Congrats! Your candidacy impressed the client. They’re interested in your experience and want to meet with you. Now, it’s time to wow them in the interview.
Oomple knows first impressions matter. The interview starts the minute you arrive to the client site and does not finish until you are offsite and at home. Everyone you interact with on-site can be assessing your fit.
We are here to guide you through the selection process, providing you with tips and tricks for success! Here is how you can prepare yourself to increase your chance of landing your next great contract.
That’s why we’ve gathered the best tips and tricks to help you remember exactly what to do before and after your next big interview. Here is how you can prepare yourself to increase your chances of landing your next great contract.
Stress less, perform better. You’ve got this!
Before the Interview:
DO: Refresh your memory on the client and opportunity.
- Review the client’s website to familiarize yourself with the account mandate, mission statement and key service offerings.
- Review the job description and come prepared with any questions that you may have about the project in question.
- Review the formatted CV which was presented to the client by your Oomple Success Manager.
- Establish available parking and/or accessible bus routes.
DO: Know your interviewer (if possible).
- The job title and department will give you an understanding of the major purpose of the position and where the role fits into the organization. This can help you figure out who the hiring manager could be.
- Review the hiring manager and/or interviewer’s profile on LinkedIn to get a feel for their experience and expectations.
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Oomple TIP: Interviewers will be impressed if you make a point to remember the receptionist’s name.
DO: Have a Pen and Paper Handy.
- In short, you never know when you’ll need to write something down. Write down any important names and titles.
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Oomple TIP: It is good idea to write down the interviewer questions. Simply ask at the beginning of your interview if this is alright with the interviewer. This shows mindfulness and gives you time to consider how you want to answer.
DO: Dress to Impress:
- Dress for the job you want. Attire for a business work environment is always safe.
- Make sure your clothing is appropriate and flattering. When in doubt, iron the shirt anyways.
DON’T: Be late (or excessively early).
- Arrive 10-15 minutes early (Any earlier than this, and it will appear as though you do not know how to manage your time).
- Plan ahead and consider travel, parking and extra time to situate yourself, review your resume and the position, and maybe use the restroom.
- If you are late, call your Oomple Success Manager and/or interviewer to provide an ETA (and hopefully a good explanation for tardiness as well).
At the Interview:
DO: Make a great first impression.
- Greet your interviewer with a firm, confident handshake, eye contact and a warm smile.
- Focus on the interviewer and remove any distractions. Turn your phone off or make sure it is on silent for the duration of the interview.
DO: Express Interest
- Ask appropriate, relevant questions to help you discover if the culture is a good fit for you. This also shows you’ve done your homework and have an interest in the longevity of the company.
- If you have any questions about how to position your availability (i.e. upcoming vacation, ending a current contract, etc.) please express them to your Oomple Success Manager. It is appropriate to provide the industry standard, which allows for 2 weeks’ notice.
- Rates are negotiated by Oomple with the client. Reserve any questions concerning rate for discussions with your Oomple Success Manager.
DO: Focus on the Solution and Results.
- Describe specific situations or challenges you have faced, the actions you took to intervene, and the results you generated. Speak confidently to your accomplishments!
- If asked about something you’ve never done before, offer a theoretical solution. Express how you would handle it, providing any transferrable, relevant experience.
- Express how your relevant skills and certifications will add value to the client’s team.
DON’T: Ramble on and on and on…
- Sometimes less is more. Think about your responses before you say the first thing that comes to mind. Provide your response to the interviewer, then sit back quietly. Silence can be a powerful tool.
- Be conscious of tone and speed of speech. Slow down if needed so your interviewer can understand you.
- Remember to breathe!
DON’T: Volunteer your weaknesses.
- There is no need to volunteer your shortfalls. But also, don't say things like "I work too hard" or "I'm too organized". Be honest. And, if asked directly, focus on the lessons learned from this experience and how you overcame challenges.
DON’T: Fudge the Truth
- Avoid exaggerating your skills and accomplishments, or representing yourself with false experience. It’s important to maintain a positive spin throughout the interview, but expectations must remain realistic.
After the Interview
DO: Thank the Interviewer
- When the interview is over, thank the interviewers for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the position.
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Oomple TIP: If appropriate, prepare a thank you letter for the client and send it to your Oomple Success Manager. We are happy to pass it along to the client post-interview!
DO: Connect with your Oomple Success Manager
- Follow up with your Oomple Success Manager to share feedback and interest to the position.
- Keep your Success Manager updated should anything change concerning your availability.