By: Whitson
Gordon
Finding a job is tough enough as it
is without having to go through harrowing interviews. Here's everything you
need to know about nailing your interview so you can get through it
stress-free.
10. First, Get the Interview
Before you can ace your interview,
you have to actually get the interview. That means making an awesome
resumé and making sure it gets through. Check out our top 10 ways to rock your
resumé, and make sure to avoid the items that can kill your chances at getting
the job (like a long history of unemployment). Once you're done, don't just
send it in with the rest. Use your connections and a bit of ingenuity to beat
that computerized system and get your resumé into the right hands. If you don't
get the interview, find out why and use that to help you the next time around.
9. Prepare Ahead of Time
So you've got the interview, but
you still have a lot of work to do before you walk into that building. Writer
Alan Skorkin says the main reason most people suck at interviews is a lack of
preparation. So, find out as much as you can about the company, research the
job, and formulate a strategy to stand out in that interview among all the
other candidates. Getting a cheat sheet together and studying it can help you
out, too.
8. Make a Good First Impression
Your job interview starts the
second you walk in the door, so be ready. Practice walking into a room if you
have to. But more than anything, learn how first impressions work and do
everything you can to make a good one: be on time, dress and groom yourself
well, and be aware of your body language. Remember, just giving a damn will go
a long way in your first impression—if you don't want to be there, they'll
know.
7. Tackle the Tough Questions
Once you're inside, it's time for
the hard part: answering the interview questions. Know the questions you'll be
expected to answer backwards and forwards, and do some extra research on answering
the really tough ones, like "what is your biggest weakness," "have
you ever been fired," "tell me about a challenge you faced with a
coworker," or even just the ever-vague "tell me about yourself."
Most of your answers will probably follow a specific pattern, so when in doubt,
fall back on the STAR technique. But most of all: learn why they're
asking you each question and tailor your responses to their hidden motives.
Don't be afraid to dance around questions you'd rather not answer, too.
6. Ask Some Questions Yourself
Your interviewer shouldn't be the
only one asking questions. This is your chance to not only make a good
impression, but learn a bit more about the job you're applying for. Ask a few
questions that will make you look good, as well as some questions that'll show
you whether this is the right job for you. With the right questions prepared,
you'll be one step ahead of the competition.
5. Emphasize Your Good Qualities
You'll probably feel the need to
be humble, but don't. Shameless self-promotion is a good thing in job
interviews. In fact, it's the only thing you can really do to showcase your
good qualities. If you don't have experience to tout, remember that potential
is actually more valuable than experience: if you can show why you're a
promising hire, you're in.
4. Avoid the Common Pitfalls
So you've learned what to do, but
it's also important to know what to avoid. Even something as simple as negative
body language can sabotage your chances, so make sure you aren't hurting
yourself without knowing it. Research the subjects you should avoid and make
sure you don't overshare, particularly when it comes to your personal life. As
long as you don't raise any red flags, you should be good to go.
3. Recover When Things Go South
Hopefully, with the right
preparation, your interview will go smoothly. But, if you end up answering a
question terribly or hit a common brick wall (like claims of over qualification),
learn how to turn the tide quickly so you can get back on good footing. If you
leave the interview thinking the whole thing was a disaster, you can always
request a second interview explaining the problems you had, too.
2. Follow Up Afterwards
Don't let your interview be the
last they hear from you. If you follow up afterwards, you'll help them remember
who you are, and make sure your resume doesn't fall into the abyss of the
forgotten. Send a thank you note after your interview, and a short email later
on to check in if you haven't heard back. Take into account how you've been
communicating with them so far, though, as different modes of communication may
be more beneficial. If you have a follow up interview, be sure to nail that too.
1. If You Don't Get Hired, Find Out Why
Not every interview will be a
winner, sadly, even if you do everything right. If you don't get hired, the
best thing you can do is find out why and apply that knowledge to your next
round of interviews. Look back on your interview and think about what you could
have done better, whether it's avoiding the "overqualification" trap
or just simply using better grammar. There are any number of reasons someone
might not hire you, and all you can do is use this round as practice for your
next interview.
