Interview do’s and don’ts

Your Job Interview Guide

Interviews can be tough, no matter how many times you’ve been through them. But, trust us, if you take the time to get to know the position, the responsibilities and the company, we promise you’ll feel a lot more comfortable. And you’ll be ready to talk about how your skills, experience and personality will fit right in.

Know about the hiring company

Find out as much as you can about the company—from its history to its future. Use these sources:

• Your recruiter
• The internet
• Trade journals
• Annual report
• Friends and business associates

Know your career

Sure, that might sound strange, but you have a lot to remember, right? So make sure you remember it all. Start by brushing up on your entire career history

Remember, the employer won’t hire you only for your skills and experience. They’ll also consider your: Attitude, Education, Communication, Technical Backgrounds... So, prepare your elevator speech.

Ask questions during the job interview

Here are some questions to ask to your interviewer during the job interview:

• What are the main responsibilities of the job?
• Who does the position report to?
• Who has been successful in this job and why?
• Who has failed and why?

Questions to answer for the job interview

There are no 100% right answers to these questions, but there is a right way to answer them—make sure your answer is direct, confident, honest and thoughtful. For a little extra help, check out these great sample answers:

What do you look for in a job?

Sample answer: “First and foremost, I want to work for a company that I admire and respect. I also look for the right opportunity that fits my experience and skills and will allow me to grow. It’s also important for me to constantly feel challenged and make an impact for the business. That’s what I think this job offers and why I’m so excited about it.”

How long would it take you to make a contribution to our company?

Sample answer: “Right from the start, my skills and experience would allow me to play an important part on your team. And once I get more familiar with the company’s goals and resources, I think I’ll make an even more valuable impact.”

Why are you leaving your current job?

Sample answer: “I enjoyed my work, but I’m anxious to expand my knowledge and take on more. Honestly, the great opportunities at this job did not exist in my last position. That’s why I’m very interested in your company, and all that you have to offer. And I’m confident that I can do an excellent job.”

Follow-up letter for your job interview

After the interview is over, it’s important to follow up. This gives you a chance to say things you forgot or to correct things you wish you had said differently. More importantly, a lot of people have forgotten the importance of following up, so this could make you stand out!

Interview follow-up email

Sending follow-up letters via email is a bit on the impersonal side, so we recommend avoiding it, unless it’s necessary due to timing or special circumstances.

If you just can’t get around sending an email, no worries; the rule of thumb is to send the letter as an attachment.

Here is a bonus for you, it includes more job interview tips, mistakes to avoid, exercices & samples.