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In this blog we will be discussing important interview techniques. We will also be talking about the rights you have as an interviewee when you are requested for a job interview or internship. These are the steps to follow before, during and after an interview. 

Before the interview 

Know your rights before interviewing

• Law No. 16 Puerto Rico's Equal Pay Act
  • It is illegal for an employer to inquire about an applicant's salary or salary history. Until the person makes you an offer of employment, they cannot ask this type of question. 

• Law No. 17 to prohibit sexual harassment in employment 
  • Any unwanted conduct that occurs in the employment relationship and affects employment opportunities, among others, constitutes sexual harassment in the workplace. 

• Law No. 100 Discrimination and the EEOC 
  • The law prohibits all discrimination in all aspects whether by:
    • Job advertisements (e.g.: women only)
    • The employer cannot base its hiring decision on stereotype, race, color, religion etc. 
    • They are categorically prohibited from making disability inquiries prior to making a job offer.

• Research the organization 
  • It is important when applying for a job to research the organization to find out if its values are aligned with yours. You should know the mission and vision of the organization and what the organization is all about. So that they know that you know and recognize what they do. 
  • Use your connections to learn about the culture within the workplace. By this we mean that if you know someone who already works in the company or worked with them, they can tell you if it is a good organization, if they have a good treatment with employees, among other things. 
  • Do some research on the internet, on their websites or social networks to learn more about the organization. 

During the interview

What to do during an interview

• Avoid rambling, be specific and concise with questions. 

• Control anxiety

• Careful with language 

• Maintain a balance between listening and speaking 

• If the question is about your previous work, be professional, do not criticize as it is unethical.

• Sell your experience and expertise

• Shows interest and that you are suitable for the position. 

• Prepare questions to ask interviewees: Ask two to five questions at the end of the interview. It is important that these questions are not salary questions, personal questions, or unsubstantiated questions. Examples of some questions you could use:
  • What are the day-to-day responsibilities and tasks involved in this position?
  • What are the company's short and medium-term prospects?
  •  What should the ideal candidate for this position have?
  • What is the best thing about working at this company?
  • What training or education plans does the company offer?
  • What are the next steps in the selection process?

• Promote 
  • Describes the resume in detail 
  • Know your strengths
  • Know your weaknesses and what you are doing to work on them. 
  • Practice answering questions but don't memorize any answers. 

After the interview 

 Send a thank you note:

If you are interested in the position send a thank you note. This note should be short, it should reaffirm your interest in the position. You will be able to highlight your strengths and if you feel there are any points that need to be clarified that you feel are important to clarify. 
Example: Thank you letter

All this information was derived from our “Interviewing Techniques” workshops. For more information access our YouTube channel:

“Interviewing techniques” part 1

“Interviewing techniques” part 2