The interview is the second and the last step of recruiting. It implies that you have already passed the first step – wrote a resume and didn’t forget to fill in your profile on LinkedIn, as according to LinkedIn profile writing service it is used by 92% of the hirers.

You can be invited to face-to-face or Skype interview. Below you will find the basic job interview tips to help you get it.

Face-to-face Interview

1. Do not be late

Being late for an interview can show your potential hirer that you do not care about work. So remember to check the access, public transport or parking beforehand. Always have some extra time to get to the office. Some specialists even advise coming to the interview half an hour earlier. You will be able to use this time to fill in some required forms on the spot, review the company materials available at the reception desk or even ask the receptionist about the company or the person conducting the interview.

2. Do not forget to do research about the company

Knowing information about the company's profile, its products, achievements, history, directors, etc. indicates that you are serious about this interview and the position you are applying for. While doing the research, try to get to discover more about the industry or sector in which the company operates.

3. Sell yourself

During an interview, you need to convince the recruiter that you are the best candidate. Prepare yourself for the question ‘Why should we hire you?’ or ‘Why do you want to work here?’ Do not say ‘Because my colleague works here’, ‘I live nearby’, ‘I could not find another job, so I tried this company’ or ‘I have debts to pay off’. The best arguments for the recruiter are that you can bring something to the company and contribute to its development.

4. Do not try to be perfect

One of the most feared questions during an interview is ‘What is your biggest weakness?’ Many people answer that they are workaholics or perfectionists. These answers are so hackneyed that they do not make the slightest impression on the recruiters. They only show the lack of initiative and creativity. In this case, you should mention such a defect that is of no great importance at work. You can also mention a flaw between two advantages, for example: ‘I have very good relations with clients, but I am poorly organized, that is why I write everything in my notebook.’

5. Do not go into private details

If the recruiter asks you to introduce yourself in a few words, do not take this as an incentive to tell the story of private life. It's just a typical warm-up question. Introduce yourself briefly, presenting your experience and professional achievements. Sometimes asking something personal helps to create a positive relationship with the recruiter, but it only makes sense if you want to show off something important, for example, that you just bought a house, got married, or became a father. But present such information in one sentence, without going into details, unless the recruiter wants to know more about it.

6. Do not talk too much

Answers to questions must be comprehensive. Avoid one-word answers, but do not talk much more, than the recruiter. Stay cautious about what you say. Do not boast that you are going to study an MBA or that you have other offers. In this case, the recruiter may think that you are nor committed to his company.

7. Do not throw mud at your previous employer

Recruitment experts agree that any negative behaviors should be avoided during the interview. It is understandable that some candidates may be disappointed with losing their previous job, but nobody wants to hear critics about bosses or companies. If you complain about your previous employer, you'll probably complain about the next one. Remember that it may happen that your interlocutor knows your former employer and will feel uncomfortable listening to his faults, even if they are true.

8. Listen!

Listen to questions carefully. Never interrupt. If you do not know the answer to the recruiter's question or have not understood the question, be honest with him.

9. Do not show off

Yes, you have to sell yourself, but do not overdo with self-confidence, if you do not want to look arrogant or conceited. Psychology says that we like people who do not know or cannot do something but want to learn.

10. Be polite

Try to make a good impression on all the people you meet — from the receptionist to the director. Returns of greetings, farewells, handshakes, thanking for the interview is the basis. Although English allows you to turn to the interlocutor on a first-name basis, remember to add appropriate phrases in formal contacts, for example, ‘Good morning, sir’, ‘Thank you, miss’ or a name with a polite title, e.g. ‘ Can I ask you a question, Mr. Smith?’ Go to the usual ‘you’ only when your interlocutor clearly and says: ‘Oh, call me John.’

Skype interview

The previous tips are also helpful for Skype interview but need extra advice.

1. Check if you are visible and audible

Check all technical details to avoid a hitch during the communication. You should not have problems with a computer, the Internet, a microphone and a camera. Before communicating with a company representative, make a test call to friends.

2. Mind neutral background

Make your background neutral. It's strange when during a business conversation behind your back you can see kitchen utensils or boxes. It would seem that everything is obvious, but many interviewees forget about it. The same goes for sounds. If the interview takes place during the day, some candidates go to a cafe with many extraneous sounds. If you are sitting in a café, you do not want to interfere with other visitors. That is why you speak too quiet and recruiter does not hear you.

3. Express your thoughts clearly

Interview via Skype allows you to save a huge amount of time. It will help job seekers find a job in another city or region. The main thing for them is to have business mood at home.

It is harder to perceive information via Skype: thoughts need to be stated clearly. The candidate should not talk non-stop, he should pause and ask for feedback from the interviewer. This will make sure that you have successfully conveyed your thoughts to the interlocutor. Strong voice, correct intonation, confidence and no monotony – these things are vitally important for a successful interview.

4. Think about the way you look

When preparing for the Skype-talk with the employer, pay attention to appearance. Skype-interview is the same meeting. Thus, think about the clothes you wear. Do not think that it is enough to put on a shirt, but stay in sports pants or shorts. You may need to stand up to take some documents, the camera may fall down, or other unforeseen things may occur.

Keep your posture, do not lean back on a chair, do not swing on it. Periodically look at your own image to see yourself from the side.