Prepare for your interview ahead of time by writing down several success stories of your past work related experiences. Write down the most important skills that relate to the job and give examples of how those specific skills were implemented.

Conduct as much research as possible prior to the interview. Learn about the company, their history, current events and products and services they offer. This will help you to be informed when asked about the company in the interview. Study the position description in-depth. Imagine yourself in the position and prepare yourself to answer questions related to performing the job responsibilities.

Stay as clear and concise as possible while mentioning your strengths and accomplishments. Answering questions in a timely manner will demonstrate your confidence in your past experiences.

Never say anything negative about former supervisors or co-workers. You want to stay as professional as possible when discussing your previous work relationships.

Work on presenting some of your weaknesses as well as your strengths. A weakness should always be mentioned as something you can work on through a step by step process. Give an example of a previous situation where you were able to strengthen your weaknesses.

Be very attentive by making eye contact and listening carefully to what the interviewer is saying. This will help show the interviewer that you are focused and intrigued about the position.

Be able to “sell” yourself. Explain how your experience, skills, and talents will benefit the company. Every question comes down to “Why should we hire you?” Be able to assure them that they are making the right choice.

Be enthusiastic and show interest in the company. Try to stay as positive as possible throughout the entire interview. Showing a positive attitude will allow the interviewer to believe and trust that you are a pleasant person to work with.

Be prepared to ask questions that are based on your research of the company. Detailed questions will demonstrate to the interviewer that you are serious about the position. However, questions about vacation time, benefits, etc. are only appropriate after the interviewer has expressed interest in offering you the position.

You should always follow up with a personal thank-you letter to the interviewer thanking him/her for their time as well as establish that you would like to keep in touch.

Commonly Asked Questions

Q: What are your professional goals?

Be prepared to describe each goal in terms of specific milestones you wish to accomplish along the way, time periods you’re allotting for accomplishment, why the goal is important to you, and the specific steps you’re taking to bring it about. Do these concisely, as you never want to talk for more than two minutes straight before letting your interviewer back into the conversation.

Q: What kind of salary are you anticipating?

Your salary target should align with your experience, your salary history and the position you are interviewing for. It’s important that this is well thought through before responding to a salary question.

The VIRTU MOBILE Team is very experienced at guiding individuals through this process.

Q: Why do you want to work for our company?

This answer should be based on in-depth research you completed prior to an interview. The best sources for researching your target company are annual reports, the corporate newsletter, contacts you know at the company, its suppliers, advertisements, and articles.

Q: What was your toughest professional decision or challenge? How did you approach it?

Be prepared with a good example explaining why the decision was difficult, the process you followed in reaching it, the courageous or effective way you carried it out and the beneficial results.

Q: Why have you left previous positions? Be prepared to address job gaps.

Make sure you've prepared a brief reason for leaving. Best reasons: higher salary, opportunity, responsibility or growth.

If you're not yet 100% committed to leaving your present position don't be afraid to say so. Since you have a job, you are in a stronger position than someone who does not. But don't be coy, either. State honestly what you'd be hoping to find in a new spot.

Never lie about having

Dress for Success

Women’s Interview Attire

Choose a navy, black or dark grey two-piece matched suit. If you choose to wear pants, they should be creased and tailored, not tight or flowing.

Wear a tailored blouse in a color or small print that coordinates nicely with your suit. Don't show cleavage.

If you choose to wear a skirt it should cover your thighs when you are seated. A skirt that ends at the knee when you're standing looks most professional.

Choose closed-toe pumps, no stilettos or chunky platforms. Make sure you can walk comfortably in your shoes.

Conservative jewelry is best.

Stay light on the perfume, keep makeup conservative, have neatly manicured clean nails, and a neat, professional hairstyle.

Men's Interview Attire

Choose a basic black, dark gray or dark navy suit and black leather lace-up shoes.

Select good quality silk ties. Try to avoid fashion extremes, like character ties, in interviews.

Wear dark socks about mid-calf length so no skin is visible when you sit down. Keep your shoes in good condition; make sure they are polished the night before.

Conservative jewelry such as a watch is best.

Your hair should be neatly styled.

If you have facial hair, it should be well-groomed.

Try avoiding cologne or aftershave that may overpower the interviewer.

Dress Tips for All

First and foremost, no matter what you wear, your clothes should be neat, clean, and fit properly.

Make sure there are no missing buttons or lint on your clothes.

Be sure there are no odors such as smoke in your clothes.

Take a briefcase or nice leather bound portfolio to carry résumé, references or other documents. Leave tattered manila folders or college logo folders at home.

Sometimes it is a good idea to place your watch in your pocket once you make it to the entrance so that you're not tempted to look at it during the interview.

What Not to Bring to the Interview

Gum

Cell phone

Ipod

Coffee or soda

Backpack

Anything that is distracting during the interview

Common Interview Mistakes

• Unfamiliar with own resume

• Poor personal appearance

• Insufficient knowledge of industry

• Lack of leadership

• Lack of career focus

• Insufficient interest in employer

• Ineffective communication style or skills

• Low level of enthusiasm

• Negative attitude

• Failure to ‘sell’ self