15 Tips in Job Interviews To Help You Land That Next Job
Looking for a job can be exhausting. Whether you’re new to the workforce or a seasoned worker who’s been through more than a few interviews, it doesn’t matter. It takes a lot of effort, and it’s easy to get disheartened.
Some people have no problem landing new jobs while you struggle to search. That doesn’t mean you’re any less worthy of a candidate than they are, but they make themselves stand out to interviewers in a good way. What’s their secret? They follow these tips to help them land their next job.
1. Switch Up Your Resume
If you’ve been using the same resume format for years with little to no changes, it’s time to make some edits to get you noticed. Keep the fonts simple and use an understated resume format – nothing too flashy.
If you’re a veteran worker, only list the last 10-15 years of your experience. Don’t include a list of references until the company asks for them. Create different resumes highlighting your skills for specific positions with the applicable keywords.
2. Do Your Research
Once you’ve landed an interview with a company, don’t attend the meeting without knowing anything about the organization. This will help you feel more confident and give you a good idea of the workplace culture.
When you visit the company website, look for an “About Us” or similar page. That usually details the company’s history. Check to see if it has a page dedicated to its mission and values. This gives you an idea of the workplace culture.
3. Closely Read the Job Description
Before submitting your application, you probably looked through the job description to see if your experience matched the basic qualifications. Once you’ve landed the interview, pull up the job description again and closely read it.
Look at the precise details and expectations the company is looking for. How does your experience align with the position? How do your skills line up? Be prepared to highlight those experiences and skills during the interview.
4. Prepare What You Will Answer to Interview Questions
There’s no way to know which questions interviewers will throw your way, but there are some standard questions they usually ask that you can be ready to answer. They’ll likely question why you applied for the job and why you’re a good fit.
They’ll also likely ask how you prioritize tasks, what processes you use to organize your work, and how well you work in a team or individually. They may also ask you to describe when you were under pressure and how you managed it effectively.
5. Prepare How You Will Answer Interview Questions
In addition to answering questions interviewers may ask, it’s just as important to practice how you’ll respond to them. Don’t be too rehearsed when you reply to the questions. You want your answers to sound thoughtful and natural.
Before responding to a question, even if you know what you will say, take a few seconds before you begin speaking. This gives interviewers the impression that you’re taking the questions thoughtfully and thinking of a response.
6. Arrive Early
I used to have a boss who believed that showing up 5 minutes early was the same as showing up late. It didn’t make sense then, but now I understand it. Since then, I’ve made a point of showing up at least 10-15 minutes early for meetings and job interviews.
Showing up early lets interviewers know that you’re prompt, serious about the job, and respectful of their time. Five minutes early is okay, but it’s cutting it a little close for comfort. Arriving a little early always beats arriving a little late.
7. Dress Professionally
It can’t be said enough how important it is to dress appropriately for the interview. If you’re interviewing for a job involving a lot of physical labor, you don’t need to wear a suit; business casual attire would be fine.
If you’re interviewing for an office career, professional attire is warranted. No sneakers or stiletto heels, no jeans, and no tee shirts. You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression, and the last thing you want to do is to look unprofessional to someone who’s in the position of hiring you.
8. Body Language
Your body language says as much about you as your words do. You’ll want to ensure that your body language reflects positively on you. It could easily make the difference between getting and not getting an offer.
Walk with your shoulders back and your head held high, and don’t slouch. Look people directly in the eye and offer a firm handshake instead of looking down or away. Project your voice without being too loud. This lets the interviewers know that you’re confident in yourself without being arrogant.
9. Bring Documents
A great way to show interviewers that you’re prepared for your meeting is to come prepared with documentation. Thisincludes bringing copies of the resume you used to apply for the job. They may or may not have a copy so it’s always nice to have some on hand.
If you’re interviewing for a position involving creativity, bring a printed copy of your portfolio if you have one. A portfolio is an excellent way to show your work. Finally, get something to write on and take notes on as needed. Thisalso makes you look interested and prepared.
10. Show What You Know
You’ve probably been conditioned not to brag about yourself because it makes you look conceited. Generally speaking, that’s true, but when competing with other qualified candidates for a job, that’s the time to toot your own horn.
Don’t be afraid to discuss your professional experiences, skills, awards, and other accolades you received. Let the interviewers know you’re there to get that job and are not afraid to show it.
11. Be Honest
Your resume (and cover letter if you sent one) should honestly reflect your experience, education, and training. Of course, you want to impress the interviewers; the best way to do that is to tell the truth.
If you lack expertise in one or more areas, be honest about that, but tell them you’re willing to learn. The worst thing you can do is pretend you’re knowledgeable in something you’re not. The truth will take you much further than a lie will.
12. Ask Questions
Towards the end of the interview, you’ll probably be allowed to ask the interviewer questions. This is the perfect opportunity to showcase your communication skills and let them know you’re interested enough in the job to be curious about it.
If you can come up with off-the-cuff questions related to the job or what has been covered during the interview, go for it! But if you tend to freeze and not think of anything to ask, then come up with 2-3 questions before you attend the interview.
13. Be Positive
Approach the process, from application to the final interview, with a positive mindset and attitude. Don’t take it personally if you don’t get a response or receive a rejection email. There’s something else that fits you. It’s just a matter of time before you find the job that you’re meant to have.
Stay positive during the interview as well. Even if you had a bad experience with a previous employer or coworker, never badmouth anyone in an interview. It’ll make you look unprofessional.
14. Follow Up
If you want to show your interest in a job you’ve interviewed for, follow up with the interviewers a couple of days afterward. You don’t have to rehash the interview, but who knows how many candidates they’ve met with?
Keep the conversation brief and professional. Let them know you appreciated the time they took to meet with you and describe how exciting you find this potential opportunity. It’s a good way to remind them of who you are.
15. Send a Thank You Email.
Once the interview is over, you may be breathing a sigh of relief that you’ve done the hard part, and you have. But the job’s not over. Send the interviewers a thank you letter or email to stand out as a candidate.
This is a written version of the follow-up conversation. If you feel weird calling them on the phone as a follow-up, send an email or letter expressing your appreciation and that you hope to have the opportunity to work with their organization.
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