Mastering the Subtleties of a Job Interview

by Doug White, Robert Half International


You just received word that you've been invited to interview for a great job opportunity. Take a minute to bask in the excitement.

Now, start sweating the small stuff.

In today's highly competitive job market, the little things you do before, during, and after an interview can have a big impact on an employer's opinion of you. Consider the following tips:

Do some digging.
Displaying poise and professionalism is key when you're in the hot seat, but those qualities won't make up for a lack of preparation. Study up to learn as much as you can about the company and position beforehand. Research the organization's website, marketing materials, annual reports, and recent press to gain information about the organization's mission, leaders, culture, and competitors. Also see if the firm has a presence on social media sites like Facebook or Twitter. Following the company through these channels can offer valuable insight into recent organizational developments.

Leverage your network.
Reach out to members of your professional network to see if they can provide you with additional information about the firm. At the same time, ask if they know anything about the hiring manager with whom you'll be meeting. What is the person's personality? How can you best build rapport? What will he or she be looking for in a new hire? Even small details about the interviewer, such as his or her alma matter, could help you establish a connection and better target your questions and answers.

Understand when the interview truly begins.
Most job candidates believe that the interview starts when they shake the hiring manager's hand. Wrong. The evaluation actually begins when you approach the interviewer's assistant or receptionist. According to a survey by Robert Half International, 61 percent of executives say they consider their assistant's opinion important when making hiring decisions. Be on your best behavior from the moment you arrive. Administrative professionals are often their managers' "eyes and ears" around the office, so be friendly, courteous, and respectful.

Take your conversational cues from the interviewer.
Some employers like to chitchat before delving into the interview. Engaging in some casual small talk will help you identify points of common ground. Other interviewers, however, simply want to cut to the chase and get down to business. Be yourself, but always follow the hiring manager's lead.

Query carefully.
The questions you ask should be focused on the company, not on you and your needs. For example, regardless of how well you think the interview is going, be careful about inquiring about company perks or where your desk will be located. You want to come across as self-assured, not overconfident.

Finally, after the interview, don't delay in sending a thank-you note. Strike while the iron is hot and your conversation is fresh in the hiring manager's mind. Restate your strong interest in the job, reiterate a few of your greatest selling points, and thank the person for his or her time. Manners matter more than most people think.

Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 360 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, please visit roberthalf.com. For additional workplace articles and podcasts, visit workvine.com.

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