Job Interview Tips From A HR Professional

August 16, 2024 –

By Nicolette Bleidt

Congratulations– you put in the work to craft and polish a resume that stands out, and secured an interview. Now what? (Not there yet? See our recent blog on tips for creating an effective resume.) You likely guessed that it’s now time to focus on getting ready for the main event–the interview. The job interview process is the primary deciding factor for recruiters when selecting a final candidate for a position, and it can be nerve wracking as a job seeker. Being adequately prepared will go a long way in helping you ease your stress and get you ready for the interview process. In this article, we’ll take a look at the interview formats you might see, and techniques to stay prepared for whatever comes your way.

What Is The Purpose of A Job Interview?

A job interview is the first formal meeting between a job applicant and a potential employer. It’s a key part of the hiring process where the employer assesses the candidate’s fit for the role. During an interview, the employer will ask questions to gauge the applicant’s experience, personality, and ability to contribute to the company. On the other hand, it’s also an opportunity for the candidate to learn more about the job, the company culture, and expectations, while showcasing their core strengths. With only 1 in 5 candidates getting a job offer after the interview, it’s a priority to be fully prepared before meeting the employer.

The average length of the interview process in the U.S. is 23.8 days, though it can vary significantly by industry.

The Different Types of Interviews – And How To Prepare For them

If your resume is selected from the pool of candidates, you will move on to the interview stage. These job interviews can be conducted in many different formats and styles, so it’s important to know the differences for each.

Phone Interview

A phone interview is a type of job interview conducted over the telephone, typically used as an initial screening step in the hiring process. It allows the employer to assess whether the candidate meets the basic qualifications and determine if they should be invited for further in-person or video interviews. Phone interviews are often shorter than traditional interviews and focus on key questions about the candidate’s background, skills, and interest in the role. For candidates, it’s a chance to make a strong impression through their communication skills, even though there’s no face-to-face interaction.

Phone Interview Structure

Introduction: The interviewer will introduce themselves and explain the process of the phone interview. Be sure to start strong by confirming your interest in the position and introducing yourself confidently.
Screening Questions: The interviewer will ask basic questions about your qualifications, such as your work experience, education, and availability. Prepare answers to common screening questions ahead of time to avoid long pauses and sound polished.
Behavioral/Competency-Based Questions: Expect questions like “Tell me about a time when…” or “How would you handle…” that are designed to assess your problem-solving skills and past experiences. Prepare examples in advance to show how you’ve handled similar situations.
Company and Role-Specific Questions: During this phase, you’ll discuss your understanding of the role and how your skills align with the company’s needs. Research the company thoroughly beforehand, so you can confidently speak to their mission and how you fit within their goals.
Candidate’s Questions: When it’s your turn to ask questions, show your engagement by preparing thoughtful inquiries about the company culture, team dynamics, or role specifics. Avoid generic questions; instead, tailor them to the company based on your research.

When answering behavioral questions, remember the STAR Method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Structure your answers using the STAR Method to provide a cohesive, compelling response and remember to demonstrate your problem-solving abilities.

Phone Interview Tips

Eliminate Background Noise: Find a quiet location where you won’t be disturbed. Avoid areas with pets, children, or other distractions. Turn off any devices that could cause interruptions.
Choose a Quiet Space: Ensure you are in a calm environment with a good phone signal. If possible, use a landline to prevent connection issues, or test your cell reception beforehand.
Stay Engaged: Even though the interviewer can’t see you, it’s important to show you’re actively listening. Use verbal cues like “I see,” “That makes sense,” or restate important points to show attentiveness.
Use Verbal Cues Effectively: Repeat the interviewer’s questions back to clarify your understanding and restate key information they mention to show you’re following the conversation closely.
Focus On Tone and Voice: Without body language, your tone and inflection are key. Avoid being monotone by varying your voice pitch and using enthusiasm where appropriate.

First In-Person Interview

An in-person interview is often one of the final steps in the hiring process and is a key opportunity for candidates to make a strong, personal impression on potential employers. It allows both parties to assess whether the candidate is the right fit for the role, not just in terms of qualifications, but also in terms of personality and culture. For the candidate, it’s a chance to showcase professionalism, communication skills, and enthusiasm for the role in a face-to-face setting.

In-Person Interview Structure

Introduction: The interviewer will greet you, often starting with a handshake and brief small talk. This first impression is crucial, so greet the interviewer with a smile, a firm handshake, and maintain good eye contact. Be polite and professional from the moment you walk in.
Screening and Background Questions: The interviewer will likely begin by asking about your work history, qualifications, and reasons for applying to the role. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences and how they relate to the job you’re seeking.
Behavioral/Competency-Based Questions: You may be asked questions designed to assess how you’ve handled specific situations in the past, such as “Tell me about a time when you faced a challenge at work.” These are aimed at gauging your problem-solving skills and how you adapt to various circumstances.
Role-Specific and Technical Questions: During this phase, you’ll dive deeper into the specifics of the role, discussing the tasks, responsibilities, and any technical skills required. This is where your research into the company and the role pays off, as you’ll be expected to demonstrate how your skills match their needs.
Candidate’s Questions: Towards the end of the interview, you’ll be invited to ask your own questions. Prepare thoughtful questions that show you’ve done your research, such as inquiries about the team dynamic, company culture, or upcoming challenges in the role.

In-Person Interview Tips

Arrive Early: Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes before your interview. Being early shows punctuality and gives you time to settle in and collect your thoughts before the interview begins.
Dress Appropriately: Dress in attire that aligns with the company’s culture and the position you are applying for. Even if the company has a more casual dress code, err on the side of formality for the interview.
Prepare Your Materials: Bring extra copies of your resume, a list of references, and any other documents you might need (such as a portfolio). This demonstrates preparation and organization.
Body Language is Key: Make sure your body language conveys confidence and attentiveness. Sit up straight, make eye contact, and use appropriate gestures to emphasize points.
Be Personable and Professional: In an in-person setting, your personality and how you connect with the interviewer are crucial. Be yourself, but maintain professionalism throughout the conversation.
Follow-Up: After the interview, send a thank-you email within 24 hours. This is an opportunity to express gratitude, reaffirm your interest, and leave a lasting positive impression.

Other Job Interview Types

Although most candidates will experience only a phone interview followed by an in-person meeting, certain roles and industries require a variety of interview formats. To help you navigate the hiring process, here’s a quick overview of additional interview types you might encounter during your job search.

Second In-Person Interview: A second in-person interview usually occurs after a candidate has successfully passed the first round. It’s more in-depth and focused on specifics related to the role and the company. You might meet with multiple interviewers over the course of the day, and it’s often more conversational, with detailed discussions about role responsibilities, team dynamics, and company strategy.
Working Interview: A working interview tests your skills in a real or simulated work environment. You are asked to perform tasks that you would be doing if you were hired for the role. You might be given an assignment or asked to complete a project. This could range from technical tasks (coding, design, etc.) to practical applications (customer service scenarios, drafting proposals). Treat it like a real job situation, demonstrate not just your technical skills, but also your ability to communicate, collaborate, and adapt to the company’s processes.
Panel Interview: In a panel interview, multiple interviewers meet with the candidate simultaneously. The panel typically includes representatives from various departments or levels of the company. You’ll answer questions from several people, which can be rapid-fire or more conversational. The questions may cover a range of topics, from your qualifications to how you might fit into the company’s culture.
Group Interview: A group interview involves several candidates being interviewed at the same time by one or more interviewers. This format is often used to assess candidates for positions that require teamwork or leadership. Candidates may be asked to participate in group activities or discussions, solve problems together, or take turns answering questions. You should focus on demonstrating your collaboration skills and ability to work well in a team.
Technical Interview: A technical interview focuses on your specific knowledge and skills related to the job. It’s often used in fields like IT, engineering, or data analysis. You might be asked to solve coding problems, analyze data, or answer technical questions. This interview may include a live demonstration of your skills, such as writing code or configuring systems.
Case Interview: A case interview is common in consulting and finance roles, where candidates are presented with a business problem and asked to solve it. The interviewer will present a scenario, and you must work through it, asking clarifying questions, doing calculations, and presenting a logical solution.
Virtual Interview: 82% of employers use virtual interviews in some capacity. These interviews are conducted over a video conferencing platform and are often used either as a screening step or as a follow-up to a phone or initial in-person interview. Virtual interviews offer the employer an opportunity to assess a candidate’s qualifications while also observing their non-verbal cues, communication style, and presentation skills. For candidates, it’s a chance to make a strong impression through both their professional appearance and communication skills, even though it’s not a face-to-face meeting in the traditional sense.

Tips To Improve Your Interview Performance

Doing well in an interview takes time and practice. Regardless of the interview format, certain key strategies can help you succeed across the board. Here are some universal tips that will serve you well in any interview:

Do Your Research

Before any interview, it’s crucial to thoroughly research the company. This preparation allows you to understand their mission, values, and recent developments, which you can then incorporate into your responses. Knowing what the company does, who its competitors are, and how it positions itself in the market will help you demonstrate that you’re genuinely interested in the role and align your skills with the company’s needs. Additionally, this research enables you to anticipate how your background might fit into their current projects or long-term goals.

Research goes beyond just the company’s website—explore recent news articles, LinkedIn profiles of key employees, and any industry reports that provide insight into the company’s direction. By weaving this information into your answers, you’ll stand out as a candidate who has done their homework.

Prepare for Common Questions

Practicing answers to common interview questions is one of the most effective ways to reduce nerves and ensure that you present yourself confidently. Questions like “Tell me about yourself,” or “Why do you want this job?” are almost guaranteed to come up, so it’s important to have well-thought-out answers ready. Preparing in advance helps you avoid hesitation, ensuring your responses are clear, polished, and relevant to the role.

Bring Your Own Questions

Asking insightful questions during an interview shows that you are genuinely interested in the position and the company. It’s an opportunity to learn more about the role, the team, and the company culture while also demonstrating that you’ve done your research. In addition to impressing the interviewer, asking questions is also a chance for you to evaluate if the company is the right fit for you. Use this time to clarify any uncertainties about the role or the company’s expectations.

Be Mindful of Body Language and Tone

Your body language and tone of voice play a significant role in how your responses are perceived, especially in in-person or video interviews. Good posture, maintaining eye contact, and using open gestures (like uncrossed arms) convey confidence and engagement. Even in a virtual setting, where your body language might be less visible, your tone of voice can express enthusiasm, professionalism, and attentiveness. These non-verbal cues help create a positive impression and show the interviewer that you’re fully engaged in the conversation.

Be Punctual

Punctuality is one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to demonstrate your professionalism and respect for the interviewer’s time. Whether the interview is in person, over the phone, or virtual, arriving early shows that you’re organized and take the opportunity seriously. Aim to arrive or log in 10-15 minutes before the scheduled time, which also gives you a moment to calm your nerves and mentally prepare for the conversation ahead.

Being punctual isn’t just about showing up on time—it’s about planning ahead to prevent any potential delays. For in-person interviews, familiarize yourself with the location and account for factors like traffic or parking. For virtual interviews, test your technology in advance to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Listen Carefully

A common trap in an interview is trying to think ahead to your response while an interviewer is still verbalizing a question. Instead, pay close attention to the interviewer’s questions and any comments they make about your responses. Listening carefully allows you to provide relevant, thoughtful responses.

Stay Calm Under Pressure

Interviewers often introduce challenging questions or unexpected situations to see how candidates react under pressure. The ability to stay calm and composed is a valuable skill that demonstrates emotional intelligence and resilience—qualities that are important in most professional roles. If you’re unsure of an answer, it’s okay to ask for clarification or for a moment to gather your thoughts. Demonstrating your ability to handle stressful situations gracefully will reassure the interviewer that you can handle challenges on the job as well.

Showcase Your Personality

While qualifications and experience are important, your personality is often what sets you apart from other candidates. Interviews are not just about determining if you can do the job—they’re also about figuring out if you’ll be a good fit for the team and company culture. Letting your personality shine through, while still maintaining professionalism, can help build rapport with the interviewer and make you more memorable. Reports show that 76% of recruiters wouldn’t hire someone that comes off as arrogant, so be yourself, show enthusiasm, and don’t be afraid to share your passions and interests.

Tailor Your Answers To Each Company

Tailoring your answers to the specific job and company is one of the best ways to stand out as a candidate. Instead of providing generic responses, craft answers that directly align with the job description and the company’s goals. This shows the interviewer that you’ve not only researched the company but also thought critically about how your skills and experiences can contribute to their success. For example, if the company emphasizes innovation, highlight examples from your past work where you introduced new ideas or approaches. Tailoring your responses also demonstrates your enthusiasm for the role and sets you apart from candidates who may not have taken the time to customize their answers.

The Importance of Following Up

Following up after your interview is crucial as a candidate because it reinforces your interest in the position and leaves a lasting impression on the employer. It provides an opportunity to reiterate key points discussed during the interview, address any concerns, and express gratitude for the opportunity. A thoughtful follow-up can distinguish a candidate from others, demonstrating professionalism, enthusiasm, and attention to detail—qualities highly valued by employers. Moreover, it opens a line of communication, potentially speeding up the decision-making process or providing valuable feedback, whether positive or negative. In a competitive job market, a well-crafted follow-up can be the deciding factor in securing the job.

Sending a follow-up after being turned down for a position is also highly valuable for the candidate. Not only does it demonstrate your professionalism and resilience, it provides a chance to request constructive feedback, which can be invaluable for improving performance in future interviews.

Get Personalized Job Seeking Support With Starboard

Staffing By Starboard was created to improve the job placement process for both job seekers and businesses. Our approach is personalized and proactive—we work closely with candidates to identify positions that align with their skills, interests, and career goals. From the initial job search to post-placement support, we’re with you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth transition into your new role. Whether you’re seeking an entry-level position or are an experienced professional in a specialized field, Staffing By Starboard is dedicated to helping you navigate the job market and land your next opportunity.

As you prepare for various interview formats, from phone screens to in-person interviews, our team provides the guidance and resources you need to make a lasting impression. We don’t just connect you with job opportunities; we equip you with the tools to succeed in your interviews and beyond.

Common Interview Questions – And How To Answer Them

While every interviewer will have different questions they ask to vet candidates, here are some common interview questions and tips on how to answer them effectively.

Tell Me About Yourself.

This is often an interview opener and provides a chance for you to set the tone. Focus on your professional background rather than personal details. Start with a brief overview of your career, highlighting key experiences relevant to the role you’re applying for. Keep your response concise, and end with a note on why you’re excited about this particular opportunity.

Example: “I have five years of experience in logistics management, where I’ve specialized in streamlining supply chain operations. In my most recent role, I led a team that reduced shipping delays by 15%, which significantly improved customer satisfaction. I’m now excited about the opportunity to bring that same energy and innovation to your team.”

Why Do You Want to Work Here?

Tailor your answer to the specific company. This is where your research comes into play. Mention something about the company’s mission, values, culture, or recent projects that resonate with you. Show how your skills and goals align with what the company is looking for.

Example: “I’ve always admired your commitment to sustainability, and I was excited to see how your company has integrated green initiatives into your manufacturing process. With my background in eco-friendly logistics, I believe I can help further your efforts while contributing to your operational goals.”

What Are Your Strengths?

Identify a few strengths that are relevant to the job. Choose strengths that are specific and provide examples to back them up. Avoid generic answers like “I’m a hard worker” unless you can provide context and proof.

Example: “One of my strengths is my ability to adapt to new technologies quickly. In my last role, I learned a new warehouse management software system within weeks, which allowed me to optimize our inventory tracking and improve efficiency by 20%.”

What Are Your Weaknesses?

Be honest but strategic. Choose a real weakness, but make sure it’s something that you’ve worked on improving. Avoid cliches like “I’m a perfectionist.” Instead, focus on a skill you’ve been actively developing and share what you’ve done to improve.

Example: “I used to struggle with delegating tasks because I wanted to ensure everything was done perfectly. However, over the past year, I’ve learned to trust my team and assign tasks more effectively, which has not only helped my team grow but also increased our productivity.”

Why Are You Leaving Your Current Job?

Be honest but tactful. Avoid speaking negatively about your current or previous employer. Instead, focus on what you’re looking for in your next opportunity, such as growth, new challenges, or alignment with your career goals.

Example: “I’ve enjoyed my time at my current job and have learned a lot, but I’m looking for a role where I can take on more leadership responsibilities and work on larger-scale projects, which is what attracted me to this opportunity.”

Why Should We Hire You?

Summarize your qualifications, strengths, and what you can bring to the company that sets you apart from other candidates. Show how your skills directly align with the job requirements and the company’s needs.

Example: “With my five years of experience in logistics and my proven ability to improve efficiency and reduce costs, I’m confident that I can make an immediate impact on your operations team. I’m also passionate about continuous improvement, which aligns with your company’s focus on innovation.”

Job Interview Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Interviews Does It Take To Land A Job?

On average, most candidates can expect 2-3 interviews prior to a job offer being extended. However, this number can be more or less depending on many factors such as job level, location, industry, and more.

What Percentage of Applicants Receive An Interview?

Only around 20% of qualified applicants that submit for jobs land an interview. Because of this, it’s crucial to be fully prepared for the interview, and what the company might ask of you.

What’s The Most Common Interview Format?

The traditional in-person interview is still the most common format that you will see today. However, with a shift towards online interviews, formats like phone interviews and virtual interviews are becoming increasingly popular.

How Long Do Job Interviews Take?

On average, you can expect your job interview to be anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. This gives both parties time to ask the necessary questions to ensure that it is the right fit before moving on.