As an employee of SuccessLabHQ, I have had the privilege of interviewing several potential employee candidates over the last couple of months as we have sought to grow our team.   I’ve spoken to all types of applicants with different strengths, values, interests.   Each of which were impressive and special in their own way.

As a college student, who is just beginning my career journey,  this was my first position as an interviewer.   It was truly eye opening to be on the opposite side of the desk meeting with a candidate wishing to join our team.

After meeting with such a wide range of applicants of different ages and genders, I’ve compiled a list of interview ‘dos and don’ts’ based on my experience as an interviewer rather than the interviewee that I typically am.

I am sharing the hidden secrets and tips from a rather unique perspective that will set you up for future interview success.

DO:  Come Prepared

Come to your interview at least 5-10 minutes early. Be sure to dress to impress, bring several copies of your resume, and be prepared to focus on the specific skills that you have that make you a perfect fit for the job that you are applying for.

Study and know the job title, skills, and goals before heading to your interview – this will help you highlight areas of your experience that will make you stand out from other candidates.

You can find job duties, required skills, and other expectations in the online job posting, or you can request the information from your contact at the company.

DON’T: Over-Do It

As an interviewee, you want to ensure that the interviewer knows the reasons why you’re a great fit for the position. But you don’t want to overstate what you can do. Honest is always the best policy.

Answer his/her questions fully and confidently. However, you need to be able to back up anything that you say with experiences listed on your resume, a portfolio of previous work, and ideally letters of recommendation from previous employers and/or trusted mentors.

An interviewer would love to know how you can better their business, but you must have proof that your potential plan has worked for other businesses as well by providing proof of success in that particular area.

DO: Show Your Personality

In an interview, be yourself. Be comfortable. Be honest.

An employer not only wants to know how well you would perform in a specific job, but also how well you would fit in their team.  They want to feel like they understand who you are, and if you would be a fit.   

A business wants to hire employees that represent their company in an honorable way.  Showing your personality can show how you would be great to work around, and how you would add to the corporate culture of the organization. 

DON’T: Bash Previous Employers

Almost everyone has had a bad boss during their time in the workforce. However, the best employees work hard to overcome such negative people and succeed in their position despite the turbulence. 

A potential employer does not want to hear about how terrible your previous boss was.  They would rather hear about the ways that you solved problems on the spot to ensure success for the business despite the challenges you faced.

As an interviewee, you want to let the interviewer know that you are not going to let anyone or anything get in the way of your work. They want to know that you are always going to try your best and produce effectively in all types of situations. It can make a bad impression on a potential employer if you appear difficult to work with by complaining about your previous boss or teammates. Instead of spending valuable time talking about previous job grievances, take the time to show and prove your worth as an employee.

Now that we have discussed the most important interview dos and don’ts, you are prepared and ready for your next interview. Prepare well and have confidence that you are going to blow the interviewer away! Follow these tips and tricks, and you’re sure to turn some heads in the interview process.

Let us know what you think. Post in the comments below or follow us on Instagram @successlabhq  and share your interview tips, questions, and updates. 

Now, go crush your goals, own the day, and dream big!