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When you begin a job search, it's important to be prepared for a variety of different types of interviews, including phone interviews, video interviews and one-on-one interviews. Here are tips on how to excel in all your job interviews.
First, learn everything you can about the job, the company and, if possible, the interviewer.
Second, anticipate certain questions or subjects, for example, about your experience, your skills, and your professional accomplishments, and prepare your answers ahead of time. Also, be prepared for obvious questions about your background, such as why you left your last job or why there is a gap in your resume.
Third, practice interviewing with a friend.
Fourth, be on time.
Fifth, follow up with a thank you note in which you express your interest in the position (assuming you want it).
Here are specific tips for other common types of interviews.
Phone Interview
Phone interviews often are used to screen candidates. A phone interview may be scheduled, but not necessarily. If an employer calls unexpectedly for a phone interview and you feel uncomfortable doing it on the spur of the moment or it is not a convenient time for you, it is fine to ask if it can be rescheduled. Try to reschedule as soon as possible.
Since you may not know when to expect a phone interview, have a quiet spot ready in case you get an unscheduled call and keep the following at hand: a copy of your resume; information about the job, the company and the industry; and a pad of paper for taking notes.
During the interview speak slowly and clearly, take time with your answers, keep your answers short and to the point, and don't interrupt. Have a positive attitude and smile, even though the interviewer can't see you, because it will make you sound more cheerful and pleasant.
Avoid distractions during a phone interview. Try to eliminate background noise as much as possible, don't eat, smoke or chew gum; and turn off call waiting. Also, if your cell phone service is erratic, try to use a land line in order to avoid dropped calls.
Video Interview
Video interviews sometimes are used to screen candidates or to interview candidates who are far away and not available for a one-on-one meeting. Often a video interview is done in a professional setting, such as a recruiter's office, but you also may do one from home. If you are doing a video interview from home, eliminate distracting items in the background so that the focus can be on you.
In either case, treat the interview as you would a face-to-face meeting by being available on time and dressing professionally. You might want to avoid stripes, which don't always come across well on video.
Before a video interview, be sure that you understand how the video equipment works and, if possible, give it a test run.
During the interview, look at the camera when you speak and at the screen when the interviewer speaks; don't sit too close to the screen; sit up straight; and avoid making unnecessary noises, such as tapping your foot or rustling papers, which may be picked up by the microphone. Also, as in a phone interview, don't rush your answers, keep them relatively short, smile and have an upbeat attitude.
One-on-One Interview
If you've gotten past the phone and the video interview, you must be doing something right, so keep on doing it in the one-on-one interview.
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