What Do Interviewers Look for in a Job Interview?

Tip #1

Be prepared:

Preparing for an interview ahead of time can be the difference between getting the job offer or getting passed up.

There are resources online to help you determine the kinds of interview questions you might be asked during your job interview. Whether you find them in a blog post, a YouTube video or from a friend in HR, make a list of the ones you'll prepare for and write down some possible responses. The more you practice what to say in a job interview, the more relaxed you will be when you're in the hot seat.

As part of your preparation, be sure to make a copy of your resume to bring to the interview. Having a copy — or several — with you during the interview will allow both you and the hiring manager to scan it during the interview.

For the recruiter, this will allow them to scan your document and ask questions about your background. For you, it allows you to quickly refer to parts of your professional history during the interview, which is handy if you're nervous.

Tip #2

Research the role and the company:

Part of your preparation for the interview should be to learn everything you can about the role at hand and the company you're interviewing with. Study the job description to learn what the responsibilities are and the criteria for success in the role. Knowing this will help you identify which parts of your background to focus on during the interview.

It's also important to do your homework on the company. Understanding the culture and values it promotes will help you ask the right questions during the interview. Remember — a job interview isn't just about whether you're a good fit for the company but whether the company is a good fit for you!

One question interviewers like to ask is "What do you know about us?" Your research will help you prepare for that question and can even give you clues about how you should dress for the interview.

Do online research to find out:

• What is the business all about?
• What are the specialties of the division or department you're interviewing with?
• What problems are they hoping to solve with this hire? 

Read the About Us section on the company website. Go to Glassdoor to read reviews of the company. All of that information will help you form a more complete picture of the company.

Tip #3

Choose an outfit that's comfortable and professional:

Now that you understand the culture of the company, you should have a better sense of what to wear to the interview.

Interviews can be uncomfortable but your clothing doesn't have to be. Choose something to wear that makes you feel good about yourself. Be sure to test how it looks and feels when you are seated. If you are self-conscious about your appearance, you won't be able to concentrate on the quality of your responses.

Match your outfit to the company culture. For example, for a job at a tech startup, you likely don't need to wear a three-piece suit. And, for a job in banking, you shouldn't turn up in jeans.

Tip #4

Listen carefully:

While preparation is helpful, you won't be able to predict everything you might be asked. So, during the interview, be sure to listen carefully and answer the questions asked as succinctly as possible. Don't arrive at the interview so overly prepared with canned answers that you are relying on canned responses rather than answering exactly what was asked.

So, listen to the whole question and respond naturally. Trust yourself and be conversational. It will help you to connect with the interviewer, which is what you want to do.

Tip #5

Pay attention to your body language:

While it's important to be as relaxed as possible during the interview, remember not to be too relaxed in your body language. Check in with yourself to be sure you aren't slouching or sitting in an overly casual way.

Sit up straight, offer up warm smiles and do your best not to fidget. (Tapping your foot or fidgeting with a pen can be distracting and will detract from what you are trying to say to the interviewer.)

Tip #6

Make eye contact:

Be sure to make eye contact with the interviewer while they are speaking and when you are responding. Good eye contact can help you make a connection with the recruiter.

If your interview is conducted by phone or on Zoom, be sure to look into the camera as you speak. It will give the impression that you're making eye contact and can help make it feel like more of a natural conversation.

Tip #7

Concentrate on your most relevant skills:

Hone in on the parts of your background that are most relevant to the role. You may be asked to take a skills test before being given an offer, so don't lie about your abilities. Let the interviewer know that you have what it takes to be successful in the job by being laser-focused on your skills and the outcomes you have produced.

Before the interview, make a list of the skills listed in the job description and spend some time making notes. Provide examples of how you have used these skills in the past and, ideally, provide some positive outcomes.

For example, if you're applying for a job as a server and the job description asks that you be comfortable in a high-volume dining establishment, be ready to share examples of ways you have multitasked to quickly turn tables. Or, if you are interviewing for a web design role, prepare data and metrics that show the impact your creative skills have had on a past employer's bottom line.

Tip #8

Be positive:

Employers want to hire pleasant people so, even if you have had bad experiences with co-workers or managers in the past, your job interview is not the place to air your dirty laundry.

A company wants to know that you're someone who will work well with managers and respect the company's mission, culture and reputation. If your answers include stories about how you were smarter than management and saved the day, this won't come across well. Even if management at a past job was terrible, always tell your stories in a way that makes you look resourceful and capable, without putting others down.

Tip #9

Discuss your professional goals:

While a job interview isn't the time to give a long explanation of your hopes and dreams, if you are asked an interview question like "Where do you see yourself in five years," you'll need a cohesive answer. Responding to this question can be somewhat tricky — after all, the focus of the job interview should primarily be on what you will bring to the table if hired, not on what you want from the employer.

However, having a response to this question prepared can help show that you see a future with the company and that you don't just see the job as a stepping stone to your next opportunity. Retention is a hot topic — after all, training employees just for them to quit after a few months is costly to employers.

Tip #10

Show some personality:

Interviews don't have to be all uptight and formal. While you should always remain professional, don't be afraid to make light conversation with your interviewer when the time feels right. After all, they are partially assessing whether you are someone who they'd enjoy working with day in and day out.

However, remember that humor is subjective. If you make a joke, be sure it isn't anything political or religious in nature, otherwise you run the risk of insulting the hiring manager or introducing unconscious bias into the hiring process. Keep it light, be warm and friendly and show them that you're a person they'll enjoy spending time with.

Tip #11

Bring a list of references:

If your interview goes well, you will likely be asked to provide a list of references. Unless otherwise instructed, your references should be listed on a separate sheet from your resume. We suggest creating a page with a header that is the same as or similar to the header on your cover letter and resume.

Each entry on the sheet should be uniformly formatted and each person listed should be someone who you know will have positive things to say about you and your work history. When in doubt, leave them off the list.

Tip #12

Write a thank-you note:

It's customary to write a thank you note to each person who interviewed you. While sending these via email is fine, the handwriting theme is a nice touch.

Despite how simple it is to write a thank you letter, it is a step many job seekers skip — making candidates who send one stand out. This type of note doesn't need to be lengthy — just a paragraph or two — but personalize them to mention something you discussed in your face-to-face conversation.