A recent study found that the average candidate is interviewed 10–20 times before receiving a job offer. That’s a lot of interviews. Naturally you want to be ready for every interview you’re invited to, and as the job recruitment landscape continues to evolve, it’s important that you stay in the loop. Here are some tips to ensure that all your interviews are positive.
Be Prepared and Specific
Before your interview, do your homework. You will likely be asked why you want to work at the company, so you must be prepared to clearly and succinctly articulate why the company and the position interest you. Research the company via its website, LinkedIn, and any news or social media posts you can find. The hiring manager wants to better understand your motives — are you truly interested in the company or do you just want a job? — and will determine if you are a good fit for the organization by your answers and attitude.
Listen
Many job candidates mistakenly think they have to sell themselves by sharing loads of information as quickly as they can. In fact, it's more important to carefully listen to what the interviewer is saying and consider the questions being asked. If don’t fully listen to the questions, you either won’t answer what's being asked or won’t answer it completely. Allowing the interviewer time to speak is not only polite but also will allow you to learn more about the role and the organization. Don't miss this opportunity to gather important information that may not available in the job description.
Review Your Social Media
According to TeamStage, 86 percent of all companies check an applicant’s social media accounts. Before you submit your application, conduct a thorough review of all your social media accounts. Make sure your posts contain nothing illegal or morally iffy. You don’t want to cause an employer to question your ability to do the job or represent the organization in a professional manner. This is not to say you can’t have social media, just remember that it likely will be reviewed by potential employers. Your social media accounts reflect who you are and what you value — keep it positive.
Remain Professional at All Times
This seems both simple and obvious. However, you’d be surprised by the number of candidates who act unprofessionally either in interviews or through their communications. In fact, 76 percent of all rejections stem from unprofessional correspondence. Consider the tone and language you use when speaking on the phone and composing email exchanges with hiring managers. How you present yourself can be the difference between moving ahead in the hiring process and falling by the wayside.
Prepare Appropriate Questions in Advance
While some questions may come up organically during your interviews, it’s always a good idea to have questions prepared in advance. When possible, tailor the questions to the individual you are speaking with. For example, if you are meeting with someone in another department who works closely with the position you're applying for, ask them what challenges they have faced previously and what they feel the person hired for the position could do differently. Thoughtful, forward-thinking queries will gain you points with the interviewer and provide you with valuable insight about the role and the people you’ll potentially work with.
Today’s labor market is tough. During the interview process, you need to do everything in your power to stand out from other applicants — in the right ways. Use these tips to help land your next job.
ON TOPIC
As a job candidate, you have only about two minutes to make a great first impression via your resume. If you make it past the paper review and are offered an interview, there are still more first impressions to make. It should be noted that you’re being evaluated the moment you walk into the office. Recruiters and their colleagues are observing body language and general manners even while you’re in the waiting area. Once in the room, the interviewer is actively looking for reasons to hire you — or not. That's why it’s so important to make the best possible first impression. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you prepare for your next job interview.
Don’t Be Late
The first rule of an interview — be on time. And by “on time,” we mean 10–15 minutes early. Since there’s nothing much worse than arriving late to an important meeting, take the time to map out your route in advance, and be sure consider possible delays when calculating your commute time. Gather all necessary forms, samples, and documents, including a hard copy of your resume, and neatly pack them in your bag the night before. Prior to heading out, confirm the name of the person you are meeting so you can confidently introduce yourself and state your purpose when you arrive at the reception desk.
Strong Introduction — and Handshake
When it’s finally time to meet with an interviewer — or in some cases a panel of interviewers — the introduction is key. Stand, establish eye contact, and clearly introduce yourself to each person while shaking their hand. A firm handshake is associated with sociability, confidence, and having a genuine interest. While it’s not common, surveys have shown that a small percentage of candidates have been denied a job offer because of weak handshake. Practice your introduction and master the handshake — strong, but not crushing — to set the right tone for your interview.
Dress for Success
As part of your preparation, consider what you’ll wear. If you’re applying for a professional position, you should look the part. Do some research to determine company culture and dress code. When in doubt, dress in business attire — arriving too casual, or in attention-grabbing or trendy garb may send off a vibe that says you’re not taking the opportunity seriously. In fact, according to TeamStage, 70 percent of potential employers say they would reject a candidate based on the appropriateness of their attire, while many other companies admit professional appearance would be a deciding factor if it came down to two candidates.
