5 Tips to Prepare for Your CDW Interview
Congratulations! You’ve successfully navigated the job search and submitted your application — and now it’s time for the interview. To stand out during your interview, you need to make a great first impression, know about the company and show the hiring manager exactly why you’re the right addition to the team.
To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of our best interview tips. From strategizing your elevator pitch to preparing for the unexpected, here’s how to land the job with a successful interview.
The most important piece of advice is to be yourself and believe in your achievements. Confidence makes all the difference when you’re working toward professional goals.
Dress for success. 
Unless you’re preparing for a phone interview, you’ll need to dress the part. If you’re not sure what to wear, research our company culture so you can dress as professionally. It might be tempting to show up in jeans and a t-shirt, but looking your best will help you feel your best during the interview.
And remember: First impressions can be everything. Research shows it takes only seven seconds for someone to develop a first impression — and the same goes for hiring managers. Don’t forget to smile and make eye contact! Above all else, managers want someone engaging and willing to take the necessary steps to succeed in their new role.
Do your homework. 
Once you’ve picked out your interview outfit, it’s time to get strategic. Set aside time before your interview to research CDW, understand our company’s values and learn more about your potential role with the company.
Don’t be afraid to utilize every resource at your disposal, from our about us website to LinkedIn to our Instagram account, to better understand the company. If you have any questions about life at CDW or the role you’re applying for, make sure to jot down your questions to ask the hiring manager toward the end of your interview.
Practice your elevator pitch. 
An elevator pitch is a 30-second persuasive sales pitch about yourself. It should tell your hiring manager why you're the best candidate for the role. Even if you’re an expert at interviewing, it’s important to spend time thinking carefully about what skills, accomplishments and interview answers will resonate with your interviewer for the specific role.
To kickstart your elevator pitch, review the job description and reflect on your qualifications and skills. How do they relate to the position you’re interviewing for? What kind of examples can you pull from your experience to answer behavioral questions? You should prepare and practice these responses to boost your confidence for the interview.
Expect the unexpected. 
Whether you’re driving or taking public transportation, plan your route ahead of time (including where you’ll park). You should always schedule extra time in case there’s traffic or detours. Lay out your interview outfit, pack your bag and set your alarm.\
If you’re preparing for a phone or video interview, check on your technology to make sure your hardware, software and network connections are all working smoothly. If needed, prepare your environment to minimize clutter and distractions.
When you arrive at the interview, do your best to relax and be your true self. When your hiring manager starts asking questions, remind yourself that they’re human, too. The best interviews are two-way conversations where both the hiring manager and interviewee connect.
Follow up after the interview.
Don’t forget to connect with the hiring manager on LinkedIn. The connection can give you the contact information of your manager (including their name, phone number and email address) so you can follow up.
To differentiate yourself as a standout candidate, plan on sending a thank-you note within 24 hours of your interview. If you made any specific connections during your interview, it’s a good idea to reference them. In addition, make sure to thank your interviewer for their time and consideration.
When you write a thank you letter (or don’t), you are demonstrating your follow-up skills and respect for the opportunity to interview. A follow-up letter allows you to reiterate with thoughtful detail why you are a compelling fit for the role. If you met with several people, send them personalized emails. You can reuse a couple of the core elements, but take the time to customize based on your conversations shares Amy Rizzo, Sr. Manager, Talent Acquisition at CDW.
When you write a thank you letter (or don’t), you are demonstrating your follow-up skills and respect for the opportunity to interview. A follow-up letter allows you to reiterate with thoughtful detail why you are a compelling fit for the role.
– Amy Rizzo, Sr. Manager, Talent Acquisition, CDW
When preparing for your CDW interview, the most important piece of advice is to be yourself and believe in your achievements. Confidence makes all the difference when you’re working toward professional goals, and hiring managers look for people who will make a positive impact on their team.
Good luck!
— CDW Team
Congratulations! You’ve successfully navigated the job search and submitted your application — and now it’s time for the interview. To stand out during your interview, you need to make a great first impression, know about the company and show the hiring manager exactly why you’re the right addition to the team.
To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of our best interview tips. From strategizing your elevator pitch to preparing for the unexpected, here’s how to land the job with a successful interview.
The most important piece of advice is to be yourself and believe in your achievements. Confidence makes all the difference when you’re working toward professional goals.
Dress for success.
Unless you’re preparing for a phone interview, you’ll need to dress the part. If you’re not sure what to wear, research our company culture so you can dress as professionally. It might be tempting to show up in jeans and a t-shirt, but looking your best will help you feel your best during the interview.
And remember: First impressions can be everything. Research shows it takes only seven seconds for someone to develop a first impression — and the same goes for hiring managers. Don’t forget to smile and make eye contact! Above all else, managers want someone engaging and willing to take the necessary steps to succeed in their new role.
Do your homework.
Once you’ve picked out your interview outfit, it’s time to get strategic. Set aside time before your interview to research CDW, understand our company’s values and learn more about your potential role with the company.
Don’t be afraid to utilize every resource at your disposal, from our about us website to LinkedIn to our Instagram account, to better understand the company. If you have any questions about life at CDW or the role you’re applying for, make sure to jot down your questions to ask the hiring manager toward the end of your interview.
Practice your elevator pitch.
An elevator pitch is a 30-second persuasive sales pitch about yourself. It should tell your hiring manager why you're the best candidate for the role. Even if you’re an expert at interviewing, it’s important to spend time thinking carefully about what skills, accomplishments and interview answers will resonate with your interviewer for the specific role.
To kickstart your elevator pitch, review the job description and reflect on your qualifications and skills. How do they relate to the position you’re interviewing for? What kind of examples can you pull from your experience to answer behavioral questions? You should prepare and practice these responses to boost your confidence for the interview.
Expect the unexpected.
Whether you’re driving or taking public transportation, plan your route ahead of time (including where you’ll park). You should always schedule extra time in case there’s traffic or detours. Lay out your interview outfit, pack your bag and set your alarm.\
If you’re preparing for a phone or video interview, check on your technology to make sure your hardware, software and network connections are all working smoothly. If needed, prepare your environment to minimize clutter and distractions.
When you arrive at the interview, do your best to relax and be your true self. When your hiring manager starts asking questions, remind yourself that they’re human, too. The best interviews are two-way conversations where both the hiring manager and interviewee connect.
Follow up after the interview.
Don’t forget to connect with the hiring manager on LinkedIn. The connection can give you the contact information of your manager (including their name, phone number and email address) so you can follow up.
To differentiate yourself as a standout candidate, plan on sending a thank-you note within 24 hours of your interview. If you made any specific connections during your interview, it’s a good idea to reference them. In addition, make sure to thank your interviewer for their time and consideration.
When you write a thank you letter (or don’t), you are demonstrating your follow-up skills and respect for the opportunity to interview. A follow-up letter allows you to reiterate with thoughtful detail why you are a compelling fit for the role. If you met with several people, send them personalized emails. You can reuse a couple of the core elements, but take the time to customize based on your conversations shares Amy Rizzo, Sr. Manager, Talent Acquisition at CDW.
When you write a thank you letter (or don’t), you are demonstrating your follow-up skills and respect for the opportunity to interview. A follow-up letter allows you to reiterate with thoughtful detail why you are a compelling fit for the role.
– Amy Rizzo, Sr. Manager, Talent Acquisition, CDW
When preparing for your CDW interview, the most important piece of advice is to be yourself and believe in your achievements. Confidence makes all the difference when you’re working toward professional goals, and hiring managers look for people who will make a positive impact on their team.
Good luck!
— CDW Team
