Universal Interview Tips
Regardless of the format, these best practices will set you up for success:
1. Research the Company: Gain a thorough understanding of the organization’s mission, values and recent projects.
2. Practice Common Questions: Be ready to answer questions about your strengths, weaknesses, accomplishments and how your experience aligns with the role. Have examples of situations you have been in before, both good and bad, and share what actions you took, what the results were and if there were any lessons learned.
3. Prepare Your Questions: Have insightful questions ready to ask the interviewer. This shows your interest in the position and helps you evaluate if the company is a good fit for you.
4. Dress Professionally: Regardless of whether the interview is virtual or in person, dress to impress! Talk to your recruiter beforehand and clarify the interview dress code if you have any questions.
5. Be Punctual: Aim to arrive (or log in) 5-10 minutes early. This demonstrates your reliability and respect for the interviewer’s time.
6. Send a Thank-You Note: After the interview, follow up with a personalized thank-you email, reiterating your enthusiasm for the role and mentioning specific points from the conversation.
Tips for Virtual Interviews
Virtual interviews require unique preparation to make a strong impression through a screen. Here’s how to stand out:
1. Test Your Technology: Ensure your internet connection, camera and microphone are working properly. Test the video platform ahead of time to avoid technical glitches and make sure your camera is on for the entire interview.
2. Choose a Professional Background: A real background is better than a fake background. Find a clean, well-lit and quiet space with minimal distractions.
3. Use Headphones if Necessary: To minimize background noise and improve audio quality, consider wearing headphones with a built-in microphone.
4. Minimize Distractions: Silence notifications on your devices, inform household members of your interview and keep pets out of the room.
5. Engage with the Camera: While it’s tempting to look at the screen, focus on the camera when speaking to mimic eye contact.
Tips for In-Person Interviews
Face-to-face interviews offer a chance to connect more personally with the interviewer. Here are some tips specific to this format:
1. Bring Hard Copies of Your Resume: Have several printed copies of your resume to share with interviewers and use a professional-looking folder or portfolio to organize your resume, references and any other documents you may need.
2. Mind Your Handshake: A firm, confident handshake creates a positive first impression.
3. Observe Body Language: Pay attention to the interviewer’s nonverbal cues and mirror their energy to establish rapport.
4. Plan Your Route: Ensure you know the exact location and factor in extra time for traffic or parking.
Final Thoughts
Whether your interview is in person or virtual, understanding the nuances of each format will help you make a great impression. Virtual interviews emphasize verbal communication and require technical preparation, while in-person interviews demand physical readiness and adaptability to the setting. By preparing thoroughly, leveraging your strengths and staying confident, you’ll be well-positioned to succeed in any interview scenario. While the format of interviews may differ, the ultimate goal remains the same: to present yourself as the best candidate for the role. By mastering both virtual and in-person interview techniques, you’ll be equipped to handle any situation with confidence. At Serco, we’re committed to helping candidates succeed. Visit our careers page for more tips and resources and explore opportunities to join our team. Good luck with your next interview—you’ve got this!
Additional Resources
U.S. Department of Labor – Interview Tips
Harvard Business Review – Common Job Interview Questions and How to Answer Them