8 Boss B*tch Interview Tips

I just recently got a new job (yay!). Throughout the interview process, I found these interview tips. Hopefully, these will help you land your dream job and build some powerful career skills along the way! These interview tips are little tidbits that I have picked up and I hope they help you too!

Interview Tip #1: Research the company

Research on the company should start as soon as you find the job posting. By doing the research early, it will allow you to construct your cover letter & resume to perfectly fit the job description, company culture, and easily meet expectations before they have even met you. A resume should be an ever-changing document and customized toward each application you fill out.

I recommend researching the company on sites such as Linkedin and Glassdoor. Linkedin allows you to get a brief overview of the company culture, how many people are employed by the company, and if you have any existing connections within the company. If you do find existing connections, reach out to them! Shoot them a message on Linkedin and let them know you found an open position and want to know more about the company and their experiences. Depending on how well you know each other you may have a good reference to put on your application and mention during the interview process. 

Interview Tip #2: Ask the right questions before the interview

When you receive the coveted invitation to an interview be sure to ask the right questions on that phone call. Treat this phone call as a pre-interview. The person on the other line could be an admin or it could be your future boss! Be sure to ask who you will be interviewing with, if there will be multiple people in the interview, the dress code, where to park, and how to find the office (what suite, what floor, what door to use).

Interview Tip #3: Research your interviewer

This is my number one interview tip and something I highly recommend to separate yourself from the other candidates. First, update your LinkedIn profile. It should be an interactive form of your resume that highlights all of your skills and talents. Tailor your LinkedIn to fit the company but keep it personal to you. This should have all of the things that you want to bring up in the interview but couldn’t fit on your resume.

Follow all of the suggestions for updating your LinkedIn and get your profile to “All-Star” level. This includes following companies, following hashtags, adding skills, adding a profile picture, etc..

Next, search for your interviewer on LinkedIn. Click on their profile and explore as much as you can. Find out where they went to school, what job they worked before their current one, see if you have any mutual connections. By doing this, not only will you have more information for your interview BUT your profile will show up in their notifications.

If you’re not too familiar with LinkedIn, when you click on someone’s profile or vise Versa, there is a notification that appears saying, “Elyse just looked at your profile”. This will allow your interviewer to see how interested & dedicated you are while also having them look at your impressive profile that is filled with accomplishments.

Interview Tip #4: What to wear

No matter what industry you are interviewing for, your outfit should be neat, professional, and show personality. Wear something that makes you feel comfortable but also shows your sense of style. 

A good way to add personality to an outfit is with a pop of color or pattern. Wear a colorful statement necklace, carry a bright purse, throw on some flashy heels. Interview tip: Your choices should be tasteful but they should make sure that your interviewer remembers you in a sea of black suits and skirts.

Try on your outfit a few days before your interview. This will help you notice if it is too tight, missing a button, or uncomfortable while you still have time to pick out a new one or shop around. 

If your outfit looks great but is uncomfortable, change it. When you arrive at your interview your nerves will be at a high and fidgeting with your clothing is a sure sign of nerves. At most interviews, you will be seated. Your skirt/dress should be long enough that when you are seated in doesn’t roll up your thighs. Your shirt should be loose enough to sit without the buttons getting tight. Wear comfortable shoes if the interview could include a walking tour and break in your heels a few days before the meeting.

Interview Tip #5: What to bring

Make sure your purse is filled with things that will prepare you for your interview. Bring a folder with multiple copies of your resume (enough for you plus as many people you are interviewing with AND an extra), bring a pen to fill out any pre-interview paperwork, a notebook to take notes during your interview and that you have some prewritten questions in for the inevitable “do you have any questions?”.

You should also have some hygiene essentials. Arrive at your interview early and take a quick trip to the bathroom. Bring a comb or brush to smooth over your hair, lipstick to freshen up your face, mints/gum, extra deodorant, perfume, and any other essentials you can think of.

Interview Tip #6: Arrive early

As mentioned before, arrive early at the interview to calm your nerves. This will allow you to visit the bathroom to freshen up, fill out any necessary paperwork, and most importantly, observe the other employees/workspace. This is one of my favorite interview tips! I love sitting in the waiting area to listen to how the employees interact with each other and customers. This gives you a great sense of the work culture and can immediately tell you if the job is a good fit for you. Remember, a job interview is two-sided and you have to decide if you fit in just as much as they make that decision for you. If something seems off, ask questions to clarify and turn them down as you see fit.

Interview Tip #7: Ask questions

Always come prepared with questions. They could be as simple as what the work hours are, who you will be working with and for, or when you can expect to hear back from your interviewer. Most of your questions will be answered during the interview if the person interviewing you is good at their job. It is important to not ask repetitive questions unless you truly forgot if it was mentioned. This can make you seem uninterested and careless. Also, most of your questions should come from the conversation that you have with your interviewer so it will be impossible to have this written down ahead of time. 

You should have at least one industry-related, specific question to ask. This will show your interest and experience in the industry and leave a good impression on your interviewer. 

My go-to question came from advice from a great friend. “Do you have any goals as an organization or team over the next six months and how do you see me contributing to those goals?” has always garnered a positive response!

Interview Tip #8: Say thank you

Letting your interview know that you appreciate their time is the final step. There are many different ways to show your appreciation but you MUST do at least one, if not more of these. The easiest option is an email after the interview. Be sure to grab your interviewer’s business card or at least their contact information before you head out. An email should be sent as soon as possible, ideally the same day as the interview. 

Next is the more formal option, a handwritten letter. This isn’t necessary but it does show that you are willing to put in the extra work. The letter can either be dropped off within two days of the interview after you have taken some time to reflect and make the note worthwhile. Or, if you have time, bring blank stationery in your purse, stop by a local coffee shop after your interview, and drop the letter off shortly after.

You’d be surprised to find out how few candidates take the time to thank their interviewer. By doing this final step, you will be sure to stick out in your interviewer’s final selection.

Interview Tips To Go

I hope these interview tips and tricks work for you in your career search! If you have any questions, drop them below!