GenHERation^®: What research should you conduct before an interview?  

Cecily Keller: It is important to do your homework ahead of time. Familiarize yourself with the company’s website, products, and industry trends. You should be able to articulate why you are interested in both the specific role and the organization. Review the job description to identify how your skills can contribute to the company’s goals. Additionally, research your interviewers and prepare thoughtful questions regarding the company culture and the skills required for success.

GenHERation^®: What are three important steps you should take to prepare for an interview?

Keller: One, practice with somebody. Conduct mock interviews with someone else. Speaking your answers aloud is more effective than simply rehearsing them in your head. Two, review your background. Be prepared to discuss your professional background and relevant experiences. Three, use details. Have concrete examples ready to demonstrate your accomplishments, how you have handled challenges and failures, and your leadership capabilities.

GenHERation^®: What are the body language cues you should embrace and avoid during an interview?

Keller: Treat virtual and in-person interviews with the same level of professionalism. Dress up, maintain eye contact, and offer a firm handshake, if applicable. Aim to project confidence and authenticity, while remaining humble. 

GenHERation^®: What is the most effective way to answer interview questions?  

Keller: Using the STAR method provides a great framework for answering questions. As a refresher, with the STAR method, you discuss the situation and provide necessary context, define the task you were responsible for in the situation, describe the action you took during the situation, and share the result of the situation and what was learned. It is important to note that even if an outcome was not successful, it can still be a valuable example if it demonstrates a significant learning experience. Also, be prepared to discuss what you might have done differently in a given scenario.

GenHERation^®: When an interviewer asks, “Do you have any questions,” how many should you ask and what are great questions to ask?

Keller: Make sure you ask questions! Nothing is worse than not asking questions. Prepare two to three, and no more than five. Your questions should be thoughtful and focus on the company culture, the interviewer’s reasons for joining the company, and what success looks like in the role.  

GenHERation^®: When two candidates have similar grades, skillsets, and experiences, what makes one candidate get hired over the other?

Keller: Attitude. Attitude is key, so be friendly and enthusiastic. 

GenHERation^®: What is considered appropriate follow-up after participating in an interview?

Keller: An email is perfectly fine these days. Thank the interviewer(s) for their time, reiterate your interest in the company and why you would be great fit for the role.

GenHERation^®: What is the best piece of advice you have ever given?

Keller: Never underestimate the power of networking. You never know who you will meet or what opportunities it will lead to. Whether I’m on a plane or at a restaurant, I’m always talking to people. Be curious to learn about others’ stories.

Cecily Keller serves as the Head of Recruiting for Hartford Funds. She is responsible for the acquisition of talent across the organization. Cecily has worked in a variety of industries and has been at Hartford Funds for the past eleven years. She attended Villanova University, where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in English and a Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management.