Written by Erica Rezvani, Telecom Recruiter on the West Coast
I hear candidates tell me all the time that interviews make them nervous, or they just don’t interview well and I always try to remind everyone that an interview is just as much for you as it is for the company.
Yes, the company wants to make sure you’re the right fit for the role, but you should also make sure the company is the right fit for you! With that being said, there are some tips I can share with you to help make sure you are as prepared as possible for an upcoming interview.
6 Interview Tips From a Telecom Recruiter:
- Do your research. Look up the company you are going to interview with to see what they have been up to lately. What projects are they currently working on? What changes have they made recently? That way if the interviewer asks what you know about the company, you are fully prepared. I also recommend looking up your interviewer on LinkedIn just to familiarize yourself with who you will be meeting with.
- Go through prep questions. There are tons of generic interview questions available out there, run through a few so that it won’t come as a shock if you are asked one on the spot. You could even write down some general answers on notecards to help remember your best points. This also helps to prevent you from rambling too. Interviewers like detailed answers, but they should stay relevant to the subject.
- Review the details of the role you are interviewing for. Be prepared to share your experience on similar projects or duties you have done in prior roles.
- Show up prepared. Dress nice, whether it is an in-person or video interview. Have a copy of your resume on hand to refer to and bring multiple copies for in-person interviews. If doing a video interview, run through your video platform at least once before the interview to ensure the camera and volume are working. Make sure you are in a quiet place with nothing showing in the background.
- Ask questions. This is for you as well as to show the interviewer you are genuinely interested in this role. Ask details of the project you are curious about, ask about the markets the projects are taking place in, ask details about the scope of work, etc. but do NOT ask about money. Unless the interviewer brings it up, money should not be discussed in the interview. One of my personal favorite questions to ask in an interview is “Do you have any hesitations with placing me in this role?” This gives the interviewer a chance to express any concerns they may have as well as give you a chance to address them.
- Be yourself. Of course, be professional, but don’t be afraid to add a personal touch and try to connect with the interviewer. Trying to make a connection with the interviewer can leave them with a good impression. I always say if they bring up anything about pets or children, ask about them! What type of pets do you have? How old are your children? Etc.
An interview shouldn’t feel like a daunting task. I try to think of it as an opportunity to get to know someone, see if I can be an asset to their team and if the role can add value to my life. Enjoy yourself and don’t overthink it. Oh, and GOOD LUCK!
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.” – Steve Jobs
Are you open to new job opportunities?
Check out our job board HERE and either apply directly or send your resume to our recruiting team – recruiters@tekcomresuorces.com
