Interviewing: The 5 - Part Interview

1. Before the Interview

• Do your homework. Find out as much as you can about the company/organization before the interview.
• Do an internet search to find what services or products the company provides.
• Try to find the company’s culture and long-term goals.
• Talk with current employees to learn more about the company.
• Know where you are going. Make sure you know where an interview will be held.
• Ask before the interview about a specific name or desk to which you will report.
•  Arrive 5-10 minutes early. Do not arrive too early, but not late either.
•  Be prepared for the interview. Bring extra copies of your resume, a pen, and questions for the interview. Do not bring your phone or at the very least make sure the phone is on silent.
•  Dress for success. As a general rule dress one or two steps above the position you are applying for.

2. The Start of the Interview (Beginning)

• Inform the secretary/receptionist that you have an interview, whom it is with and the time of the interview
•  When meeting the interviewer, look them in their eyes, shake hands if the interviewer begins to do so, introduce yourself, smile and be confident.
• Keep the communication positive. Watch your posture.
• Let the interviewer lead the interview. 
•  Don’t chew gum, curse, fidget, etc.

3. The Interview (Middle)

• Stay positive and keep good posture and body language.
• Know your resume well and be prepared to answer questions.
• Be thorough with your answers. Be prepared to give examples. If you do not understand the question, ask the interviewer for further explanation. It is okay to take a moment to organize your thoughts before answering difficult questions.
• You do not need to answer illegal questions such as questions relating to your age, religion, race, ethnicity or marital status.
• Don’t focus on your weaknesses or your negative attributes, criticize former employers, discuss personal issues, or salary/benefits.

4.  The Interview (End)

• Ask job-related questions you prepared for the interview.
• If offered the job immediately, be prepared to discuss salary, benefits, work hours. You do not need to give them an immediate answer.
•  If you are told that you will be contacted, ask about (as specifically as possible) how long it will be.  Write that down or make a note of it somewhere.
• Thank the interviewer for their time.  If more than one interviewer, thank them as a group and look at each person directly.

5. The Follow-up

•  Send the interviewer(s) a thank you written note (e-mail, text, card) soon after the interview.
• Follow up with the company 3-5 days after they said they would have a decision ready, or if they did not indicate a specific time period, 1 month after the interview to see if they have made a hiring decision. Remember to keep it brief and professional, and prepare to answer additional questions only if the interviewer asks first.