Types of Interviews To Prepare For

First line of defense.  Ultimate goal is to get recruiter support to be interviewed by hiring manager

 

Keys:

• Be Clear About Your Goals

  • Recruiters want to match you with the right role, so be upfront about your career goals, preferred industries, salary expectations, and work environment preferences.

• Treat It Like a Real Interview

  • Even though the recruiter isn’t the hiring manager, they can influence whether you move forward. Be professional, well-prepared, and confident in your responses.

• Highlight Your Strengths and Experience

  • Clearly explain your skills and accomplishments using examples. Emphasize how your experience aligns with the types of roles they recruit for.

• Ask the Right Questions 

  • Use this opportunity to gather information about the company, role, and hiring process. Ask about company culture, job expectations, and next steps.

• Follow Up and Stay in Touch

  • Send a thank-you email after the interview and stay in touch. Even if this role isn’t a fit, maintaining a good relationship with a recruiter can lead to future opportunities.

Ultimate decision maker

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• Understand the Role and Company 

  • Hiring managers want to know why you’re interested in the position. Research the company, its values, and how the role contributes to its success. Tailor your answers to show how you align with their needs.

 

• Demonstrate How You Add Value

  • ​Unlike a recruiter, the hiring manager is focused on how you can directly impact the team. Use specific examples to highlight your skills, achievements, and how you solve problems relevant to the role.

 

• Show Enthusiasm and Cultural Fit 

  • Hiring managers look for candidates who not only have the skills but also fit the team culture. Express genuine enthusiasm for the role, ask thoughtful questions, and show how your work style aligns with theirs.

 

• Be Ready for Technical or Role-Specific Questions 

  • Expect in-depth questions about your experience and skills. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions, and be prepared to discuss technical expertise or problem-solving approaches.

 

• Ask Insightful Questions 

  • Demonstrate your interest by asking about team dynamics, success metrics, and long-term goals for the role. This also helps you determine if the job is the right fit for you.

Tricky as you need to engage/interact with multiple people, multiple styles at same time

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• Address Each Panel Member 

  • While it’s natural to focus on the person asking the question, make sure to engage with all panel members. When responding, address each one, making eye contact with everyone in the room to show you are inclusive and confident.

 

• Be Clear and Concise 

  • With multiple people asking questions, time can be limited. Answer questions clearly and to the point, focusing on the most important aspects of your experience that align with the role.

 

• Stay Calm and Adaptable 

  • Panel interviews can feel intimidating with multiple interviewers, but stay calm and composed. If one person asks a follow-up question, be prepared to adapt your response and expand on your answer as needed.

 

• Be Engaged and Show Enthusiasm 

  • Show enthusiasm for the role and the opportunity to speak with each panelist. Engage with each person’s question thoughtfully, demonstrating your interest in the role and how you would be an asset to the team.

 

• Prepare for Diverse Question Types 

  • Panel members often have different focuses—technical skills, behavioral traits, and cultural fit. Be ready to answer a variety of question types and prepare examples that cover all aspects of your experience.

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Always best case scenario.  Can use body language (smiling) and appropriate dress to your advantage

• Make a strong first impression.  Firm handshake, smile, good posture, eye contact

• Be prepared for Behavioral and Situational questions.

• Pay attention to non-verbal clues. 

Tougher than in person.  Can't see smile, professional dress, etc.....Need to be more engaging

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• Test Technology in Advance

  • Ensure your internet connection, video and audio settings, and any interview software (Zoom, Teams, etc.) are working properly ahead of time. This minimizes technical issues during the interview and keeps the focus on the conversation.

• Create a Professional Environment

  • Choose a quiet, well-lit location with a clean background. Minimize distractions and background noise, and make sure you’re positioned with good lighting so you’re visible to the candidate.

• Engage Actively and Make Eye Contact

  • Since virtual interviews lack physical presence, it’s important to engage actively. Look at the camera when speaking (not just the screen) to simulate eye contact, and nod or smile to show you’re actively listening and engaged.

• Be Clear and Concise

  • Because virtual interviews can sometimes create delays or technical glitches, make sure your questions are clear and concise. Allow candidates time to respond, and be patient if there are any small delays.

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