In-person interviews
In-person interviews, which are typically conducted at the office, usually follow video or phone assessments. This crucial final step allows you to meet face-to-face with key stakeholders to assess compatibility with the team and the work environment.
To prepare for an in-person interview, follow these tips and best practices:
Dress appropriately
This is an opportunity to make an impactful first impression—come prepared, well-groomed, and dressed for the occasion.
Review the company’s website, and have a strong handle of the organization’s values, culture, products, and services
Use what you’ve learned about the company and its products and services to demonstrate how you can make an immediate impact.
Be prepared
Practice your communication skills, including nonverbal cues, like eye contact and posture. It’s never a bad idea to do some mock interviewing with friends or family.
Arrive early
Remove the risk of running late by accounting for traffic and the time it will take to commute. Take into consideration whether the office is a standalone structure or part of a large corporate building. Confirm you know where to park and account for the time it may take to get checked in.
Be ready
Keep the interview coordinator’s contact information with you. This will allow you to proactively communicate if something outside of your control occurs.
Bring everything you might need
Pack a bag that can hold your resume, any necessary work samples, references, and a notepad. While there may not be a need to provide hard copies of these resources, it’s important that you have them on hand in case someone asks you for them.
Be comfortable being uncomfortable
Embrace the silence that may happen during an in-person interview. If someone asks you a question that requires some thought, take a moment to formulate your answer. It’s better to provide a well-developed response instead of fumbling through a quick answer.
Have your compensation expectations ready
During the in-person stage, you may be asked about your rates or salary expectations, if they have not been addressed already. This will require some research about typical compensation ranges for the role you are interviewing for and common ranges within the company. It’s ideal to have the conversation about compensation with someone close to the decision, like your recruiter, HR, or the interview coordinator. If someone asks you during an interview, provide an educated, reasonable range that you are comfortable with.