Regardless of which end of the interview you are on, preparing for success can sometimes seem overwhelming. I’ve listed a few things below that have helped me over the years (on both ends) that you may find useful as well.
– Do your research! Candidates should study the company and know their mission statement, their values, and what skills you possess that would aid in the company’s success. Employers should study the candidate by looking up their LinkedIn profile and thoroughly reviewing their resume. A list of questions to ask is key in staying focused on gathering the information you hope to obtain.
– Maintain a comfortable environment! If offered a refreshment, take it. It feels good doing something nice for someone. Start things off with some light small talk to get comfortable. Maintain eye contact. And SMILE!
– Listen actively! Show genuine interest when asking questions, and be sure to take notes while observing one another’s body language and cues. You want to show that you are engaged in what is being asked as well as answered.
– Be professional! Treat them with the same respect you would expect. Keep the conversation focused on the job for which you are hiring or seeking. Avoid any personal questions touching on race, gender, religion, or disability.
As stated above, these are just a few of the tips I follow so I hope you find them useful. Feel free to reach out to me via LinkedIn for more info or if I can help in any other way!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-mills-hrprofessional
Mike Dunn
Mike spent 24 years as a Major Accounts Manager for a Fortune 50 IT company before launching three businesses that focus on job creation, workforce development, and customer service:
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Katie is a passionate HR professional with deep involvement at both the local and national levels of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). She brings real-time insight into hiring trends, workplace culture, and the evolving expectations of employers in today’s labor market.
