There are many stages of our career lives—from career exploration as a student, to career development for a young professional, to career advancement for mid-level positions. No matter what stage of career, learning and/or refreshing our job searching skills can be a critical part of self-development and self-improvement for everyone.

One of the most sought-after topics on job searching focuses on job interview tips, interview techniques and interview guidance. The great news is that there is an ever-increasing number of articles, blogs, videos and other resources to job interviewing skills as there are approaches.

Many focus heavily on what do during the job interview, including ways to answer questions most effectively while you are IN the job interview. Some take a deeper dive and may even touch on questions you should ask, as well as what to do after you’ve left the job interview. All of these tools can offer valuable information and career development tips on that quintessential interview for your dream job.

However, what few touch on—especially for first-time job interviewers—is that truly effective job interview skills begin well before you are actually in the room interviewing with your potential new employer. And it continues even after you leave the interviewing room.

In this article, I will introduce you to a new approach and walk you through comprehensive job interview techniques for your next big job interview—whether it’s for your first-ever job, or your dream job.

1. The Approach

Rather than thinking of your job interview as only the time you are spending in front of the interviewer, consider job interview skills as a four-step process broken down by time in the following way:

• BEFORE
• THE DAY OF
• DURING
• AFTER

I’ll now walk through you each stage of the job interview process with important tips, details and recommendations along the way. Are you ready? Let’s go!

2. Things to Do BEFORE Your Job Interview

Simply put: Be prepared. In fact, research has shown how important preparation truly is. According to a recent JDP survey of over 2,100 respondents, a whopping 93% of Americans have experienced anxiety related to job interviews with preparation being the best solution.

After all, a job interview is a two-way dance. And while the interviewer will be prepared to pepper you with questions, you should come to the table with some of your own. Kind of sounds like a date, doesn’t it? Well, the interview just might be your date with work destiny, so be prepared.

RESEARCH. Researching information about the company in general is where you will want to start. The first place to look is the company website. In fact, that same survey revealed that 86% of job seekers look for information about the company on the company’s website. You may also want to glance at their Facebook business page. Viewing their profiles on social media platforms, including Instagram and YouTube, allows you to see the company’s latest news as well as current initiatives. You can also consider using Yelp, Hoover.com and the Better Business Bureau websites.

Another tip is to look for information on the department in which you would be working. If you can find it, consider researching information on key executives, as well as anyone with whom you will be meeting. The best way is to go to LinkedIn and look up the company; then see if you can find the profile of the person and read about them.

YOUR NETWORK. Reaching out to people in your network can prove immensely helpful. For example, someone you know may have previously interviewed with the same company. They also may have insight to offer about the organization/company. Who knows? One of your acquaintances may even know the person who will be interviewing you or someone else in the company. It’s a small world!

LOGISTICS. You must be on time. It’s non-negotiable, so here are a few key tips to remember:

• Make sure you have the correct location information for your job interview.
• Determine where that location is and where you are going.
• Take a ‘test drive’ around the same time you’ll be driving by using a mapping app, such as Waze
  or Google Maps to give you an idea of the usual traffic volume in that area. Be sure to check on a
  weekday—preferably more than one to give you a better sense of the norm for traffic on that
  particular route.
• Be sure to factor in incidentals, such as having to go through building security.

Another key logistical tip is to make sure to bring copies of your resume and reference list. If you have any portfolio pieces (i.e., writing samples, artwork or graphic design print pieces), bring those as well.

PRACTICE INTERVIEWING. A good way to feel more confidence in your interview is to practice your responses beforehand. The key is to prepare questions ahead of time that an interviewer would likely ask you. Research and make a list of potential job interview questions, then review them and formulate your answers. Writing out details of your answers will allow you to take a step back and view them objectively.

If your example is situational such as working with a difficult client, include details of the problem, your solution and the positive outcome. If it is a project you have worked on, be sure to include positive results in what you’re writing out. Then, you can even create a mini-‘cheat-sheet’ with bullet points to glance at during the job interview in case you need it.

There’s another reason writing out and practicing responses can be helpful: It allows you to deliver your answers more naturally, conversationally and with greater ease. I once had a job candidate literally read off her replies verbatim from a sheet of paper. Needless, to say, that did not bode well.

A fantastic tool to consider using while you prepare your answers is the STAR interview response technique. Here’s why: It is an incredibly effective way for you to convey what you’ve accomplished in a thorough and concise way to the interviewer. So, what is the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method or approach? It is a structured manner in which to answer job interview questions that many companies have adopted and incorporated into their interview routine. Remember to focus on specific examples. Your aim should be to address the following four points:

1. Address a specific situation, work goal or accomplishment;
2. Identify the key tasks involved;
3. Outline solutions-focused actions you took; and
4. Detail out any positive results from the tasks and actions you mentioned.

Another effective confidence-building exercise for your job interview is to have someone you know interview you. Take the opportunity seriously. Ask them to give you feedback on how you answer questions. They should focus on your eye contact, posture, body language, speech and confidence.

For example, they can consider such factors as whether you are speaking too fast or using verbal crutch including as “um,” “you know” or “like” a lot. Likewise, you can also practice answering questions in front of a mirror on your own. Some people even record themselves online using Zoom, for instance.

3. Things to Do THE DAY OF Your Job Interview

First impressions count, and an interview is 100% about first impressions. In fact, research shows that you only have a brief chance of 7 seconds to make a good impression. Factors include your professional appearance, hygiene and demeanor during an interview.

One important side note: Remember to be respectful to everyone you meet—from the receptionist to the president. A good mantra is to have mutual respect for all, no matter what organizational level.

PROFESSIONAL APPEARANCE. Your professional appearance is an important element in the impression you create. For that reason, you should take time to determine if the company has a particular dress code. Then dress appropriately. For example, you may dress differently for an interview with a fashion magazine than you may for one at a tech start-up.

Professional appearance also includes your personal hygiene. For example, do not wear overpowering perfume or showy jewelry—in both instances, less is more. Consider that a company will also decide whether you’re someone with whom potential colleagues can work within an enclosed space, day in and day out.

BE COMFORTABLE. Arriving about 15-20 minutes before the interview can give you time to get centered and relaxed. It also allows you to acclimatize yourself to your surroundings. After all, familiarity breeds comfort and ease. And, if you happen to arrive too early, you can find a shop or restaurant close by where you can wait. However, be careful not to choose somewhere that might leave strong, lingering smells on your clothing.

Another idea is to do your best to nourish yourself and not go into your interview hungry. Hunger can affect your alertness. Plus, it can create distraction for you and/or the interviewer if your stomach is making loud noises. (And, yes, I say this from experience.) It can be equally uncomfortable for you, if you gorge on a huge meal before walking into a job interview.

To sum up my advice for your interview appearance: Present yourself as if you care. Use the checklist below to consider every aspect of your interview-day image:

4. What to do DURING Your Job Interview

While the average interview lasts roughly 40 minutes, 33% of hiring managers admit they know within 90 seconds if you’re the person they want to hire, according to a Classes and Careers survey. That’s a very short time, considering that the average person takes 90 seconds to write a text message reply, according to mobile marketing research.

The takeaway here is to conduct yourself in a professional manner. And that holds true even if the interview is at the local burger joint. Conducting yourself professionally means that body language counts. Be sure to exercise good posture, such as sitting up straight, without leaning on your elbows, slouching or lounging in your chair. In short, look attentive and alert, and also try to be as genuine as you can be.

LOOK ENGAGED. Smile, make eye contact with your interviewer, sit upright and be an active listener. Attending in this way will help you answer questions more thoroughly. The key is to look as if you’re listening and interested.

If you’re unclear about anything they are explaining, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. You can use a statement such as, “Could you please explain a bit more about that?” The same holds true for questions they ask you. If you think you haven’t heard them correctly, ask politely if they can repeat the question. There’s absolutely no need feel self-conscious or hesitant.

ASK QUESTIONS AND TAKE NOTES. Remember you are also ‘interviewing’ the company, not just the other way around. Asking questions will help you garner information on whether they are a good fit for you as well. It also will indicate to your interviewer that you are serious about the job. Consider jotting down two or three key points during the interview or just after you leave. It’ll definitely come in handy when you need to customize your thank-you note. (More about thank-you notes below.)

FOR SKYPE/VIDEO INTERVIEWS. Treat video interviews as if they are in-person. Choose a quiet, non-distracting location and neutral background with good lighting. Look at the person, not your camera. Keep your composure and flow, even if there’s a technical glitch. In other words, keep your cool. Dress professionally, top to bottom. Why? Because you never know when you may have to stand up unexpectedly. (Yes, I am being serious.) Try doing a test call with a friend to see what the interviewer will see. You may need to make adjustments.

5. Things to Do after the Interview

THANK-YOU NOTE. It is customary to send a post-job interview thank-you note. In fact, they will notice if you don’t. In fact, according to a TopResume survey, a surprising 68% percent of recruiters believe that sending a thank-you note can positively affect the hiring decision-making process. It also found that almost 1 out of 5 recruiters had rejected a candidate because they did not send one.

Why is it so important? It’s a common courtesy to thank people for their time, especially since they took the time to speak to you instead of other people. It also reminds them of you and keeps you top of mind, which is a critical part of the job interview process.

So, what do you include in a thank-you note? While the cover letter tells a story of who you are, the thank-you letter should reiterate why you’re the best candidate. Here are a few tips:

• Add any pertinent follow-up thoughts that relate to your ability to do the job well.
• Feel free to include notes from the interview.
• Tailor it to what you said in the interview, including why you’re a good fit for the job and/or
  organization.
• If at all possible, send your thank you letter within twenty-four hours of the interview.

FOLLOW-UP NOTE. You should follow up in about a week to check the status of your candidacy. A follow-up note will help you to do that. While a thank-you note is about cementing your connection, a follow-up note shows you’re still interested in the job and company.

Keep in mind, the purpose of this note is to remind the interviewer/organization that you are still available, interested in the position, diligent and enthusiastic. So, while you mention some of your key skills again, it should not be as detailed or extensive as your thank-you note. Even if you weren’t able to get the job, consider writing back to politely and professionally ask for feedback. Who knows? You may get great tips on what to work on for your next interview!

KEEP IN TOUCH. It’s important to consider keeping in touch, when you’re not able to secure a job you are interested in and applied for. If you worked with an independent recruiter/agency, they may know of opportunities in the pipeline.

The same goes for internal recruiters. If there is another position you’re interested in, apply online then let the recruiter know. If your contact isn’t the one working on that position, ask if he or she would forward your resume to the relevant recruiter.