10 things to do during an interview

1- Learn about the company

This is something to do before and during the interview.

A job interview is your chance to make a good impression and show a potential employer that you're the right person for the job. But before you can do that, you need to know everything you can about the company—its culture, its values, and its mission. That way, you can be sure that you're a good fit for the company and that the company is a good fit for you. Here's how to do your research so that you're prepared for anything during your job interview.

1. Know the basics

Before you start your research, it's important to know the basics about the company. This includes things like the company's size, its industry, and where it's headquartered. You can usually find this information on the company's website or by doing a quick Google search.

2. Check out the website

The company website is a great place to start your research. Here, you can learn more about the company's history, its mission and values, and what it does on a day-to-day basis. You can also get a feel for the company's culture by reading employee testimonials or checking out its social media accounts.

3. Talk to employees

If you know someone who works for the company, reach out and ask them about their experience. They can give you insights into what it's really like to work there—the good and the bad. And if you don't know anyone who works for the company, try connecting with employees on LinkedIn. Many people are happy to chat about their jobs and their companies on LinkedIn, so don't be afraid to reach out and start a conversation.

4. Read the news

Keep an eye on the news to see how the company is being portrayed in the media. This can give you valuable insights into how well the company is doing financially as well as how it treats its employees and customers. You can set up Google Alerts for key terms related to the company so that you'll always be up-to-date on the latest news about it.

2- Prepare interview answers

A job interview can be a nerve-wracking experience. You want to make sure you give the best possible impression so that you have a better chance of getting the job. One way to help ease your nerves and prepare for your interview is to practice your answers to common interview questions.

There are some questions that are almost guaranteed to come up in an interview. These are usually variations of the following:

- Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
- What are your strengths?
- What are your weaknesses?
- Why did you leave your last job?
- Why do you want this job?
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
- Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult situation/customer/coworker.
- Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond the call of duty.
- What would you do if confronted with [X scenario]?

While there are no perfect answers to these questions, there are some things you should keep in mind as you're preparing your responses. First, be honest. The interviewer will be able to tell if you're being genuine or not, so there's no point in trying to fake it. Second, be specific. Give concrete examples whenever possible. Finally, try to keep your answers relatively brief. You don't want to ramble on and on; the interviewer will likely have other questions they want to ask, so you need to leave them time for that.

3- Treat the interviewer respectfully

Many job seekers focus on how to answer questions during an interview and don’t give much thought to how they treat the interviewer. Yet, your demeanor and attitude during the interview is just as important as your answers. Here are some tips on how to show respect during a job interview.

1. Arrive on time or early.

Punctuality shows that you value the interviewer's time and are serious about the opportunity. Arriving late will not only make a bad first impression, but it will also make it difficult to recover from that initial mistake. If you can't help being late, be sure to call ahead and let the interviewer know.

2. Dress appropriately.

First impressions matter, and your appearance is a big part of that initial impression. dress in business casual attire unless you are told otherwise. This shows that you are taking the interview seriously and respect the interviewer's time enough to dress appropriately for the occasion.

3. Be polite and attentive.

This one should go without saying, but it's important to be on your best behavior during an interview. Be polite and attentive to the interviewer, and avoid getting distracted by your surroundings or your phone. The interview is your chance to make a good impression, so be sure to give them your full attention.

4. Ask questions about the company or position.

Asking questions shows that you are interested in the company and position, and it gives you an opportunity to learn more about what you would be doing if hired. Avoid asking questions that could easily be answered by doing a quick Google search; instead, focus on questions that will give you insight into the company culture or day-to-day responsibilities of the role you're interviewing for.

4- Listen first, then answer

In a job interview, it is very important to listen to the interviewer before answering any questions. This is because the interviewer will often give you clues as to what they are looking for in a candidate. If you can pick up on these clues, you will be able to tailor your answers to fit what the interviewer is looking for. Additionally, listening carefully will also help you avoid saying anything that could potentially disqualify you from the position.

When you take the time to listen carefully to the question being asked in a job interview, you are more likely to provide a well-thought-out answer that addresses the question directly. This shows the interviewer that you have excellent listening skills and that you are capable of thinking on your feet. Additionally, by taking a few moments to collect your thoughts before answering, you are less likely to ramble or provide an incoherent response.

Of course, there is such a thing as taking too much time to answer a question. If you pause for too long, the interviewer may think that you do not know the answer or that you are unsure of yourself. As such, it is important to strike a balance between taking too much time and not enough time. A good rule of thumb is to take no more than 30 seconds to 1 minute to collect your thoughts before responding.

In today's competitive job market, it is more important than ever to make sure that you are putting your best foot forward in every job interview. Remember, the interviewer is trying to determine if you are the right fit for the position, so it is important to listen carefully and thoughtfully formulate your answers. By taking the time to do this, you will demonstrate your communication and problem-solving skills and increase your chances of landing the job.

5- Speak positively about your former employers

In any job interview, it is essential that you speak positively about your former employers. This is important for a few reasons. First, it shows that you are able to maintain a positive attitude despite difficult circumstances. Second, it demonstrates your ability to build and maintain relationships. Finally, it communicates to your potential employer that you are professional and mature.

In any job, there will be difficult circumstances. It is how you handle these difficult circumstances that will set you apart from other candidates. If you are able to maintain a positive attitude in the face of adversity, it will show your potential employer that you are resilient and adaptable. Additionally, speaking positively about your former employers will demonstrate that you are able to find the good in every situation.

Your ability to build and maintain relationships is another important reason to speak positively about your former employers on a job interview. Your potential employer will want to know that you are able to develop positive working relationships with others. Furthermore, they will want to know that you are able to resolve conflict in a constructive manner. By speaking positively about your former employers, you will be conveying these qualities to your potential employer.

Finally, speaking positively about your former employers on a job interview communicates professionalism and maturity. When you are able to speak about your past experiences in a positive light, it shows that you have moved on from any negative feelings that you may have had. Additionally, it shows that you are able to take criticism and constructive feedback in stride. These qualities will definitely impress your potential employer!

When answering the question, "What did you like or not like about your previous job?" in a job interview, it is essential that you speak positively about your former employers. This will show the interviewer that you are a professional who can handle difficult situations without badmouthing other people. It will also make you look unprofessional and ungrateful if you speak negatively about a former employer. Remember, there is always something positive that you can say about your previous employment experiences, no matter how small they may seem.

6- Reread the job description

It's always important to do your research before an interview, and that includes reading (and rereading) the job description. By taking the time to read (and reread) the job posting, you can learn more about what the company is looking for and, in turn, tailor your message to resonate with them during your interview. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do just that.

1. Read the job description carefully.

The first time you read it, you should be looking for general information about the position and the company. What is the company's mission? What are they looking for in a candidate? What are the key responsibilities of the role?

2. Take notes as you read.

Jot down any questions you have or any information that stands out to you. This will come in handy when you're preparing for your interview and want to make sure you're addressing everything the employer is looking for.

3. Reread the job description with a specific focus.

The second time you read it, pay close attention to the qualifications listed. Do you have all of the qualifications that are required? If not, what can you do to make up for it? For example, if the job requires five years of experience and you only have three, highlight experiences from your past that are relevant to this position.

4. Tailor your message accordingly.

Once you've determined what they're looking for and how your experience aligns with their needs, it's time to start preparing for your interview. When you're crafting your responses, make sure they address all of the key points listed in the job posting. This will show the employer that you're truly interested in the position and that you have what it takes to succeed in it.

7- Be prepared with examples of your work

When you're applying for jobs, it's important to be prepared to showcase your work. After all, your potential employer will want to know what you're capable of and whether you're a good fit for the company. The best way to show off your work is to bring examples with you to your job interviews.

Choose the Right Examples

When deciding which examples of your work to bring to a job interview, it's important to choose wisely. First, make sure that the examples you choose are relevant to the position you're applying for. For instance, if you're applying for a job as a web developer, it would be a good idea to bring examples of websites or web applications you've built. If you're applying for a job as a graphic designer, on the other hand, you might want to bring copies of your portfolio or samples of your work.

Second, make sure that the examples you choose are high quality. Remember, you want to impress your potential employer, so it's important to choose only your best work. If you're not sure whether a particular piece is good enough, ask a friend or colleague for their opinion. Finally, make sure that you're familiar with the work you've chosen so that you can easily talk about it during your interview.

Showcase Your Work in the Best Light Possible

Once you've chosen the right examples of your work, it's time to showcase them in the best light possible. If possible, bring physical copies of your work with you to the interview so that you can hand them out if needed. Alternatively, if you're bringing digital copies of your work, make sure they're well-organized and easy to access. Finally, be prepared to talk about each piece of work in detail and explain what role you played in its creation.

8- Prepare Questions For the Interviewer

Interviewing for a job can be nerve-wracking. You want to make sure that you ask the right questions so that you can get a sense of the company culture and whether or not the role is a good fit for you. But what are the best questions to ask? Here are a few of our favorites.

1. What Does a Typical Day Look Like?

This question will help you understand what your day-to-day responsibilities would be if you were to accept the position. It's important to make sure that you have a good understanding of what the job entails so that there are no surprises down the road.

2. What are the Company's Core Values?

This question will help you get a sense of the company culture and whether or not it aligns with your own personal values. It's important to feel like you would be a good fit within the company in order for you to be happy in your new role.

3. What is the Potential for Growth Within the Company?

This question shows that you are looking to stay with the company for the long haul. It also helps to gauge whether or not there would be opportunities for you to advance within the company if you were to perform well in your role.

Asking questions in a job interview is just as important as answering them. By asking thoughtful, engaging questions, you can get a better sense of the company culture and whether or not the role is a good fit for you. So next time you're in an interview, make sure to ask some (or all!) of these questions.

9- Set Realistic Expectations

You don't want to set your expectations too high and be disappointed if you don't get the job. So, how can you strike the right balance?

1. Do your research.

Before you go into your interview, it's important to do your research on the company and the position you're interviewing for. This will help you understand what the company is looking for and whether or not you're a good fit for the role.

2. Be prepared to answer questions about your experience.

One of the most common questions in an interview is "Tell me about your experience." Be prepared to answer this question in a way that highlights your skills and qualifications. Remember, the interviewer is trying to determine if you're a good fit for the job, so be honest about your experience and don't try to exaggerate your skills.

3. Don't expect to get an offer on the spot.

In most cases, companies will take some time to review all of their candidates before making a decision. If you're offered the job on the spot, great! But if not, don't be discouraged—it's not necessarily a bad sign.

4. Follow up after the interview.

Sending a thank-you note or email after your interview is a great way to show your appreciation for their time and reiterate your interest in the role. This is also an opportunity to address any concerns that may have come up during the interview or clarify anything that was unclear.

10- Remember it is a numbers game

If things aren't going your way, remember there are more fish in the sea. So don't stress out, and be confident in each of your interviews.

Job searching can be a frustrating process. You submit dozens of applications and hear nothing back. Or you go on a few interviews but can't seem to land the offer. It can feel like you're doing everything right but not getting any results.

The good news is that there is a way to increase your chances of success: by keeping your job search pipeline full. In other words, don't put all your eggs in one basket. By applying to multiple jobs and having multiple irons in the fire, you'll increase your chances of hearing back from a prospective employer.

There's no magic number when it comes to how many jobs you should apply to. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should aim to have at least 10 active applications at any given time. This may seem like a lot, but it's important to remember that not all employers move at the same pace. Some may take weeks or even months to get back to you, so it's important to have a healthy mix of both short-term and long-term prospects.

The key to keeping your job search pipeline full is organization. Create a spreadsheet or use a tracking tool like Jobscore or Indeed's Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to keep track of each job you've applied to, the date you applied, the status of your application (e.g., "pending," "interview scheduled," etc.), and any other relevant information. This will not only help you stay organized, but it will also give you a clear picture of your progress and where you need to focus your energy.

What Are Some Other Tips for Keeping My Pipeline Full?

In addition to applying to multiple jobs and staying organized, there are a few other things you can do to keep your job search pipeline full:

• Get creative with your job search. In addition to traditional job boards like Indeed and Monster, consider using social media, networking events, and even cold-emailing as part of your job search strategy.

• Don't be afraid to follow up. If you haven't heard back from an employer after a week or two, it's perfectly acceptable (and encouraged!) to reach out and check on the status of your application. A simple email or phone call could be the difference between getting hired and being forgotten about.

• Keep your options open. While it's important to have some goals in mind, try not to get too hung up on any one particular job or company. The more flexible you are, the more likely you are to find a position that's truly a good fit for you—and that's what ultimately matters most.