Interviews can be a daunting experience, particularly for those new to the workforce. The added pressure of navigating technical aspects such as remote sessions, deciding how to dress, and ensuring your responses are “correct” can make the process even more intimidating. Many people feel anxiety and stress, and it’s important to address these concerns head-on.
In this blog, we will explore the ins and outs, the dos and don’ts, and key strategies for navigating the interview process effectively.
Understanding Different Interview Formats
Before diving into the specifics of various techniques, it’s crucial to understand that each employer has its own hiring process. For some positions, interviews may be a simple, informal chat about the job’s responsibilities. For others, the process may involve multiple rounds, including detailed questions about your experience, personality, and industry-related knowledge assessments.
General Interview Preparation
There are some fundamental practices you can follow to prepare yourself for success.
Attire
Your attire plays a significant role in how you’re perceived. While dress codes vary between industries and workplaces, it’s generally a safe bet to wear jeans (without rips) or slacks paired with a plain, professional top. Pay attention to your footwear—avoid open-toed shoes. Even if the dress code at your potential employer is casual, dressing a bit more formally for the interview shows respect and effort.
Social Media
Before the interview (and sometimes before even submitting an application), it’s wise to review your social media presence. Employers often look up candidates online, and your social media content can influence their perceptions of you. Consider setting your profiles to private, especially if you have posts that could be deemed unprofessional. Avoid sharing content related to alcohol, drugs, or anything that could harm your professional image. If your accounts are clean and appropriate, you may feel comfortable leaving them public—but it’s always safer to privatize them.
Interview Research
One of the most important steps in preparation is researching the company you’re applying to. Knowing the organization’s history, mission, culture, and accomplishments not only shows your genuine interest but can help you stand out as a candidate. Be prepared to discuss the company’s values and any recent news or achievements. Additionally, researching common industry-specific questions is a valuable tactic. You can find “cheat sheets” or sample questions online and practice your responses with a friend, family member, or even by recording yourself.
When it comes to interviews, the number one factor that contributes to not getting hired is a lack of passion for the job or the organization. Employers want to see that you are genuinely interested in their company, and your enthusiasm should shine through. To help ease anxiety and stress, it’s a good idea to arrive early, take deep breaths, and remind yourself that you are well-prepared for the conversation.
Even though you want to be authentic, it’s important to present the best version of yourself. One mistake candidates often make is providing vague or unprepared answers. If you don’t know the answer to a question, there are strategies to navigate the situation effectively:
- Ask them to repeat the question – This can provide you with a moment to think and sometimes helps you approach the question from a new perspective.
- “That’s an interesting question; can we circle back to it?” – This shows that you are engaged and that you need time to reflect before answering thoroughly.
- “I don’t have direct experience with that, but I’d love to learn more about it.” – This answer demonstrates your willingness to grow and adapt while linking the topic to your existing knowledge.
For example, if asked about your opinion on AI but you’re not well-versed in the subject, you could say:
“I haven’t had the chance to explore AI in depth yet, but I’m eager to learn more. I’m familiar with some AI features in my editing software, which has really enhanced my projects.”
It’s also important to ask your own questions during the conversation. Doing so shows that you’re truly interested in the position and the company. Questions about company culture, team dynamics, and future opportunities are always good conversation starters.
The STAR Method
The STAR Method is a useful technique for answering behavioral questions, which are designed to assess your experience and problem-solving abilities. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. When asked to describe a past experience, structure your answer using these four components.
Example:
Interviewer: “Tell me about a time when you disagreed with a coworker. How did you handle it?”
You: “There was a situation where a coworker and I had a disagreement over the best way to approach a project (Situation). The task was to deliver the project on time, but we had different ideas about how to divide the work (Task). I initiated a calm conversation with my coworker, where we shared our perspectives and worked together to find a middle ground (Action). In the end, our collaboration led to a more efficient workflow, and we delivered the project ahead of schedule (Result).”
References
Before listing references, ensure that your contacts are willing to speak on your behalf. References should be people who are familiar with your work ethic and can provide positive, relevant feedback—managers, professors, or colleagues.
Always Tell the Truth
Integrity is key. Lying during an interview, no matter how small the untruth may seem, can backfire. If you do get hired and your lie is uncovered, it could damage your reputation and career prospects.
Remote Interviews
As remote work becomes more common, virtual interviews have become a standard part of the hiring process. While you won’t have to worry about your physical appearance as much as in-person interviews, it’s still important to look presentable—especially from the waist up, since that’s all the interviewers will see.
Remote sessions offer you the advantage of having your notes and research materials nearby, but make sure they’re out of the camera’s view. This can help you feel more confident and focused.
If you encounter technical difficulties, avoid pretending there’s an issue. Instead, promptly inform your interviewers of the situation by calling or emailing them. Transparency is appreciated and can help mitigate any misunderstandings.
Technical Interviews
In contrast to the typical format, technical interviews assess your problem-solving skills and technical abilities. Employers may ask you to complete challenges, case studies, or technical assessments to demonstrate your expertise. These interviews are designed to evaluate how well you can apply your skills to real-world scenarios.
To prepare, practice solving problems related to the job description. Familiarize yourself with the tools and languages the employer uses and be prepared to explain your thought process when solving problems.
Although a bit more complex than typical interviews, it is important to remember that if they did not think you may be qualified for the position, they would not have asked you for an interview. It is okay to “mess up,” especially as a newcomer into the job force. At the end of the day, interviewers hire people, not skills.
After Interview
After your interview, it is still important to be the best version of yourself there is to be as you are still being considered for the position after the session is over. Here is another checklist of things to do after your interview is over. For all messages, be sure to use proper grammar.
“Thank You” Message
At the end of the day in which your interview occurred, you want to send the people you interviewed with a “thank you” message, usually over email.
Follow Up
Although it takes time to go through various applications, it typically takes employers about a week and a half- two weeks to notify people of their potential acceptance of the position. If you still have not heard back from the organization in this timeframe, it may be advisable to send a message following up on the status of your application.
Keep Up with Skills
Even if you’re uncertain if you have secured your role, it is still critical to practice your skills in case you get the job or apply to a similar one.
Gratitude/ Improvement Message
If you secured your desired position or another interview, congratulations! Now is the time to send your gratitude to your employers and reassure them that they made the right decision by choosing you. To do this, send a message extending your thankfulness.
If you did not get the position, it is okay! The job market tends to be overly saturated. The best course of action in this scenario is to message your interviewers and extend your gratitude for being considered and ask how your skills can be improved upon.
By following these strategies, preparing thoroughly, and staying calm and confident, you’ll set yourself up for success. Whether you’re attending an in-person, remote, or technical interview, preparation is key to showcasing your skills and enthusiasm for the position.
For more one-on-one advice, please Contact Us | MSW Youth Connections.
Helpful Resources:
Follow-Up Email After an Interview: 4 Examples and a Template | Indeed.com
Top 20 Interview Questions (With Sample Answers) | Indeed.com
Dress for Success: A Guide to Professional Attire – Elevate Experiences | Illinois Tech