By Jeffrey Calannio, CPC, Software Placement Group, SPG

There are many good reasons to be successful at interviewing resulting in an effective result and possible job offer. Here are some keys to a quality interview:

• Be on time (phone or in person) as the interviewee
• Make sure your resume and LinkedIn profile match
• Gather rapport at the beginning of interview
• Be professional and honest throughout the interview
• Listen to questions, and answer crisply
• Read job profile and match yourself to it
• Read the LinkedIn profile for the interviewer, and research their background
• Try to find common ground with the interviewer to connect
• Do extensive research on the company, (products, company history, executive team, news, Glassdoor, reports)
• Be fully prepared to ask several good questions about company, role, potential, etc.
• Show and express interest in the role and company
• Wear a suite for any face to face interview
• Test Zoom, Skype first (if this type of call is requested), then look into camera and dress for interview. Make sure you are in a quiet place, with good lighting and framing for the video interview.
• Don’t negotiate unless the interviewer starts the process
• Close for next step(s) and ask for their email address so you can send a thank you note summarizing your fit and interest