Completed Your Background Check? Now Use These Job Interview Tips

December 6, 2021

Once You Have Completed a Background Check, Start Planning for Your Interview

You’ve taken the first step towards finding a great job by completing a background check for employment, but that is just the first step. The hiring process can be long and stressful, especially when you are called in for your first in-person interview. Some extra planning can help to calm your nerves and help you answer questions thoughtfully.

A level of artistry comes with being interviewed, and the only way to get better at it is with practice and experience. These tips can help you answer questions during a job interview and express that your experience matches precisely what the hiring company is looking for. Get ahead with some simple planning that can make the difference between landing the role and heading back to the job search.

10 Interview Tips That Can Supplement Any Background Check and Hiring Process

Here are the ten most important job interview tips that every prospective candidate should know before their first interview with an employer.

1. Research the Company

One of the classic interview questions HR managers use to gauge your interest in the role is, “can you tell me what you know about the company?”

Do as much research as possible about the company before the interview and ensure that you can clearly explain what they do or what service they provide during the interview. Even doing a little research on the interviewer can show that you are genuinely interested in the job and serious about employment with the company.

2. Carefully Read the Job Description

Be prepared to explain why you are the right fit for the role and make specific references to the job description itself. Use phrases like, “I applied because my experience matches what you are looking for on the job description.” Connect the dots between your job experience and the employer’s needs.

3. Dress for Success

Choose an outfit that is presentable yet comfortable. While no employer will ever select a candidate for having nicer shoes than another, coming into a job interview well-dressed, means you are taking the interview seriously. Avoid the use of strong perfumes or colognes and, of course, practice good hygiene.

4. Be Prepared with Questions for the Interviewer

You should come with at least three questions for the interviewer, either about the company or the role itself. Show that you are interested in learning more about the company and are ready to take on any challenges.

5. Plan Ahead

If your job interview is in an unfamiliar place or requires the use of public transit, get ahead by adding an extra 15 minutes to your travel time. It’s always better to be a little bit early rather than late for an interview. Give yourself additional time to commute in case if you get stuck in traffic, cannot find parking or the right office building.

6. Refrain from Rambling

Sometimes you might get hit with a complicated question during a job interview. It’s ok to take a second to pause, breathe, and think for a moment to come up with the proper answer. Don’t just look to fill the silence by saying whatever comes to mind; instead, take a short moment of reflection and answer the question.

7. Practice with a Friend or Loved One

There are a number of common questions that always seem to show up during a job interview. The most famous one is, “what are your greatest weaknesses?” The answer, of course, isn’t that you don’t have any weaknesses.

Recruit a friend or loved one to ask you common interview questions in a space where you have time to think of thoughtful responses.

8. Don’t Be Afraid to Show Some Personality

You aren’t a robot, and the interviewer isn’t expecting you to be one either. There is a likelihood that the interviewer could be working directly alongside you if you get the position. Likability goes a long way during a job interview, so it is good to show a little personality by mentioning what you are passionate about, including family, friends, and hobbies.

9. Follow Up

At the end of an interview, when you are asked if you have any questions, inquire about what the next steps are. Will the hiring manager be contacting you, or should you follow up with them? It’s perfectly reasonable to know the timeline for completing the hire. Follow up with the interviewer in the next few days by thanking them for the opportunity while explaining that you are looking forward to hearing about the final hiring decision.

10. Bring Along a Copy of Your Resume and Completed Background Check

Hiring managers and interviewers are busy people, so be prepared to offer a hard copy of your resume. Offer up a completed background check along with your resume to really emphasize that you are ready to take on the role. This extra step will help you stand out in a competitive job market.

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