Introduction
It's 2023 and the job hunt has gotten more complex. There are twice as many applicants for every position, employers have access to better interviewing technology, and interviews can now be done across different methods - phone, video or in-person.
But don't let this overwhelm you. With a little bit of knowledge about how these new updates affect the interview process, you'll be walking away with that dream job before you know it. Read on for our top tips to help you prepare for successful phone, video and in-person interviews in 2023!
First, here are some tips for every type of interview
- Research the company and the position as much as possible. You should have a good understanding of what they do, their philosophy, and any recent news stories related to them. Having this knowledge will help you come prepared with meaningful questions and demonstrate that you're interested in the role.
- Prepare your questions for the interviewer ahead of time. This helps you look prepared and shows the interviewer that not only are you interested in the company and the role, but you are also actively engaged in the conversation.
Phone
Prepare Your Environment
- On the day of the phone interview, make sure you have all of your materials handy and that there won't be any distractions during the call. Find a quiet space where you won't be disturbed, turn off notifications from your phone or computer, and make sure that there isn't too much background noise. Also have someone take care of any pets or children who might interrupt your call!
Prepare Answers Ahead of Time
- Prepare your answers in advance for commonly asked questions like "tell me about yourself" or "what makes you qualified for this position?" This will help keep your answers concise and focused and help prevent rambling. You can google "commonly asked interview questions" if needed.
Be Mindful of Your Tone
- When speaking over the phone, it's important to pay attention to how you sound. Speak clearly, smile as much as possible(this will help project enthusiasm), and use positive language throughout the conversation. It's also important to take your time when answering questions; don't rush through it just because it's over the phone instead of face-to-face. The interviewer should have no doubt about how passionate and excited you are about this opportunity!
Video
Test Your Tech
- Make sure your technology is working before jumping into an interview—it's important not to be caught off guard if something goes wrong. Test out both audio and video by setting up a call with a friend or family member to ensure everything is working properly. Also check that you have good internet connection so there won't be any lags or poor-quality audio or video during your interview. It's also good practice to sign in a few minutes early. If technical issues do arise, you should be able to fix them before the interview begins.
Prepare Your Environment
- Think about where you will be doing your interview ahead of time. Make sure the background behind you is neat, tidy and doesn't contain any distractions. If possible, find a place without too much light or noise that can interfere with the sound quality of your microphone or the picture quality of the camera. It might also be helpful to use headphones during the call so that neither side of the call experiences any echoing noises from either person's microphone.
Practice Makes Perfect
- It never hurts to practice beforehand. Ask friends or family members for feedback on how you present yourself over video calls; take notes on what works well for you and what could use some improvement. Doing some mock interviews can help calm nerves and boost confidence before going into the real thing.
In-Person
Dress Professionally
- It is important to dress appropriately for an interview; this may mean wearing a suit or simply dressing in business casual attire depending on the company culture. No matter what clothing style you choose, make sure that it is clean, pressed and wrinkle free. Having neat and professional attire will show that you take pride in your appearance and respect the office culture.
Be Confident
- While it is natural to feel nervous during an interview, try not to let those nerves get the best of you. Remain calm and confident throughout the entire process; confidence is contagious and can go a long way. Take deep breaths before answering questions and speak slowly so that your interviewer can understand everything clearly. Be sure to sit up straight. Good posture also exudes confidence.
Speak Slowly and Clearly
- When talking on the phone or in person, it can be easy to rush through what we say or speak too quickly without realizing it. This could lead to misunderstandings or confusion during an interview so remember to take pauses between each sentence and speak slowly with clarity.
Conclusion
Interviewing for a job in 2023 looks different than it did just a few years ago. But with a little extra work and preparation and these tips in your back pocket, you'll be nailing every interview from here on out.
Do you have any other suggestions for acing phone, video or in-person interviews? Please let us know in the comments section below!