You can click on these links below to jump on a specific section:

• Read and Understand the Job Description
• Research the Company
• Practice Interview Answers
• Prepare Smart Questions
• Dress for Success
• Bring Materials Needed for the Interview
• Master the Art of the Firm Handshake
• Remember the Power of Good Communication Skills
• Talk about Your Previous Job
• Prepare a Range of Salary Expectations
• Follow Up 

Video Interview Tips

• Dress to Impress (At Least from the Waist Up)
• Find a Quiet Space
• Check Your Background
• Test Your Technology Beforehand
• Look at the Camera
• Be Engaging and Mind Your Manners

Phone Interview Tips

• Find a Private Space
• Have Your Resume Handy
• Be Mindful of Your Tone
• Write Down Notes and Questions

Read and Understand the Job Description

First things first, make sure you’re clear on the job requirements. Don’t just skim the job description—read it multiple times to ensure your understand what relevant skills and experience are necessary for the role.

This won’t only give you an idea of whether or not you’re a good fit for the position, but it’ll also allow you to tailor your responses to fit what the employer is looking for. The hiring manager will appreciate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the position!

Research the Company 

The more you know about a company, the better off you’ll be in the interview process. Doing research shows potential employers that you took time to learn more about their company and that you’re serious about working there.

Start by checking out the company website or company bio, and note any relevant information.

Some things to research include:

• mission statement/values
• company’s product or service
• recent news stories or press releases
• competitors
• industry trends
• social media accounts to get a better understanding of their culture

Practice Interview Answers

An interviewer asks questions for a reason—they want to see how well you think on your feet and how prepared you are for the role.

It’s important to do mock interviews and practice answering common interview questions like “why should we hire you?” or “what are your strengths?” so that when it comes time for the real deal, your answers sound natural and confident.

Meanwhile, if you’re faced with behavioral or situational questions, like “Tell me about a time when you worked on a team project,” or “How did you handle a difficult customer?” you may light up that imagination of yours and let the STAR method guide you!

No, not the twinkly things in the sky. The STAR method stands for:

• Situation
• Task
• Action
• Result

Basically, you need to tell a story about a work-related situation you were in, what task you were given, the action you took to complete it, and what the end result was. It’s like telling a mini-success story to prove your worth.

Practice answering questions on your own, and then do a practice run with a friend or family member who can provide useful feedback. Make sure you practice speaking out loud—this will help you get used to articulating your responses during an actual job interview.

Bring Materials Needed for the Interview

You never want to show up empty-handed, so bring any relevant documents with you such as:

• a copy of your resume
• a portfolio of your work
• copies of reference letters
• a list of professional accomplishments

Don’t forget to also bring a notepad and pen in case the interviewer asks you to jot something down or if there’s anything you need to remember. This will come across as thoughtful and organized, which is exactly what a potential employer wants!

Talk about Your Previous Job

Your previous job can be a total game changer in the interview process. Think of it as having a secret weapon up your sleeve.

When asked about your previous work experience, be sure to highlight any accomplishments or projects you led. Talk about your strengths and how they relate to the position you’re applying for.

And even if your previous work wasn’t exactly your dream job, spin it in a positive way! Talk about how it taught you valuable skills and gave you experience in a certain field. But be careful not to overdo it—you don’t want to come off as a show-off!

Prepare a Range of Salary Expectations

When it comes to most interviews, one of the biggest stressors is pay expectations. Will you ask for too much and scare off the hiring manager? Or will you lowball yourself and regret it later? It’s like trying to navigate a minefield blindfolded!

Don’t let this question catch you off guard. Do your research beforehand to get an idea of what the industry standard is for someone in your position. You can also use online resources and networking to gauge what your peers are earning. And don’t forget to factor in your skills, experience, and any relevant certifications or degrees.

Don’t be afraid to ask for a little more than you initially thought, but be willing to negotiate and compromise.

Remember—when it comes to discussing salary, it’s all about balance and finding a win-win situation for both you and the company.

And if all else fails, just throw in a joke and lighten the mood! Who knows, you might even impress the interviewer with your sharp wit and negotiation skills!

Follow Up 

Remember, the hiring process isn’t just about the interview. Sending a follow-up thank you note or email after the interview is a great way to show your gratitude and interest in the job.

Following up shows that not only were you engaged during the meeting, but also that you’re genuinely interested in working with them.

RELATED: How To Answer: “What Is Your Greatest Weakness?” in a Job Interview

Video Interview Tips

Dress to Impress (At Least from the Waist Up)

While it may be tempting to lounge in your PJs during a remote interview, you should still dress professionally. After all, you never know when the employer might ask you to stand up or move around during the conversation!

So just like an in-person interview, you should aim to look your best for the video interview. Make sure to wear clothes that make you feel confident and comfortable. Even if you’re sitting at home in your sweatpants, a smart top and hairstyle can make all the difference!

Find a Quiet Space

Look for a quiet spot where you won’t be easily disturbed during the call. This could be a bedroom, study room, or home office.

It’s also important to pay attention to the lighting of your environment when conducting a remote interview. Natural light is usually best, so try sitting near a window or opening curtains during the day.

If that isn’t an option for you, invest in some good lighting equipment and position it behind the camera for optimal results.

Check Your Background

You want to make sure that anything visible behind you doesn’t create too much distraction, so tidy up before hopping on the call. No one wants to see your pile of laundry or your roommate’s dirty dishes!

If possible, opt for a neutral wall or curtain as the backdrop to your call. Otherwise, you could try using a virtual background if your software allows for it.

Test Your Technology Beforehand

Nothing screams unprofessional more than technical issues during an interview. So make sure that you test out your camera and microphone ahead of time, and your internet connection is strong enough to support video chat so that you’re not scrambling around just before the meeting starts. Stuttering and blurry video can really hurt your chances of making a great impression.

Doing a mock interview can also help calm any nerves you may have about talking through a computer screen instead of face-to-face.

Look at the Camera

It’s important to remember that during a video interview, the employer can’t see your body language. So make sure you look at the camera (not at yourself on screen) when speaking. This small detail helps create a stronger connection between you and the interviewer, and shows that you’re focused on them—instead of your own reflections.

To avoid looking at yourself on screen, try propping up your laptop or device so that the camera is at eye level and you’re looking directly into the lens. This will help you maintain natural conversation as if you were in the same room.

Be Engaging and Mind Your Manners

Video interviews can easily feel more like conversations than a formal job interview. But that doesn’t mean you should forget your manners!

Be sure to use proper etiquette and address the interviewer as you would in any other meeting, with appropriate language and polite responses.

Also, be mindful of gestures—such as waving your hands around or playing with your hair—that could appear awkward on camera.

Phone interviews are still a common way for employers to screen potential candidates. Here’s what you can do to ace this type of interview:

Find a Private Space

The same considerations for a video interview apply here, too. Find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed and the reception is clear. You may need to sit in your car or take the call from your bedroom if there’s too much background noise elsewhere in your home.

Have Your Resume Handy

It’s always best to have a copy of your resume nearby during any type of job interview—including phone interviews! Have it open on your screen or printed out so that you can refer to it when needed. This way, you don’t miss any important detail about yourself that could make all the difference.

Be Mindful of Your Tone

Your tone is especially important during a phone interview because it can be difficult for employers to read facial expressions and body language.

Answer interview questions clearly and confidently, but avoid being too loud or robotic. Maintaining an appropriate volume while speaking will give off the impression that you’re engaged and interested in the conversation.

Write Down Notes and Questions

Having notes handy during your phone call can help keep you on track and focused on the conversation. You should also come prepared with questions about the company and role to show that you’ve done your research.

At the end of the call, it’s a good idea to summarize what you discussed and thank the interviewer for their time. This will leave an impression of professionalism and make sure that you stay top-of-mind for them!