Interview Preparation

Researching the Company

• Asking insightful questions about the interviewer, the client company, their competitors and their industry will differentiate you and accelerate your candidacy.
• The client website is a great source of information. Clients expect candidates to be familiar with this material and will probe to determine your preparation.
• Google, news service sites and social networks are useful research tools.

Enhancing your interview skill

• Interview preparation is an area few candidates spend any time on and consequently, it is easy to stand out in the crowd.
• You may find the interview tutorial at interview.monster.ca helpful. Other advice can be located via Google.
• Key points most interviewers are interested in are;
  • How were you measured in your last/current role and how did you fare in measurable terms?
  • What did you do to differentiate yourself from your peers?
  • What did you do to increase revenues, reduce costs or save time?
• Be prepared with specific examples.
• Take your time – it’s perfectly acceptable to take a moment or two to collect your thoughts.

Video & Phone Interview: Successful interview tips

• Dress professionally. Wear the same interview attire you would for an in-person interview
• Make sure the table is clean and neat. You don’t want to distract yourself or the interviewer.
• Be aware that the microphone picks up all the noise in the room. Don’t tap your pen or shuffle papers.
• In a video interview, make eye contact. If you don’t, the camera will be focused on the top of your head.
  • Use the Picture-in-Picture feature so you can see how you appear.
• Have your resume available when speaking about your work experience.
• Keep a glass of water handy, in case you need to wet your mouth.
• Smile. Smiling will project a positive image to the listener and will change the tone of your voice.
• Speak slowly and enunciate clearly.
• Here are some further sources to help you prepare:
  • Tips for Successful Video Interviewing
  • Phone Interview Tips

In-Person Interview: Finding the location

• Many clients supply maps on their websites. Failing that, detailed instructions can often be found through Google Maps.
• Plan to arrive early to ensure that transportation issues do not interfere with your appointment.
• Being late and/or appearing rushed or flustered is the wrong way to start an interview.

After the interview

That day, send each person you met with an email note thanking them for their time, confirming your interest in the job and outlining how your qualifications and accomplishments relate to their needs. This should be no more than 500 words and be reflective of the quality of your written work. It will be seen as such. Please copy your consultant on the emails.

Good Luck!