Preparation is what separates a good interview from a great one. In this segment, HR expert Carrie Nelson, Ph.D., explains how to research a company’s mission, values, and work culture before your interview and why that knowledge helps you stand out. She shares practical guidance on presenting yourself professionally, from appearance and body language to tone and confidence, with special tips for night-shift workers managing post-shift interviews. This segment highlights how thoughtful preparation and presentation can leave a lasting, positive impression.
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So, why do interviews matter? An
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interview is your opportunity to show
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how your skills, attitude, and
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personality fit the job. It's not just
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about your technical skills. It's also
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about who you are as a person.
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It's also your chance to learn more
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about the company and decide if it's
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right for you. Think of it as a two-way
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conversation, not an evaluation.
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So, preparing for an interview.
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Preparation sets you apart. Before your
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interview, you should research the
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company thoroughly. You should know
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their mission, their products or
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services, and their values. You can look
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through their website, their social
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media, their LinkedIn. If it's a product
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company, you could even try their
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products. Really show your interest.
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Make sure to review the job description
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closely before your interview. You know,
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refresh yourself on exactly what they're
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looking for. and practice answers to
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common questions. We're going to talk
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about that in a future slide along with
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preparing your own interview questions
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to ask the interviewer. Tips for a night
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worker. If your interview is scheduled
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early in the day after a night shift,
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adjust your schedule. Sleep ahead of
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time. You know, if you can, you want to
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be well rested and focused. I also don't
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think it hurts to mention your schedule
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and see if they can adjust. You know,
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you could say, "Well, I get out at 2
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a.m. and yes, I can interview with you
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at 300 p.m., but is there any way we
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could meet sooner? Doesn't hurt to try."
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Dress and demeanor. First impressions
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matter. Dress professionally and
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appropriately for the company's
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environment. Neat, clean, and simple
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always works well. During the interview,
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offer a firm but friendly handshake.
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Make eye contact and show confidence and
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engagement. Sit upright and avoid
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fidgeting. Nobody wants to interview
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someone who's looking down like this.
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You want to smile and use a polite and
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respectful tone. So, night worker tip.
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If you're coming from a shift, you know,
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maybe bring a change of clothes, take
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some time to refresh before your
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interview and and don't be shy about
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asking about their standards of dress. I
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think they actually might be impressed
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if you ask if there's a certain, you
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know, style that they expect or what
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their culture is on site before you
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arrive.
