Interview

What is an interview?
An interview is a meeting in which you answer questions that

highlight your skills and qualifications for a job. Interviews are
often held with one interviewer and an interviewee, but you
may meet with multiple interviewers at once.
You might also go through multiple rounds of interviews that

ensure you’re the right candidate for the job. Interviews can
take place in person, over the phone or video call or even in a
group setting.
The pre-interview process
Before your interview, you will have already been in
communication with a recruiter or even the hiring manager. It’s
likely you already sent them your resume and cover letter after
determining their job posting interests you. If required, you
might have also provided them with your portfolio or other
supporting materials they can use to evaluate you as a potential
asset to their company.
If they think you might be a good fit for the role, you should
expect to hear back from them. In this scenario, they’ll either
ask you to come in for a formal interview or ask to speak with
you over the phone or via a video call. If the latter is the case,
this means they want to get to know you a bit more before
moving forward.
Recruiters will often screen candidates by phone before asking

them to come in for a formal interview. Be prepared to answer
general questions about your background and experience. They
will also be gauging your interest in the role and the company
itself.
You can rest assured that they felt confident enough in your
abilities to want to know more about you and your expertise.
During the interview

While every company and human resources department works
differently, the way they structure their interviews is generally
the same.
When you arrive for your interview, head to the secretary or

reception desk and let them know who you are and what
position you’re interviewing for. You’ll likely be asked to sit in a
waiting area until the hiring manager is ready to see you. It’s
important to stay off your phone so you don’t seem
disinterested in the role.
Once the hiring manager has greeted you, they’ll likely escort
you to their office. They might engage in small talk during this
time. It’s important to stay attentive and actively listen to
everything they have to say, even before the interview has
officially begun. The hiring manager will then provide you
details about the job you applied for and the qualities of the
candidate they’re hoping to fit the role.
Once the interviewer gives you an idea of the position and what
it entails, they’ll want to hear how you are qualified for the
role. They’ll ask a series of general, behavioral, situational and
in-depth questions as they pertain to your industry. Be
prepared to answer questions regarding your experience, skills
and achievements.
It’s also possible they might ask you about employment gaps
and your preferred salary range. No interviewer will have the
same questions, so it’s best to prepare for the most common
ones you’re likely to encounter.
After a round of questions, the hiring manager might ask if you

have any questions about the position or company. This is your
opportunity to get clarity about anything, express your interest
in the role and show that you’ve done your research on the
company. In essence, this is a great way to show the hiring
manager how interested you are in working for them.
After the interview, the hiring manager might give you a sense
of what the workplace environment is like by giving you a tour
of the workplace. There’s also a chance they’ll introduce you to
your potential future colleagues. Be sure to thank your
interviewer both for their time and for the opportunity to
interview for the position before leaving.
Waiting to hear back
After you leave the interview, it’s a good idea to reiterate your
thanks by sending the hiring manager an email. A simple thank
you will go a long way, and it’s a great gesture should you work
there in the future.
While you’re waiting to hear if the hiring manager sees you as

being a good fit for the role, it’s important to determine
whether or not the role is a good fit for you. Consider the
information you gathered from the interview such as the
workplace environment, the job duties and what will be
expected of you.
As much as the interview process is an opportunity for them to

determine your potential value to their company, it’s also a
great indicator for you to personally decide if this is a role you
could see yourself in.
You should expect to hear back from the hiring manager within
a week or two. In some cases, you might not hear back unless
they want to proceed or make you a job offer. When you hear
back, you’ll either be provided with a job offer, be told they
want to proceed with the next round of interviews or be
notified that they’ve chosen another candidate.
Even if you’re not provided with a job offer, the interview
process alone provided you with valuable experience.
How to prepare for an interview
1. Review the job description

Reviewing the job description is vital in understanding
exactly what the hiring manager is looking for in a
candidate. The job posting is a great guide that can help
you better comprehend what the position entails and
what will be expected of you should you be hired.
Be sure to review it in its entirety, as you’re likely to

receive questions about it. The more you can present
how you align with the details in the job posting, the
more qualified your interviewer will see you for the role.
2. Consider why you’re applying for the position
If you applied for the job, it’s more than likely this is a
role you’d like to have. Make sure to know exactly why
this position is for you and why you want it in the first
place. The hiring manager is likely to ask you about your
interest in the role and why you’d make a good fit.
3. Think of how you might answer interview questions
Review common interview questions you might
encounter for your field, and consider your answers to
each of them. This will help you feel more fully prepared
when you go in. Running through common interview
questions will give you an idea of how you’ll craft your
answers.
4. Research the company
Researching the company will help guide your answers to
common interview questions and give you a better idea
of the company culture and role. Researching the
company and position is a great way to stand out among
other candidates while also expressing your interest in
the position.
5. Practice your speaking voice and mannerisms
Confidence is a great way to make a good first
impression. Practice a strong speaking voice and friendly
posture. Nodding your head while listening, planting your
feet to the ground while sitting and sitting all the way
back in your seat are just some things to keep in mind
during your interview.
6. Prepare questions to ask the interviewer
Asking insightful questions at the end of the interview is a
great way to show your interest in working for the
company. Prepare several questions to ask the
interviewer that pertain to the position, company and
office environment.
7. Practice your interview ahead of time
Ask a friend or family member to walk through a mock
interview with you. You can also practice your answers
out loud to yourself. Knowing the flow of the interview
process will help you stay calm and give you a better idea
of what to expect come the day of the interview.
Repeatedly walking through a mock interview will make
you more comfortable and confident.
8. Print your resume to take with you
While many recruiters will have a digital copy of your
resume, printing a hard copy is a good idea in case they
don’t have one readily available on the day of the
interview. Bringing a copy of your resume with you will
let them see that you’ve come prepared. If you’re
interviewing with more than one person, be sure to print
multiple copies.
9. Plan your travel arrangements
Coordinate how and when you will arrive at your
interview. Make sure to map your route and leave plenty
of time for travel and potential traffic. Arriving early for
your interview is a great way to show your interviewer
that you are punctual. Arrange to leave early should
traffic become an issue. Have the address of the location
readily available if you need to reference it.
If something out of your control comes up, keep your

interviewer’s contact information on hand, as well, in
case you need to call them and make them aware of the
situation. If your interview will take place in an area close
to you, it’s a good idea to visit the surrounding location in
advance to scope out parking and traffic so you know
what to expect the day of your interview.
10. Plan your attire
Have your outfit laid out ahead of time. Select attire that
will help you make the best impression. The style of outfit
you choose should depend on the company’s dress code.
Some companies have a formal dress code whereas many
startups tend to have a more casual and laid-back dress
code. Dress for the company you’re hoping to work for.

Interview

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What is an interview?

An interview is a meeting in which you answer questions that

You might also go through multiple rounds of interviews that

Recruiters will often screen candidates by phone before asking

During the interview

When you arrive for your interview, head to the secretary or

After a round of questions, the hiring manager might ask if you

While you’re waiting to hear if the hiring manager sees you as

As much as the interview process is an opportunity for them to

How to prepare for an interview

1. Review the job description

Be sure to review it in its entirety, as you’re likely to

If something out of your control comes up, keep your

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