Whether you’re fresh out of school or a seasoned professional looking for a new opportunity, searching for a job can be a pretty stressful process. But most people would agree that the most stressful part - is the cold-sweat inducing, nail-biting - job interview. And let’s face it, even with the most perfectly polished, professional resume preceding you, acing the interview can be a daunting task. Throw in the statistic that the average corporate position receives around 250 applicants with only 4-6 actually getting called in for an interview - and you can understand why it’s so important to be on your game. Fortunately, it’s also not an impossible task. Check out these tips for turning your next interview into a real, live job offer.
1. Get to know the company: Do your research about the company you’re applying to get a sense of who they are, where they’ve been and where they’re going. Check out their website, social media pages and employee reviews on sites like Glassdoor. Know what their mission statement is so you can speak to it during your interview.
2. Get in touch with your inner extrovert: This can be harder if you’re an introvert but don’t be afraid to take the lead in the conversation. But also, take care not to talk over your interviewer. Ask questions about the role and what management’s expectations are. Offer insights about your own experience, strengths and problem-solving skills. Try to keep it conversational and maintain eye contact during the interview. Body language is a powerful tool, so use it to your advantage.
3. Dress appropriately and arrive early: That doesn’t mean show up an hour before the interview in a 3-piece suit. Some positions are less formal and don’t require professional attire. But make sure you’re well-groomed and dressed for success – not the club. Steer clear of heavy perfumes or cologne that might be distracting to the interviewer. Arriving 10 - 15 minutes early is optimal.
4. Be confident even when you’re not: Demonstrating confidence with a firm handshake and smile when you greet your interviewer. Take the opportunity to see if you have anything in common that could spark a more in-depth conversation. It could be what gives you the edge.
5. Practice at home: It may sound odd to practice for a job interview but what better way to get prepared than by actually preparing? Get a friend or loved one to do mock interviews and try to anticipate what questions you might be asked. More importantly, compose solid answers you feel will make an impact.
6. Highlight your soft skills: It's not all about every technical skill in your wheelhouse. Soft skills are equally important in today's competitive job market. Emphasize your communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, which are critical in almost every role.
7. Discuss Company-Specific Solutions: Research the company’s current challenges and come prepared to discuss how your skills can provide solutions, showing your proactive approach and detailed preparation.
For example, if you’re applying for an IT position – "After getting the chance to speak with you in more detail about the position, I’m confident I would be a great fit for this role and am eager to demonstrate my ability to accurately identify system deficiencies and implement corrective measures that improve the IT infrastructure and allow (company name) to function seamlessly. "
8. Follow up and don’t hesitate to actually ask for the job: Sending a thoughtful thank-you or follow-up letter is the perfect opportunity to keep yourself on the hiring manager’s radar. If you had a particularly strong moment during the interview, circle back to it in your follow-up to remind them how perfect you are for the role. And don’t be afraid to ask for the position.
9. Leverage Industry Knowledge: Show you're up-to-date with trends in the industry you're applying to by discussing recent developments or future projections during the interview. This demonstrates your commitment and understanding of the industry, making you a more attractive candidate. For example, if you're in technology, you might talk about your insights on cloud computing or artificial intelligence trends.
10. Use the STAR Method: When asked to describe situations from your past work experience, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This method helps you deliver clear and concise responses, showcasing your problem-solving skills and how you've positively impacted your previous roles.
11. Speak Directly to the Role: In other words, speak directly to the role. Hiring managers want to know what problem you will solve for them. No matter what the position, think about what you bring to the table and state it clearly - "After getting the chance to speak with you in more detail about the position, I’m confident I would be a great fit for this role and am eager to demonstrate my ability to deliver the kind of customer service that not only satisfies existing clients, but also attracts new clients to (company name.)"
There are likely a lot of different reasons why one candidate gets hired over another but there’s no question the interview is a pretty critical piece of the hiring puzzle. You may not be able to control what experience or education you’ve acquired up to that point. So, fine tune your interview skills and control the things you can control - like your resume.
If you're ready to build a resume that does more than just tell your professional story, contact us today for your free resume review.
