Last time, we spoke about how to get recruiters’ attention see here. The next thing to review is how to handle the interview process. Let me put a disclaimer that an interview is not a guarantee that you will get the job, and for this reason, I will recommend that if you still have a current job, stick with it till you are sure the next position satisfies all your needs. I have seen an offer rescinded even after the candidate had accepted the offer, so you have to stay where you are till you are sure of where you are going.

Let’s get back to where we were. You have an interview scheduled, and you are wondering what you can do to maximize the opportunity. Some of my recommendations are listed below:

1. Do your research: Find out if the company’s values align with your short and long-term goals. If  you are new grad or don’t have a job in hand…it is likely you are desperate to take the first offer you get. However, after the first job, you can try to leverage the experiences you’ve garnered from the first to better bargain at your next job.
2. Preparation: You need to properly review the job description, study, and refresh your memory to make sure you can present yourself in the best light during this interview. Don’t exaggerate or tell lies. Additionally, it would help if you also prepared some questions to ask the interviewer.
3. Salary: You can review salaries of postings with similar titles on websites like glass door, and Linkedin, the ones that match your skill set and years of experience. You can also source for information from recruiters or via networking, then you can give your salary expectations accordingly
4. Past employees: Sometimes, you may need to reach out to a few employees to get their perspective and get more information on the company’s culture.

Interview

On the day before the interview, make sure you check the interview location ahead of time.

• Transportation: If you are driving there, use Google Maps, Waze, or any navigation application to look at the venue ahead of time, check the building and even parking areas around.
• If you are not driving, make sure you make adequate transportation arrangements. Plan to be there at least 30 to 40 minutes before the scheduled time
• Dress appropriately. Do your research to ensure you don’t appear overdressed or underdressed for the occasion, you may want to keep a jacket handy if you are not sure of the temperature of the place.
• Ask the interviewer about their timeline for making a decision and whom you should follow up with. I recommend you send the interviewer an email to express your gratitude for the interview, recap some of your strengths for the job and express your delight about the position.

If you get an offer after the interview, congratulations! Make sure you review all terms and conditions before accepting the offer. Review all weekend, holiday, overtime expectations and bonus packages included in the offer

If you don’t get the job, Thank the interviewers for their time and consideration. You can also ask them for their feedback and ask to be considered for any positions that opens up in the future

All the best.