Here at Newsette HQ, everyone on the team has different backgrounds and varying levels of experience, but we’ve all been a part of several interview processes. So this week in HQ Hearts, we’re sharing our best interview tips, to hopefully help fade away jitters and make you feel more confident when you strut into the interviewer’s office. And to provide you with the interviewer’s perspective, our founder Daniella shares her tips on what she likes to see when hiring new team members.
Marlena, Head of Growth

  1. Rehearse your resume like it’s your Oscars speech. Think of your resume as your ‘script.’ When your interviewer asks “walk me through your resume,” you can jump right into your two-minute monologue about all of the experience you have had with no pauses, umms, or the “oh shoot, hold on, let me back up.” You’ll come off as the professional, prepared woman you are.
  2. Go on Glassdoor for interview questions. I know that I’m a bundle of nerves when I’m being interviewed and have stumbled when asked an odd question that I haven’t prepared for. Glassdoor is a great resource to see potential example interview questions. If the company you are interviewing for isn’t listed, look at competitor’s profiles for some industry-related questions that may come up.
  3. Remember: the interviewer is human, too. Ask your interviewer about herself! When I first started interviewing, I was so stiff and straight-to-the-point during interviews that I would usually forget to connect with the interviewer. After interviewing more, I found that they went much more successfully when I took the time to ask my interviewer questions about their own experience.

Molly, Digital Editor

  1. Stalk the company’s LinkedIn, website, and social media. Know your stuff. It’ll be useful when they ask you specific questions, like what you think about their current initiatives.
  2. Ask Questions. When they ask at the end of the interview if you have any questions, always have some! Tailor them specifically for the person interviewing you, and don’t be afraid to tie yourself in. For example: “Where do you see the company going in 5 years and how can I help get the company there in this role?”
  3. Have answers prepared and notes pulled up for your reference. It’s important to always outline your strengths, weaknesses, skills, and what you can bring to the table, as well as having specific examples of what you’ve accomplished in other jobs or in school. Be honest and show your openness to learn and improve.

Madeleine, Director of Partnerships

  1. Don’t buy a new outfit the night before your interview. Yes it’s important to look professional, but even more so to feel comfortable and confident in your interview attire. Wear an outfit you know works and feels good! And show some personal style, with a fun piece of jewelry or statement bag.
  2. Come prepared. Research the company, your interviewers, and the industry and competitors. You want to be ready for questions on the company but don’t want to be surprised by questions on competitors. It’s also essential to be ready with your opinions and thoughts on who you think is innovating and succeeding in the industry.
  3. Send a thank you. One of the best things I learned from my grandma is the importance of handwritten notes. Send a thank you note the day of your interview, so that the hiring manager knows you really want the position. Most people only take time for an e-mail follow up, so this is a surefire way to show your professionalism and stand out from other candidates.

Olivia, Director of Content Strategy

  1. Remember, you’re interviewing them too. I think when you’re just starting out you’re so eager to please that you forget you need to be happy working at a company! Do your due diligence. Ask what previous employees in your position have gone on to do, what the company’s five year plan is, what kind of mentorship opportunities there are, etc, to assess if it’s a good fit.
  2. Bring your resume! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve interviewed young women and asked for their resume and they don’t have it. 9 times out of 10 the interviewer won’t need it but having a printed out copy shows you’re prepared and serious about the job. It also helps the (usually very busy) interviewer get a quick refresh on who you are as a candidate and helps them conduct the best interview.
  3. Be confident. I know this is easier said than done, but if I could tell my younger self anything it would be to remember how much you have to offer. Not every company is the right fit, but the ones that are will immediately recognize that and value your worth. Right before you walk in, take a deep breath, repeat to yourself “you got this,” and nail that interview.

And Daniella, Founder & CEO, shares what she looks for when interviewing candidates:

  1. Research, research, research! In the over 50 interviews that I’ve conducted, the candidates that stand out are those who come prepared with knowledge about the company and myself. It only takes a few minutes on Google to get a sense of what the company is working on and what the hiring manager is looking for, and by doing your research, you can easily frame yourself to be the perfect person for the position.
  2. Be there early. I always like to meet candidates at a coffee shop or restaurant so that we can have a casual conversation without too much stress or pressure, but my one pet peeve is when someone shows up late. Being late can make the hiring manager feel like you don’t care or aren’t being mindful of their time, so always leave your home at least fifteen minutes earlier than you think you have to. And, if you end up being late because of something out of your control, always e-mail the person you’re interviewing with to let them know your ETA.
  3. Detail what you can do for the company, not what it can do for you. When someone hires a new person to their team, they’re making a significant investment that they hope will pay off with your expertise and hustle. So when you’re trying to land the job, you should make a case on why you can help take that company to the next level with your x, y, and z skills, instead of telling the hiring manager that this position would be a stepping stone for your own ambitions. That way, you don’t come off as someone who will leave the team in six months.