Interview Tips

Interview Tips

By Mia Chan

Do’s ✅

📌 Preparation

1. Do your research on the position and organization

• Be familiar with the duties, requirements, and evaluation methods of the position

• Look at the goals, principles, etc. of the organization 

1. Review your application

• Look over your application and any assessment questionnaire responses

• Be able to recount any experiences in the field like personal events that apply to the work environment

1. Practice!

• Research common interview question, and even questions more specific to the position

• Review competency outline to get an idea of the questions that may be asked of you

• Ask if there will be one or multiple interviewers

1. Scheduling

• Be flexible! It maybe slightly earlier or later than expected

• Plan to arrive early. there maybe be check-in procedure, security or other logistics that may require more time 

• Allow for sufficient time for the interview 

• Know the time, place, point of contact (ex. zoom or in person), etc.

• If you require any accommodations for the interview be sure to ask for them as early as possible

• If the interview is virtual, ensure your space is quiet and free of distractions

1. What to wear

• Wear an appropriate outfit! This is often business professional or business casual

• *insert examples*

1. What to bring

• Print a couple copies of your resume

• Have a pen and notepad handy

• Store these belongings in a clean, neutral-coloured folder

📌 During 

1. What to say

• Be able to summarize your experience in about 30-60 seconds (times may vary depending on the interview)

• Describe what you bring to the position and why they should hire you

• Reinforce your interest in the position 

• Thank the interviewer(s)!

• Ask any final questions about the organization or position

• Ask about the next steps in the selection process

• Focus on talking about achievements related to your job like examples of you’re knowledge, skills, and abilities 

• Always ask for clarification if needed

• Be direct!

• Remain positive and avoid negative comments about previous employers

1. Body language 

• be mindful of your body language and tone of voice

• be engaged, giving your full attention to the interviewer

• if desired, take limited notes 

📌 After

1. Any supplementary information?

• Provide any additional requested information as soon as possible

• Give notice to each reference (if needed) in your list in advance 

1. Showing appreciation

• Send a “thank you” email to your contact or interviewer(s)

1. Be patient

• if you have not been contacted within the established timeframe, follow up with your point of contact 

1. Having second thoughts?

• If you wish to withdraw your application, notify the HR specialist and point of contact

Don’ts 🚫

📌 Preparation

1. Not doing your research

• Know your competition and how the component operates

1. Lying on your resume

• All of the content of your resume will most likely be discussed in the interview. Lying about your work or education may damage your reputation in the long run

1. Not bringing extra copies of your resume

• There may be more than one interviewer that needs to see your resume. It is better to be prepared

📌 During

1. Poor body language

• Good body language will set you leave a good impression

• Do not fidget

1. Sitting down before invited

• It’s common courtesy to wait to be invited to sit

1. Getting personal or too comfortable

• Do not discuss money or time off (unless there is an offer on the table)

• Do not act in a conceited or over-familiar manner, like cursing or telling sob stories

1. Not asking questions

• Asking questions will show you interest, especially well-placed questions

1. Speaking poorly about past employers

• Badmouthing or gossiping will not reflect you well

1. Turning up late

• Showing up late is not a quality employers are looking for. 

• If you’re running late, call ahead of time to make arrangements and ensure you have a valid excuse

1. Dressing inappropriately

• Dressing inappropriately will not leave a good impression. Even if it’s trending

1.  Unclear answers

• Take time to for thoughtful answers, do not ramble on

• Do not mumble!

📌 After

1. Not following up

• Even if it wasn’t your best interview, sending a follow-up email may benefit you in the long run 

*design ideas