Everything You Need to Ace That Interview

Everything You Need to Ace That Interview

There’s no question about it. Job interviews can be stressful, but they are also a life changing opportunity. At Moore Staffing we are involved in a lot of them and understand what it takes to ace it. We know it’s important to make sure you are putting your best foot forward, so here are some tips for every type of interview situation that should help you accomplish just that.

Start with our general interview tips and tricks and then check out the extra tips we have for your specific interview type!

General Interview Tips, Tricks & Resources:

  1. Do your research: Visit the company website/ Google the company to review recent news articles
  2. Connect with key people on LinkedIn.
  3. Bring a notebook, pen and a water bottle.
  4. Set your cell phone to silent mode.
  5. Be prepared to answer the basic questions
    • “Why are you interested in this role?”
    • “Where do you see yourself in five years?”
    • “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
  6. Prepare questions to ask. The right questions to ask should be around the position & company such as:
    • What are the main challenges?
    • What the interviewer likes about working with the company?
    • What current projects they are working on? etc.
    • Stay away from asking about pay, benefits etc.
  7. Wear your best smile and come off as genuine and interested during the meeting!
  8. Use the STAR interview method to prepare on “Tell me about a time when… “ questions and past examples of your success or failures
  9. Some helpful YouTube links:
    • STAR interview method: here
    • Tell me about yourself: here
    • Do you have any questions: here
    • Interview mistakes everyone makes: here
    • Behavioral questions: here

Video Interview Tips, Tricks & Resources:

  1. Determine if the video interview is going to be recorded answering of prompts or a video conference with back and forth conversation between you and the hiring manager.
  2. Download the correct video chat platform and create account using the same email on your resume prior to your scheduled interview time.
  3. Check your internet connection.
    • Be close to your router if you need better connection, plug into the ethernet or disconnect all other devices from WIFI for the time being.
  4. Dress the part.
    • Wear the attire you would expect during an in person interview.
    • We recommend pulling your hair out of your face as shadows appear darker on screens.
  5. Don’t get interrupted.
    • Be sure notifications are turned off and that potential noise making applications are closed.
  6. Be conscious of your background and lighting.
    • You should be well lit so that they can see your face clearly without distracting objects behind you.
  7. Have bulleted notes for answers to potential questions at hand
  8. Keep your resume in clear view .
    • Be sure they have received an updated copy and have the file available to send if needed.
  9. Have the job description available to look at.
    • Highlight key words before the interview to help you make sure you hit those key points
  10. If it is a video conference using a video chat application, arrive a few minutes early.
  11. If it is recorded interview questions, write down your thoughts and practice saying them with direct eye contact at the camera. Then record.
  12. Some helpful YouTube Video interview tips: here

Phone Interview Tips, Tricks & Resources:

  1. Prepare before the call
  2. Don’t get interrupted.
    • Turn off call-waiting so your call isn’t interrupted.
  3. Clear the room.
  4. This is a great chance to have notes for answers to potential questions at hand
  5. Keep your resume in clear view so it’s at your fingertips when you need to answer questions.
    • Be sure they have received an updated copy and have the file available to send if needed.
  6. Have the job description available to look at.
    • Highlight key words before the interview to help you make sure you hit those points
  7. Some helpful YouTube 9 phone interview tips: here

In Person Interview Tips, Tricks & Resources:

  1. Arrive 15 minutes early – Not too early, but also consider the traffic.
  2. Bring a notebook, pen and a water bottle.
  3. Set your cell phone to silent mode.
  4. Review the job description just before you enter your interview
  5. Dress business professional.
    • It is always better to be overdressed than underdressed.
    • Try to match the company culture.
  6. Bring 5 extra copies of your resume to the interview – If all goes well, you never know who you’ll be introduced to!
  7. Wear your best smile and come off as genuine and interested during the meeting!
  8. Some helpful YouTube links:
    • STAR interview method: here
    • Tell me about yourself: here
    • Do you have any questions: here
    • Interview mistakes everyone makes: here
    • Behavioral questions: here

Second+ Interview Tips, Tricks & Resources:

  1. Revisit your notes from your first interview.
  2. Connect with key people on LinkedIn that have a similar role to your potential title so see their accomplishments and qualifications.
    • Create a few points that demonstrate the quality you can bring to similar tasks and responsibilities.
  3. Do your research on who you will be speaking to.
  4.  It is great to be able to personally relate to something they have achieved or enjoy
  5. Prepare for more in depth, behavior oriented questions that focus more on soft skills and cultural fit
  6. Prepare more questions to ask, great opportunity to ask about company culture to make sure you fit them, as much as, they want you.
  7. Be prepared to meet potential team members and senior company members
  8. Ask for business cards or contact details to follow up with a thank you note
  9. Never assume it’s a done deal; unless initiated, save salary and benefits conversation for a later date
  10. Some helpful YouTube links:
    • Second Interview Questions and Answers : here
    • How to ACE your Second Job Interview: here
    • 8 Smart Questions to Ask Hiring Mangers in a Job Interview: here

Now that you’ve read your list of tips and tricks, take a deep breath and know that you will be presented the opportunity you were made for. We have complete confidence in you and you should too. While it may feel awkward to promote yourself, you are being honest and genuine about your abilities and it is information your potential employer will be glad to hear. You are amazing, so express that! Not that you’ll need it, but good luck!

Comment below your favorite trip or trick and how you have used it! We’d love to hear from you.