What 3 things should you do during the interview to be successful?

The more focused you are during an interview, the more successful you will be. Focus on the question asked and answer it directly. If you think you’ve gone off course for any reason, it’s OK to ask the interviewer if you are on the right track. Your answer should have a beginning, a middle, and an end that includes a real, tangibleSomething real and measurable., and preferably positive result. Here is an example of a question asked and an effective answer:

Table of Contents Show

13 tips for a successful interview
1. Learn about behavioral interviewing techniques
2. Prepare for the type of interview
3. Make time for practice
4. Prepare answers to common questions
5. Remain professional from start to finish
6. Get insider details
7. Dress for the job
8. Prepare for small talk
9. Use calming techniques on the day of the interview
10. Consider what to bring
11. Build rapport with your interviewer
12. Be authentic
13. Remember to follow up

Question: Jenna, what was your biggest contribution to the company you interned with last summer?

Answer: Throughout the summer, we had approximately five to six team meetings where the entire staff of ten engineers and their direct reports were present to discuss the major goal of the summer: the construction of a new courthouse.

I was tasked with drafting the agenda of these meetings and the agenda notes, which verified all that was discussed and agreed upon. The agendas directed complex meetings, and the agenda notes served as key documents that verified and clarified what was discussed and agreed upon during the meetings.

My first draft of the first agenda was much too broad, but with feedback from my manager, I ensured it included all the details necessary to hold a productive and effective meeting and created the structure for the agenda notes document. The agenda notes were typically three to five pages long, and by the second meeting, I was drafting the agenda and publishing the notes without any revisions from my manager.

I received exceptional feedback from several department heads because, in many instances, the notes saved countless hours of work. For example, during the third meeting, we reversed course on a previously agreed-upon strategy for the front columns of the courthouse. One of the key assistant engineers was not at the meeting, and when her peer brought her up to speed, he forgot to mention that the columns were changed from the Roman style columns to the Grecian columns, which needed a more intricate support system from the roof to the courthouse steps. Luckily, she read my agenda notes, which highlighted any course changes in red, and saved about two weeks’ worth of work, which was easily several thousand dollars. It also kept everyone on track regarding the completion date, which is June 2014.

To improve this process overall, I loaded the agenda and the notes into the department’s central files so instead of relying upon hard copies or e-mailed copies, everyone had one place to go for this important document that kept everyone on track. They are still using the improvements I implemented, so I’m very proud of that.

Positive momentum was built throughout the answer, and Jenna shared the positive results of her work:

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The impression you make on the interviewer often can outweigh your actual credentials. Your poise, attitude, basic social skills, and ability to communicate are evaluated along with your experience and education.

You and the interviewer must engage in a conversation - a mutual exchange of information and ideas. Only through such a dialogue can you both determine if you, the organization, and the job are well matched. Preparation is the key.

Be on time.
This often means 10-15 minutes early. Interviewers often are ready before the appointment.

Know the interviewer’s name, its spelling, and pronunciation.
Use it during the interview. If you don’t know the name, call beforehand and ask the secretary. Also, note the secretary’s name in case you have to call back. Secretaries can influence the hiring decision!

Have some questions of your own prepared in advance.
There is nothing wrong with having a short list of questions and thoughts- it shows you have done your research and want to know more about the organization and the position.

Bring several copies of your resume.
Also, bring a copy of your transcript. Carry your papers in an organized manner.

Have a reliable pen and a small note pad with you.
But do not take notes during the interview. However, immediately afterward, write down as much as you can remember, including your impression of how well you did.

Greet the interviewer with a handshake and a smile.
Remember to maintain eye contact (which does not mean a stare down).

Expect to spend some time developing rapport.
Don’t jump right in and get down to business. Follow the interviewer’s lead.

Don’t be embarrassed if you are nervous.
As you gain experience you’ll become more at ease with the interviewing process.

Focus.
On your attributes, your transferable skills, and your willingness to learn; don’t apologize for a lack of experience; describe your strengths in terms of what you can do for the organization.

Tell the truth.
Lies and exaggeration will come back to haunt you.

Listen carefully to the interviewer.
Be sure you understand the question; if not, ask for clarification, or restate it in your own words. Answer completely and concisely. Stick to the subject at hand.

Never slight a teacher, friend, employer, or your university.
Loyalty ranks high on the employer’s list.

Watch your grammar.
Employers are interested in candidates who can express themselves properly. Even if you have to go slowly and correct yourself, accuracy is preferred over ungrammatical fluency.

Be prepared for personal questions.
Some interviewers may not know what they can and cannot ask legally. Anticipate how you will handle such questions without losing your composure.

Wait for the interviewer to mention salary and benefits.
To research pay scales, refer to salary surveys and information on the Career Services website on in the career library.

Don’t expect a job offer at the first interview.
Often you will be invited to a second or even third interview before an offer is made several weeks later.

Close on a positive, enthusiastic note.
Ask what the next step will be. Thank the interviewer for his/her time and express your interest in the job. Leave quickly and courteously with a handshake and a smile.

No interview is complete until you follow up with a thank-you note.
Express your appreciation for the interview and, if true, reaffirm your interest. This last step can make a difference. Don’t forget it.

Interviewing
13 Essential Tips for Completing a Successful Interview

By Indeed Editorial Team

Updated July 20, 2022 | Published February 4, 2020

Updated July 20, 2022

Published February 4, 2020

Related: 5 Ways to Calm Your Pre-Interview Nerves & Be Prepared!

In this video, our host Sinead offers five tips to help calm your interview nerves and feel more confident.

Whether a candidate succeeds in an interview depends on various factors, from what steps they take to prepare to how they conduct themselves in the meeting. You may have multiple rounds of interviews before receiving a job offer, so it's essential to approach each one appropriately. Regardless of the type of interview you're expecting, you can follow some general guidelines that may help improve your chances of impressing a potential employer.

In this article, we review 13 tips that can help you complete a successful interview when applying for jobs.

13 tips for a successful interview

Follow these tips to learn how to succeed in your next job interview:

1. Learn about behavioral interviewing techniques

Behavior-based interviewing is when your interviewer asks you about how you handled past situations at work. This interviewing technique gives a potential employer valuable insight into the way you approach challenges in your job and turn them into favorable opportunities.

You can prepare for this type of interview by making a list of your skills, strengths and weaknesses. Prepare an example of a time when you displayed each of these qualities. Your example can show the employer how you successfully handled the situation.

Related: 7 Sample Behavioral Interview Questions and Answers

2. Prepare for the type of interview

Employers can conduct interviews in different formats and settings. Knowing what kind of interview to expect can help you enter the meeting feeling more prepared and confident. Some interview formats that differ from the traditional one-on-one meeting include:

Out-of-office interviews: You may arrive a few minutes before your interviewer for lunch or dinner interview. Browse through the restaurant menu online before arriving, and learn about what type of restaurant you'll be visiting to determine how to dress.
Phone and video interviews: Find a quiet room where there won’t be any interruptions to do the interview. Make sure the technology you are using works efficiently and practice using it before the interview.
Group interviews: A group interview is when a panel of people interviews you. Besides practicing your answers to common questions, it may also help to practice your listening skills before going into this type of interview.

Related: How To Succeed at a Group Interview

3. Make time for practice

Practicing for your interview can always lead to some improvement. Ask a family member or a friend to interview you and get their feedback. You can also record yourself when answering their sample questions. Study how you’re delivering answers and observe your gestures and other nonverbal cues.

4. Prepare answers to common questions

Here are some common questions you may hear in an interview:

Can you tell me about yourself?
How did you hear about this job?
Why do you want this job?
Why should we hire you?
What are your strengths?
What are your weaknesses?
What do you know about the company?
Where do you see yourself in five years?
What is your work ethic?
What kind of environment do you prefer to work in?
How do you handle work-related disagreements with your colleagues?
How would your current employer and colleagues describe you?
How do you handle pressure?
Do you have any questions for me?

Related: 20 Nearly Perfect Interview Answers (With Common Sample Questions)

5. Remain professional from start to finish

The hiring manager isn't the only person you need to impress. Be polite and respectful to everyone in the building. This includes the person who greets you as you enter and the assistant who serves you a coffee or tea before the interview.

Related: 21 Job Interview Tips: How To Make a Great Impression

6. Get insider details

Contact other people already working at the organization to learn about the company culture and work environment. If you don't know anyone with a connection to the organization, visit the company's social media pages to get an idea of the culture there. Learn as many details as you can about the company before the interview so you can ask informed questions.

Related: 11 Questions To Ask in Your Internship Interview

7. Dress for the job

Your first impression can have a significant effect on the way your interviewer views you. The way you dress can help ensure you make a positive first impression. Go beyond the traditional smart attire and focus on the details, such as ensuring your clothes are free of holes or wrinkles. The outfit you choose may depend on the company and the type of culture they promote.

Doing your research can help you decide if it's better to wear something slightly more casual or more formal. If there isn't any information and you are unsure what to wear, contact the person who scheduled your interview or err on the side of formality.

Read more: How To Dress for a Job Interview

8. Prepare for small talk

You may find yourself interacting on a personal level with your interviewer. You can practice some common casual conversation topics to help you feel more confident if your interview turns into an informal conversation. Here are some small talk tips that can help you:

Focus on the interviewing environment. You can comment on the design of the office or its location.
Compliment the employer on an award the team might have won recently or other similar achievements.
Find a common interest and talk about that.
Be positive during the conversation.

Related: 10 Tips for Delivering a Winning Interview Presentation

9. Use calming techniques on the day of the interview

You can help yourself stay calm on the day of your interview by making sure you're prepared and practicing stress-management techniques. Being on time, or ideally 15 minutes early, is one way of showing your potential employer your professionalism.

Drive to the location ahead of time so you can find out the exact location before the day of the interview. If traffic is heavy in the area, prepare enough time for the drive there.

If you are feeling nervous, take a deep breath and be confident that you have prepared well for it. Being nervous is normal, but try to stay as calm as you can during the interview. Ask for clarification if you haven't understood a question, and take your time to give the best answer you can.

Read more: 9 Ways To Calm Your Job Interview Nerves

10. Consider what to bring

The following is a list of things you should bring with you for a successful interview:

A printed copy of your resume
A list of references
Work samples and publications to show the employer
A list of questions to ask the employer
A notebook and pen to take notes

Read more: 7 Items To Bring to a Job Interview

11. Build rapport with your interviewer

Your interview is your opportunity to create a connection with your potential employer. While the interviewer may ask questions for the majority of the meeting, you can still use each question to turn the interview into a more comfortable conversation. Try to make a personal connection with your interviewer while remaining professional.

Related: 8 Ways To Make an Easy Connection With Your Interviewer

12. Be authentic

Practice and preparation may help you have a successful interview, but it's best to act like yourself when you meet with your interviewer. Be positive, assertive and confident, but also remain candid and concise in what you say. Focus on telling the truth when answering questions, using real-world examples from your career.

Related: 14 Good Signs You Got the Job After an Interview

13. Remember to follow up

Write a short email after the interview to thank the employer for taking the time to meet. You can reiterate important details mentioned during the interview, such as your enthusiasm for the position and organization. This can help employers remember you and contact you regarding next steps.

Related: What to Do When You Can’t Answer an Interview Question

In this video, we offer 4 key strategies to answering tough questions. These strategies come with examples, explanations and more on leaving a last impression.