1. Shereen, Principal Consultant
(647) 376-8737 | hayathr@outlook.com
5 Helpful Interview Tips
Your resume has passed the test and you have aced the telephone interview.
Now it is time to get prepared for the F2F interview with either the hiring
manager, HR manager or both. Below are some simple yet helpful tips that are
commonly overlooked that will help give you the edge over other candidates!
Plan to arrive at the interview location about half hour prior to the interview time.
However, do not proceed to enter the office until 15 minutes prior. Being too eager can
do more damage than good!
Your professional image is determined by more than just your outward appearance.
Showcase your organizational skills by arriving to the interview with a professional
portfolio with extra copies of your resume (same version as the one submitted with your
application), a copy of the job description and your references, in case needed.
Interview questions are generally comprised of either behavioural, situational or
simulation questions. When responding to any of these questions, stick to the STAR
methodology to ensure you provide the necessary information. Explain the
Situation/Task, the specific Action you took, and the Result/Outcome. Common
pitfall is when candidates provide hypothetical/canned responses, such as: “Providing
exceptional Customer Service is so important to organizations. It helps improve retention,
business results….” This type of response tells the panel nothing about your
experience or abilities to provide exceptional customer service.
It is great to showcase that you are a team player, especially if you are going to be
working within a team environment. However, remember, the Search Committee is
interested in YOUR specific skills, abilities and knowledge. Avoid responding with
“We” instead stick to “I”. For example, if you are asked a question related to your
ability to support the team, you could respond with “At ABC Company, I was
responsible for onboarding and training new team members. I assisted with…”
Don’t forget that the interview is a key opportunity to learn more specifics about the
organization and the team you will be joining. Try to personalize some of your
questions to engage the interview panel. For example, you could ask the panel “What
do you enjoy most about working at ABC Company?” This engages the interviewer and
demonstrates that you have an interest in learning more about their experience too!
Need professional help and support, contact Hayat HR today!