Interview Preparation

At Mosaic Partners, we believe that thorough interview preparation is key to securing the right position and ensuring a smooth hiring process. We work closely with our candidates to provide tailored coaching sessions that cover everything from understanding the job description and company culture to practicing common interview questions and discussing strategies to highlight their unique skills and experiences. Our goal is to empower our candidates with the confidence and tools they need to showcase their best selves, ultimately leading to successful placements with our valued clients.

Main Themes

Stay Positive, No Negative Overtones (i.e., hate boss, hate job, no growth or opportunity)
Back everything you say with detail experience (give examples of your accomplishments)
Tell your story (Beginning | Middle | End)

How To Dress For An Interview?

It makes sense to dress your best for the interview, regardless of the dress code at the organization. If you're in doubt about how to dress for an interview, it is best to err on the side of conservatism. You only have one chance to make a positive first impression.

Wear business-like attire, avoiding flashy colors, bold prints, logos and keep jewelry to a minimum. Wear clothes in which you feel comfortable. If it’s too tight, too loose, too short or too revealing - don’t wear it!

How to Prepare for the Interview?

First things first - find out exactly whom you will be meeting with, and what their job title is. Knowing about the company and the person you are meeting with is extremely helpful during any interview. The best places to do research on companies is the Internet, or the library, and within the company itself.

Hop on the Internet and check out the company's website and any articles you can find on them. If you don't have web access, go to the library and look up any and all info on that company. You can also ask the company receptionist for some info. Most companies have an information packet they use for potential clients or for press. Just explain that you are being considered for a position and you'd like to read up on the company, they should have no problem giving you the material.

After you know more about the company, formulate in a concise statement what marketable skills you would bring to the company. Then find evidence of these relevant skills in your resume. For instance, if you know that the company prides themselves on attention to detail, you can site specific instances in your resume that shows how important details are to you. You might also want to prepare an answer to the popular interview question "What is your biggest weakness?" This should be a statement that identifies your weakness in the best possible light and what you do to compensate for that weakness. However, making statements like "My biggest weakness is that I'm a perfectionist," usually comes off as sounding corny and rehearsed.

When you actually go to the interview make sure you come fully prepared. You should have a folder or attaché, with several copies of your resume on high quality paper. You'll also want a pad and a pen to take any important notes. Most importantly, leave yourself with more than enough time to get there!

The Interview

Arrive at the interview with enough time to fill out any application paperwork they might require. If you have a cell phone this is a good time to make sure it is turned off. You may be judged just as much during your wait in the lobby as you will during the interview so make sure to handle yourself professionally, and treat everyone there the way you would treat the interviewer. Most employers consult their assistants before making job-hiring decisions and this might be your only contact with them.

When greeted by your interviewer make sure to shake hands and introduce yourself and smile. Most people make a decision about a person within the few moments after meeting them, so make those few seconds count. Be sure to thank the interviewer for their time. It's also a good idea to make some small talk before the interview begins. Just make sure to keep it positive!

The interviewer might have a set of questions ready for you or might base the interview off your resume. Either way be ready to answer all questions honestly while still hitting your key strengths. In short, tell your story (beginning | middle | end). Back everything you say with detail experiences (give examples of your accomplishments). Don't be afraid to ask for time to think if the interviewer asks you a difficult question. Be sure to refrain from any nervous habits like fidgeting with your clothes or hair or tapping your foot.

When the interview changes to a Q&A scenario, make sure to change the interview into a conversation, by asking open-ended questions.

Do not bad mouth past jobs or bosses, no hiring manager wants to hear about your negative past experiences in jobs. Always keep it positive. Don't ask about the salary until after they have offered you the job. If they ask about what salary you are looking for try to remain vague and tell them you want "something competitive in the marketplace, but more importantly, the opportunity to work for a great firm." If you must give figures, tell them you are looking for " a 15%-20% increase in total compensation", but more importantly, the opportunity to work for a great firm."

When the interview is wrapping up make sure you get business cards from everyone at the interview. It will help jog your memory when sending out Thank You Emails. Make sure to thank the interviewer for their time and shake their hand. On your way out, remember the interview is not over until you leave the building, so be on your best behavior until you are out of the building.