- Pre-Interview Research: Before the interview, make sure to thoroughly review the employer’s background. Familiarize yourself with the job description and have a clear understanding of the skills and qualities they are looking for in the position. Familiarize yourself with the duties, responsibilities and requirements of the position. Don’t assume you know everything about the organization even if you have experience with the organization.
- PAR Approach: Be sure and respond to interview questions in a concise and clear manner. The best way to approach this is by using the Problem, Action, Result (PAR) format. In essence this approach helps clarify the problem that the company was facing and what action did you took to solve the problem. Be sure to track down some common behavioral based questions and practice formulating a response based on the PAR format.
- Follow-up: After the interview, follow up with the employer to thank them for their time. Make sure and follow up within 48 hours of the interview. It’s also important to send individual emails to each person involved in the interview process. Also, ask about the next steps in the selection process to include timeframes.
Interview Best Practices
Interviewing can be a nerve-wracking experience for both the interviewer and the interviewee. However, with the right preparation and practices, the process can be smooth and successful for both parties involved. Here are some best practices to keep in mind when participating in interviews: