If you think most hiring decisions are based on experience and qualifications, you better keep reading. A resume gets you in the door, but how you interview determines whether you’re offered the job. Candidates must be prepared for any type of screening.
As a recruiter of 6 years, Michael Shea shares 11 job interview tips that help you pass any job interview.
Part 1: Job Interview Preparation 
In this “modern” age, you would think that most applicants interviewing for a position with ROI or any other employer would be prepared before they walk through the door. Unfortunately impressions are everything and the way you prepare for an interview is half the battle of winning and securing a full-time position. The following prep tips are critical and things I look for in hiring someone:
Research: When I am sitting across the table during an interview, I want to know if a candidate did their research and what type of questions, based off the research, they will ask me.
- Website: Review the website in its entirety.
Review the home page; is there anything that stands out that can be brought up during the interview to engage the interviewer? Ask specific questions or talk about specific statements pertaining to the company.
Questions: Prepare yourself with a handful of different questions that are out of the “interview norms.”
- Company Questions: From the website OR from online reviews:
- Outside of the box questions: Ask questions under the assumption you’re getting hired. This shows interest and confidence.
“What are your expectations for me as an employee working in your group?”
Review: Don’t only research the company, but review the current employees LinkedIn profiles.
Is this overkill? NO, this is differentiating interviewees from many others and setting you up for a successful interview.
Preparedness: To be the best you can be doesn’t mean you will automatically knock an interview out of the park just by showing up.
- Originality and Genuineness: Internal applicants should not pretend to be someone they’re not or answer questions that they feel is the correct response. Most times, when someone is being a “yes” person and eventually hired, they end up being the wrong fit. Be original, be yourself.
Dress: Let’s talk about dress code and simple interview etiquette. This is the oldest expectation in the book, but some candidates overlook. WEAR professional business attire! If you do not own a suit, wear the next closest thing.
Part 2: Day of the Interview
Arrive to the interview 15 minutes early! Punctuality is the first assessment your interviewer will notice.
Bring a notebook/professional portfolio. This will again show that you came prepared for the interview and have a few extra copies of your resume.
Handshake, Body Language and Consistency. Whether you are an introvert or extrovert, EVERY interviewee should look each interviewer in the eyes and shake hands firmly. Be engaged, be an active listener, use your hands to offset some of the anxiety of talking to the interviewer and be enthusiastic but not fake.
Part 3: Interview Follow Up
The ending, follow up and ask for the job! Most candidates are not going to ask, when do I start because it can come across as cocky. However, interviewees can use that as an opportunity to make the interviewer laugh, but also reinforce interest in the position.
Business Cards: Be sure to collect business cards of every person you meet with.
Follow up email, letter, and phone call: If you want this role, tell each interviewer you want the position, but do not use the same email, letter, and phone call template for each person. Differentiate your follow up specific to what you discussed with that interviewer.
Follow these interview tips and you will pass your next job interview.
RESOURCE OPTIONS, INC. (ROI) is a full-service construction, design, environmental services staffing and emergency response firm. Founded in 1998, ROI provides customized staffing solutions to clients servicing the built and natural environment. Recognized on five different occasions by Inc. Magazine as one of “America’s Fastest Growing Private Companies”, ROI demonstrates a proven ability to deliver highly qualified candidates in a timely fashion.
Check out our available positions and apply today!
