Job Interview Guide: Best Tips, Practices, and Etiquette 

In this guide we cover essential interviewing practices, such as effective communication, asking thoughtful questions, and presenting yourself professionally through proper attire. Additionally, it highlights common mistakes to avoid during the interview process. 

Preparing for the Interview 

1. Research the company: Understand the organization's mission, values, products, and services. Why did you apply to a job in this company? You should be prepared to explain the reasons why you like, or want to work for, the organization. 
2. Review your resume and be prepared to discuss your experiences, skills, and achievements. Even if you have little or no experience, speak about your skills and any professional goals you would like to achieve through a job. 
3. Anticipate common interview questions and practice your responses. By doing an online search abut common interview questions for jobs in the industry you applied for a job in, you will be able to practice your personal answers to these common questions. As well as understand if you need to prepare more or gain more experience. 
4. Prepare examples that show your abilities and how they align with the job requirements for the role you applied for, this will help you prove you are qualified for the position. 
5. Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the company, role, and workplace culture. Going into a job interview is not just for the employer to get to know you, it is also for you to learn more about the business or company, the people you will potentially work with, and the responsibilities of the job. Use this time to ask about job expectations, how good work is rewarded, what the team does to get along, etc.  

During the Interview 

• Dress professionally: Wear attire appropriate for the industry and company culture. Generally business attire is black, beige or blue dress pants and blazer with a white dress shirt and formal shoes.  
• Arrive early: Aim to arrive 10-15 minutes before the scheduled interview time. 
• Body language: Maintain good posture, make eye contact, and offer a firm handshake. 
• Active listening: Focus on the interviewer, listen attentively, and show interest in what they say. If needed, have a pen and paper ready to take notes and ask questions. 
• Speak clearly and confidently: Use concise and articulate language, avoiding filler words or jargon.  
• Be positive and enthusiastic: Display a genuine interest in the position and the company and share why you chose to apply for the position. 
• Showcase your skills: Provide relevant examples and quantify your achievements when possible. Sharing number-based achievements always makes a good impression. 
• Answering questions: Take a moment to gather your thoughts before responding. Be concise and avoid rambling. If you did not understand a question, you can always ask to have the question repeated or explained.  
• Show your motivation: Explain why you are interested in the role and how it aligns with your career goals and maybe your personal interests.  
• Be honest: If you don't know the answer to a question, admit it, but express a willingness to learn and the reason why you are seeking to grown in the industry.  

Questions to Ask 

A job interview is a great time for you to learn more about a business to decide if you really want to work at the organization. When your interviewer opens the conversation for you to learn more you can ask: 

• What are the main responsibilities of this role? 
• How does the company support professional development and growth? 
• Can you describe the company's culture and values? 
• What would success look like in this position? 
• How does the team collaborate and communicate on projects? 
• What challenges does the company/department face currently? 
• How is good work or a successful project rewarded individually and as a team?  
• Can you provide more information about the next steps in the hiring process? 

Mistakes to Avoid 

Your job interview is the last step to making sure you get the position. Make sure you don’t hurt your chances. Avoid: 

• Arriving late or unprepared. Research the interview location before your appointment and ensure you have all necessary documents and information before arriving. 
• Being overly negative or critical about past employers or experiences. 
• Speaking too much or interrupting the interviewer. 
• Failing to ask questions about the role or the company. 
• Providing vague or unclear answers about your skills or work experiences. 
• Using unprofessional language, expletives, or slang. 
• Appearing disinterested or lacking enthusiasm. 

Mastering the art of job interviews is a valuable skill that can open doors to exciting career opportunities. By following these tips, practicing, and refining your interview technique, you can present yourself confidently and leave a lasting impression on potential employers.  

Remember, each interview is an opportunity to showcase your skills, experience, and passion for the role. You can always practice your interviewing skills with friends or family who can play the role of interviewer, or by finding a local nonprofit organization that offers mock interview sessions.  

The information provided on www.onepercentforamerica.org is intended for general informational purposes only. It should not be considered as professional advice or a substitute for seeking professional guidance.