for the interview. Please let me know if there is anything else I should bring.

Sincerely,

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What To Bring To The Interview

In addition to getting your interview attire ready the night before, also gather what you need to bring with you:

• Interview location/directions
• Work samples
• Laptop or tablet to showcase your work
• Breath mints with you to use before entering the building

You can bring your smartphone but make sure it’s on mute or vibrate during your interview. It avoids the risk of getting a distracting loud text alert or phone call mid-interview.

Get Your Interview Clothes Ready

Don’t wait until the last minute to make sure your interview clothes are ready. Have an interview outfit ready to wear at all times, so you don’t have to think about what you’re going to wear while you’re scrambling to get ready for a job interview.

Regardless of the type of job you’re interviewing for, that first impression should be a great one. When dressing for an interview for a professional position, dress accordingly in business attire.

If you’re applying for a job in a more casual environment, such as a store or restaurant, it’s still important to be neat, tidy, and well-groomed, and to present a positive image to the employer.

It is also important to think about your makeup and accessories when dressing for an interview.

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General Email Turning Down An Interview

Email subject: Regarding the Interview for Job Title

Hi Stephanie,

Thank you so much for this request to interview with the company. I’m a huge fan of the company. And your team. And I couldn’t be more pleased to have the interview opportunity with this business.

I’ve decided to go in another direction with my job search. And I have to decline the invitation to interview. This has no reflection on you or the company.

I hope you can move forward with another candidate and find a replacement for me as soon as possible.

As of right now, I will withdraw my application.

I hope we can stay in touch and have a positive relationship going forward. If you have any questions, my phone number is 630-999-8746.

Thanks so much Stephanie, I appreciate the opportunity.

Emily

Answer The Dreaded Tell Me About Yourself With Style

Theres no more open-ended question than the one every job seeker loves to hateTell me about yourself. How do you project an image of confidence without arrogance? Do you mention anything personal or stick to business?

Its a good idea to prepare your answer to this question ahead of time. Its often used as an ice-breaker, so go ahead and begin with a few bits of personal information.

Make sure you avoid politics or anything potentially controversial. Even relating something like your enthusiasm for hunting can go wrong if you come across an interviewer whos opposed to the practice. By all means, be interestingif you have an unusual hobby like paragliding or snake charming, make yourself memorable by sharing it.

Dont dwell on the personal for more than a couple of beats. Segue into talking about your professional life.

Dont overdo it. Before the interview, consider three or four personality assets or skills you believe the hiring manager will value. Outline them briefly.

Be concrete. Show how your skills have made a difference in your professional life. But also, be concise. Nattering on about your talents for too long can make you seem arrogant or self-absorbed.

Heres a tip:

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What Skills Would You Bring To The Job

While this is similar to questions like, Why should we hire you? or What can you bring to the company? it allows you to be more specific about your work ethic, style and unique abilities as it relates to the role.

An impactful answer will discuss your hard and soft skills and use the STAR method to illustrate how your unique skills might benefit the team or organization.

Example answer:I can make anyone feel comfortable in a new environment, which makes me a good fit as a human resources assistant. In my previous position, a new employee came to me and told me that she didnt think she was right for the company culture. After talking to her for a few minutes, we realized that she felt too much pressure to participate in company events. I started introducing events that involved fewer competitions and more casual environments, and she quickly grew more comfortable with her team.

Read more: Interview Question: “What Skills Would You Bring to the Job?”

How To Write An Informational Interview Email

During the job search process, you may find an organization or profession that interests you. If you want to learn more about the company or what the role entails, you can ask for an informational interview. Informational interviews can help you determine if you would enjoy working for a specific company or in a certain role. In this article, we discuss what an informational interview email is and how to write one with a template and example to guide you.

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Be Flexible With Dates And Times

Suggest a date and time range that recruiters and hiring managers can work around during their schedule. For instance, let the recipient know your availability during business hours and provide several days during the week for them to consider. Remain open and adaptable if your email recipient needs to reschedule or suggest different dates and times. You may even find information on company websites that can give you an idea of what the most suitable dates and times can be to suggest for an interview.

You Need To Do More Than Just Confirm The Interview

Before we examine the process you should use in your email reply, it is worth explaining why you need to do more than just confirm that you will be there. While it might be tempting to simply send out a short I’ll be there reply, it is vital to focus on being professional at every stage of the hiring process. A formal offer for an interview requires a formal reply that accepts or declines the offer.

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Why Are You Interested In This Position

Interviewers typically want to be sure that you applied for this job because youre genuinely interested in it. Avoid voicing concerns about your current position or companynegative comments about your employer are often interpreted as unprofessional. A good answer will positively frame your transition and communicate your desire to grow in the role youre interviewing for.

Research the role and company ahead of time to understand how it relates to your background. Ask yourself questions such as, How will this position help me advance in my career?, How does the position align with my future goals? and What makes me a good fit for this company or role?

Example answer:While I highly valued my time at my previous company, there are no longer opportunities for growth that align with my career goals. This position fits perfectly with my skill set and how Im looking to grow in my career. Im also looking for a position at a company like yours that supports underserved communities, which is a personal passion of mine.

Read more: Interview Question: “Why Are You Interested in This Position?”

Review The Job Description

The first step you need to take when preparing for an interview is to review the job description. The job description is chocked full of critical details, including the must-have skills and traits the hiring manager needs to find.

Once you bring up the original vacancy announcement, go over it word-by-word. When you spot skills and qualities, consider highlighting them or writing them down in a list. Anything the hiring manager felt was worthy of inclusion will likely come up during your interview.

Essentially, the job description is a cheat sheet. If the hiring manager listed a skill or quality in the job description you should be prepared to show the hiring manager you possess them!

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What Are You Passionate About

Much like the previous question about motivation, employers might ask what you are passionate about to better understand what drives you and what you care most deeply about. This can both help them understand whether you are a good fit for the role and if it fits into your larger goals. To answer, consider this structure:

1. Select something you are genuinely passionate about and explain why youre passionate about it:As a software developer, Im passionate about creating truly beautiful, efficient digital products to make peoples experience with technology memorable…

2. Provide examples of how youve pursued this passion:”…One of the things I loved about my last job was witnessing the results of my teams code update and watching as our months of work yielded positive user feedback…

3. Relate it back to the job:”…Having the opportunity to lead projects from ideation through launch was one of the reasons I was so excited to apply for this role.

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What Is An Interview Confirmation

An interview confirmation is usually send via email to respond to an interview invitation and let the interviewer know about your availability.

Confirmation on an job interview will ensure your interview date and time is set and will not be taken by another candidate.

Furthermore, it gives you the chance to check on important details before the interview and make a good impression to your potential employer by appearing professional with your email respond.

Here we will guide you how to reply to an interview invitation email request professionally, with examples you can use.

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What Can You Bring To The Company

This question is similar to, Why should we hire you? A strong answer will demonstrate the skills you have to be successful in this role as well as your potential to bring a new perspective to the business.

Research the company in-depth to understand its culture and business needs. Explain why your skills, experience and characteristics uniquely position you to advance organizational objectives. Use an example from your work experience that speaks to your skill set.

Example answer:My problem-solving abilities allow me to work extremely well under pressure, which I understand is a common occurrence in this role. In a previous position as the purchasing lead, I had to decide which supplies to order to stay within the budget, but I had a limited amount of time to make a decision. I quickly created a spreadsheet that helped me compare manufacturers prices and was able to order the necessary supplies on time and within our budget. I used the spreadsheet throughout the rest of my time with the company to help them save over $500,000. I will bring the same interest and motivation for making an impact here at ABC Company.

Read more: Interview Question: “What Can You Bring to The Company?”

Explain The Companys Position

Consider starting the interview with a brief introduction of yourself, the role, and some of the organizations goals and objectives. This often provides candidates with a better understanding of job expectations and can give them topics to ask about later in the interview. If you need more information about the specific responsibilities of a role, you might ask the direct manager in advance.

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Top 10 Interview Questions And Best Answers

Review these most frequently asked interview questions and sample answers, and then prepare your responses based on your experience, skills, and interests. Remember that its less about providing the right answers and more about demonstrating that youre the best candidate for the job.

1. Tell Me About Yourself – Best Answers

This is one of the first questions you are likely to be asked. Be prepared to talk about yourself, and why you’re an ideal candidate for the position. The interviewer wants to know why you’re an excellent fit for the job.

Try to answer questions about yourself without giving too much, or too little, personal information. You can start by sharing some of your personal interests and experiences that don’t relate directly to work, such as a favorite hobby or a brief account of where you grew up, your education, and what motivates you.

You can even and showcase your personality to make the interview a little more interesting.

2. Why Are You the Best Person for the Job? –Best Answers

Are you the best candidate for the job? The hiring manager wants to know whether you have all the required qualifications. Be prepared to explain why you’re the applicant who should be hired.

3. Why Do You Want This Job? – Best Answers

Be specific about what makes you a good fit for this role, and mention aspects of the company and position that appeal to you most.

4. How Has Your Experience Prepared You for This Role? – Best Answers

4 Stick To The Subject Of The Interview

Make sure your interview has a purpose. If the purpose is to elaborate the craftsmanship of the singer-songwriters musical abilities, then stick to it. Dont ask him about any other topic like his personal life or how many pets he has. Make sure your questions dont stray from your main agenda of the interview. Dont forget to simplify your questions to avoid confusion from your interviewee.

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Select A Candidate And Follow Up With All Applicants

This is an important step, even though it comes last. Once you decide which candidate to hire, notify the chosen candidate to inform them. Also, thank the other applicants interviewed and let them know the outcome. Getting back to candidates even when they didnt get the job can help establish or grow an organizations reputation. Consider using multiple contact methods, like email and phone, to make sure all candidates receive notice.