Dress the Part!
So, you've gone through phone screens or video chats, and it's time for the big interview. You’ve already researched the company and the people you’ll be speaking with, so your mental homework is done. Now it’s time to mirror the dress code but try to step it up just a touch. If everyone is in jeans and sneakers, maybe a button-up shirt/polo/woven shirt or a nice jacket is appropriate and wear a clean pair of shoes that aren’t as casual. For full business attire environments, match the formality but avoid overdoing it with accessories.
Arrive Early!
Showing up 15-20 minutes early allows you to shake off any travel woes, find parking, and get your thoughts together. You’ll have time to find the correct location, check-in with reception/security, and review the agenda before your interviewer arrives. While you wait, do any last-minute prep like putting your phone into Do Not Disturb mode, using the restroom, and drinking water.
Follow My Lead!
After starting the conversation with an introduction, a smile, and a handshake, mirror the body language of your interviewer as you both sit down (or stand). Lean forward or back to match their posture, uncross your arms, face them at the same angle, etc. If the interviewer starts with small talk, let them lead the dialogue and add to the conversation. If the interviewer immediately starts asking serious questions, match their level of engagement. Don’t forget to smile!
Express Yourself!
You’ll likely be asked to start by summarizing your career and experience. Here’s your opportunity to fill in the blanks your resume left open, and to highlight your tenure in positions and projects that match the role you’re here to win. Don’t ramble, keep the stories and examples on-topic and compact, yet comprehensive; this shows the interviewer that you respect their time and know how to stay on topic. Don’t worry about trying to fill silence.
You’re doing well if you’re smiling, maintaining eye contact, and actively listening. Avoid speaking in a monotone; use hand gestures, allow your voice to rise and fall to emphasize the story you tell, and maintain open body language as you engage with the interviewer. Let your personality shine while remembering that your likeability is tied to your ability to express your experience and skills, and not so much how good a speaker you may be (unless you're interviewing for a customer-facing or presentation-heavy role).
Close the Deal!
So, you’ve done a great job so far; you’ve answered technical questions articulately, you’ve made sure to ask insightful questions of your own, and the interview is ending. Now’s the time to softly gauge where you stand. Ask about what the team considers to be a good fit and talk about your level of excitement to join. Depending on company culture, it may be important to avoid naming the company/brand as a goal, so instead of saying “I’ve always wanted to work for XYZ”, talk about your excitement at the possibility of joining the specific team. State the team’s goal as you understand it and take ownership of it as you wrap up the conversation. Make sure you have the names of everyone who you interviewed with, so you can address them in a short thank-you note later.
Finish by asking about next steps and a timeline and remember to thank the interviewers for taking the time to speak with you. Congrats, you've just left the impression you wanted to, and you did it while wrapping your skills and experience up in a pleasant and personable package!
IN-PERSON INTERVIEW TIPS: Take the guesswork out of your personal presentation when meeting hiring managers.
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