Interview Tips {From Someone Who has Been on Both Sides of the Table}

“I just love interviews! Those twenty minutes I spend trying to convince a complete stranger to hire me are just so exhilarating!” – said no one ever. 

One thing is certain, pretty much all of us have, at some point in our lives, interviewed for a new job. And I’m sure quite a few us probably will again at some point in the future. Over the past 20 years, I have interviewed well over a couple hundred people for various positions in multiple companies. I have also interviewed for different positions myself more than a couple dozen times. The tips I’m sharing are not guarantees of any sort. But are meant more as guides to help you prepare for your next big interview.

1. Bring a copy of your resume. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on hiring a professional resume writer. But you should take the time to type one up and have printed out. Thankfully, most libraries will let you print papers cheaply if you don’t have a printer at home. But whatever you do, don’t show up with a handwritten resume.   
2. Dress professionally. Even when the job you are interviewing for is an entry-level position or when the company utilizes a casual dress code, you should still dress professionally. It doesn’t have to mean suit and tie, but khakis and a polo would be a nice compromise. Simply coming to an interview with a measure of professionalism shows you care and you are ready. Also, at one point in my life, I had spent several years working in a daycare. My entire wardrobe consisted of stained jeans and t-shirts. Pulling together a professional outfit was no easy feat. I wish I had known then about Clothes That Work. This organization works to eliminate a major barrier to employment by providing professional clothing to the unemployed and under-employed in the Dayton community.
3. Be prepared to answer questions about anything. I know that doesn’t really narrow it down much. But honestly, there’s no way of knowing what type of questions an interviewee may ask. Some may ask situational-based questions, while others will want to hear details of previous roles. Others may only be concerned about your future goals and plans. I will also never forget being asked to tell the interviewer what my weaknesses were. Which was hard! Not because I don’t have any, because I sure do! But because who wants to tell the person you hope will hire you what you’re not good at? One thing I typically do before an interview is Google interview questions for the type of position I’m applying for. You’ll find plenty of examples on the internet. Practice answering a random few. Even if you don’t get asked those questions, the practice will get your memory jogged and ready to go.  
4. Do your research. When applying for a job know what exactly it is your applying for. If you’re not sure what it is exactly, ask around or use Google. If it’s within the same company, ask those currently in that role or those who have done it before. I applied for a role once not being quite sure what it was. I actually was offered the job and it wasn’t until the third day of training before I truly understood what the job was. Thankfully it all worked out, but I was pretty worried for a bit since I was unsure what I was getting myself into.  
5. Ask questions. It’s ok to ask questions in an interview, especially if the interviewer offers the opportunity. This is another time I turn to Google. Searching for “questions to ask at the end of an interview” will provide you with a plethora of suggestions. Asking “Did I do ok?” is usually frowned upon. But when I’m asked “What do you like about working here?” or “What does it take to be successful in this role?” – I know I have a candidate that is thinking long-term.  
6. Turn off your cell phone. You only have a very few moments to share as much information about yourself with a complete stranger as possible. Don’t take up any of that time by dealing with a cell phone in any manner.  

I would also add: Don’t be nervous. But, well, I know that’s impossible. But do try to take a few deep breaths before you head into the interview.

I hope these tips help! Do you have any other tips to share?