Your answers to interview questions are arguably the most important aspect of an interview, but those are not the only thing that you will be judged on. So what else should you be paying attention to?
Body Language
Your body language is a form of communication just like your words. Using poor body language shows a disconnect and can make you seem uninterested. You want to stand/sit up tall, face your interviewer, and avoid fidgeting around too much. Many people talk with their hands, which is absolutely okay for an in-person interview, just make sure you dial it back a little so that it is not overly distracting. For a zoom interview you will want to avoid that all together so sit on your hands or get yourself a fidget to hold underneath your desk to prevent the urge.
Attitude
This may seem like common sense, but always have a good attitude from the minute you arrive to the minute you leave. The impression you make starts right when you step on company grounds. This means don’t cut someone off in the parking lot, don’t be rude to anyone in the elevator, and absolutely smile and greet everyone you see on your way in! You never know who can weigh into hiring decisions, so you want to make a good impression on everyone you encounter.
Follow Up
Please follow up with your interviewer(s)! Send a thank you note to every person you interviewed with. This can be a physical copy you send, but could also just be an email. This is a small task that can have a huge impact. It shows that you are grateful for their time and are serious about the position!
Different Interview Styles
You will want to follow some different guidelines if your interview is virtual or over the phone. For a virtual interview please be aware of your background and surroundings. You want a plain background, good lighting, and center yourself in the frame. For a phone interview you are not able to show physical interest, so your tone of voice is one of the few things besides your answers for an interviewer to go off of. Fluctuate your tone and use enthusiasm. Also be sure to address any pauses you may take to think about a question to avoid any awkwardness.
