Interview Tips

• Dress for success. Conservative dress & make-up, no perfume, no dangly jewelry.  The key is for the interviewer to focus on your skills and personality, not something that could become a distraction.
• No chewing gum.
• Give concise answers. Long rambling answers will always negatively affect your chances of landing the job. Let the interviewers draw their own conclusions.  Do remain conversational though.
• Don’t get into detail about previous work. Revealing too much about old jobs, clients, or cases will make you seem untrustworthy.
• Be aware of your body language. You can say a lot without opening your mouth, so remain conscious of it.
• Be honest. You’re not expected to be superhuman, so stretching the truth can only get you into trouble.
• Be prepared. Come into the interview knowing what you want to get across and ready to take on some tough questions. Know what’s on your resume. Getting caught off guard by something on your own resume reflects poorly on you.
• A job interview is like a blind date in that both sides feel a little nervous and forced. Standard blind date rules apply: nice handshake, maintain eye contact, smile when appropriate, and always listen!
• Listening is the most crucial part.   The interviewer should do about 80% of the talking but remain conversational.
• Do not speak negatively of current/past employers.  Ever.
• Take a deep breath and relax before walking in the door.  Be confident in who you are and your abilities.  😊

• Have a glass of water by the phone in case your throat gets dry.
• Speak slowly, clearly, and directly into the phone receiver.
• Enunciate your words, use correct grammar, and complete sentences.
• Be careful with the tone of your voice. It is your visual representation. Make sure you sound interested, confident, and capable.
• Smile so your friendliness can be heard!
• Address the interviewer by name. If more than one person is interviewing, know who asked you the question and address the answer to that person and their possible “interests.”
• Repeat the question if necessary to clarify your response.
• Sit up erect at a desk/table or consider standing. Your voice may sound stronger and more alert.
• Pace the call. Let the caller do most of the talking, without interruptions.
• Reaffirm your qualifications and end with a strong closing. Express your interest in the job and the organization.
• Ask the interviewer at the end of the conversation where you stand and what the next step will be (e.g., timeline, second phone interview, arranging a on-site interview, etc.)
• If things sound good to you, say so. The interviewer can’t see you, so he/ she can’t read your body language.
• Thank the interviewer for the opportunity.
• As with all interviews, ask for the job! Restate your interest and desire to move to the next step.

• Don’t smoke, chew gum, eat, or drink.
• Avoid the overuse of the following words: “ah,” “err”,  “uhhh,” and “like.” This habit is especially noticeable on the telephone and eliminating it takes practice.
• Avoid the simple “yes” or “no” response; add selling points at every opportunity by backing up your answers with specific examples from previous work and/or education experience.
• Do not mention compensation. This conversation typically comes at the end of the interviewing cycle and not during the telephone interview stage.

• Take notes about what you were asked and how you answered.
• Evaluate the conversation to improve your performance in future phone interviews.
• Send any requested material immediately.

Employers are conducting telephone interviews with greater frequency and use these as a screening process. So take them seriously, prepare thoroughly.

• Ensure you have a clear connection without any background noise
• No eating, chewing gum or drinking
• Make sure interviewer is finished speaking before replying.
• Dress professionally & conservative as if the interview is in person.
• Keep answers somewhat short, but conversational.  People can be prone to ramble when nervous in interviews.
• Keep conversation business-like, nothing personal discussed.
• Make sure your screen is an arms length and eye level.
• Be cognizant of your background and lighting. (Great YouTube videos on this)
• Please read through in-person tips as most apply here as well.

• Take notes about what you were asked and how you answered.
• Evaluate the conversation to improve your performance in future phone interviews.
• Send any requested material immediately.

Employers are conducting Zoom interviews with greater frequency and use these as a screening process. So take them seriously, prepare thoroughly.