In today's competitive job market, the ability to ace an interview is a skill that can open countless doors to professional success. It's that pivotal moment to showcase your qualifications, personality, and enthusiasm to a potential employer, and engage with people who may eventually become your colleagues.
However, navigating the interview process successfully requires more than just luck. It takes preparation, confidence, and a strategic approach. In this blog, I'll provide a few tips on how to make a lasting impression and secure the job of your dreams.
Image matters:
Whether virtual or in person, one important tip for looking your best in an interview is to dress appropriately and professionally to make a good first impression.
- Research the company culture: Prior to your interview, invest time in understanding the company's dress code and organizational culture. Some firms adhere to a formal dress code, while others favor a more casual approach.
- Virtual interview etiquette: If your interview is taking place virtually, ensure that your camera is operational and positioned in a well-lit, distraction-free environment. A pre-interview microphone check is advisable to avoid technical glitches. Maintain a professional backdrop. Remember that maintaining eye contact through the camera is as important as it would be in person.
- Authenticity matters: Strive to be the best version of yourself, showcasing your skills and personality.
“Tell me about yourself”:
Most interviewers will ask questions like “tell me about yourself?” or “walk me through your experience?” Develop an elevator pitch to quickly and effectively communicate who you are, what you do, and why you would be valuable to the company. Here's how to create one:
- Begin by introducing yourself, and outlining your current role if applicable.
- Keep it short and straightforward.
- Provide a brief overview of the key skills relevant to the position you’re interviewing for.
Answering questions like a STAR:
Leverage the STAR technique to respond to behavioral-based questions effectively by following these four key components:
- Situation – What was the specific event or issue?
- Task – What was your responsibility and/or task to complete?
- Action – Describe your actions and how you accomplished the task?
- Results – What was the impact made or the results based on your actions?
This method can help you to cut right to the point of what your interviewers are keen to hear, keeping your answer concise and direct.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions:
Always ensure that you engage the interviewer with thoughtful questions. Remember, interviewing is a two-way street. Make sure you are asking questions about things that are of importance to you and will help in your decision-making process in case you receive an offer. Prepare your own questions in advance and make them relevant to your thoughts about the role, company, or team. Here are some sample questions you can use:
- What are the challenges for a new hire in this role?
- Could you provide insights into what I should anticipate during my initial 30, 60, and 90 days on the job?
- What are some of the aspects that employees find most enjoyable about working with this team or within PayPal?
- Could you describe the individuals or teams I would regularly be collaborating with, including any cross-functional colleagues or global teams?
- How will my success be measured?
- Who will I be reporting to/who else will I be working with daily?
Remember to breathe and have fun!
Interviewing can be nerve wrecking, but it doesn’t have to be. Remember, it’s okay to take a short pause in between questions to gather your thoughts. Keep it conversational. Asking clarifying questions can improve the interview experience for both you and the interviewer.
Renee S. was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI but currently lives in the Bay Area, CA since 2015. She has been in recruitment for eight years and at PayPal since July 2022.