IN-PERSON INTERVIEW TIPS
The in-person interview also offers the candidate an opportunity to experience first hand the physical space, energy and overall working conditions of a prospective employer. While more and more companies like to at least start with a phone or virtual interview, whenever possible, conducting an in-person interview is ideal and still part of the process for many of our clients.
Below are some tips on conducting the best in-person interview possible.
Find out who is participating: As mentioned in our virtual interview tips page, your recruiter will tell you if your interview is either one-on-one or with a panel, as well as provide you the names and titles of everyone who may be attend, and their roles in the company. Once you have their names, research them on LinkedIn, as well as on their company website. This will help you to not only know who you are meeting, but also give you some visibility ahead of time as to what other departments or teams are represented in the panel. With that information, you can anticipate questions and prepare answers for people whose departments or divisions might be impacted by your role in their organization.
Prep with a Mock Interview (record it): This is probably the best advice we can offer you. Take a few minutes to do a dry run an in-person with a friend. Record it and then see where you might improve. You will learn a lot just from watching yourself on camera.
- Practice your greeting. Firm handshake.
- Look directly at your friend (the interviewer). This ensures you are making eye contact.
- Be conscious of your body language, your posture and voice. Sit straight, keep your arms and hands relaxed, and speak in a calm and professional manner.
- Keep your answers on point.
- Is your voice (volume, enunciation & diction) clear?
Be Yourself: Beyond experience, employers look for good cultural fits when hiring new people, especially candidates who will assume major responsibility and lead others. In fact, in many cases, personality and presentation are the primary factors in getting an offer. Your personality and character traits are of significant value and may be the biggest deciding factors in your candidacy. Employers can train someone on any skill, but they can’t train a good personality.
Review our article, Prepare for the Interview. Additionally, treat everyone you meet at the office before and after the interview with kindness and respect. Even getting in and out of your car, or using the bathroom, you never know who is watching or listening. Arrive 15 minutes early. Silence your phone and keep it in your pocket the entire time you interact with the interviewer(s).