6 Tips to Nail Your Next Job Interview
Notes from a recruiter!
You’ve spent months on the hunt, refining your resume, networking, filling out numerous applications, and you finally landed an interview for a dream job at a company you’re really excited about. Now what?
Over the course of my career, I spent time with hundreds, possibly thousands of candidates. The candidates that show up prepared, confident, clear about the position and what they bring to the table REALLY stand out. The candidates who are ill-prepared, unsure of what they want or how they can contribute are quick to be dismissed - even if, on paper, they might be a great match.
The interview process can be daunting, especially in a competitive job market and a challenging economic climate. Here are a few tips that will alleviate some of the pressure of that first conversation, help you nail the interview, and move on to the next round.
Research the company. It sounds obvious, but surprisingly candidates rarely come prepared to discuss the organization, the goals, or the team. This is a great opportunity to stand out immediately and impress your interviewer. For example, “I saw your CEO post an article about X on LinkedIN, and <insert follow up question>.” This shows a deeper level of interest in the organization. A benefit of this level of research will have you prepared for additional questions and opportunities to show how you’re aligned with the vacant position.
Take the time to review the company website
Google search recent articles about the company
Read Glassdoor reviews
Take a look at the company’s employees on LinkedIN (this will give you an opportunity to check out your potential teammates)
Research what the company does for the community
Dig into the company’s mission and values
Prepare an elevator pitch. When a recruiter asks the standard, “can you tell me a little about yourself,” this is not an opportunity to tell your entire life story. You have about 1-2 minutes to make a strong first impression. Before the interview it is important to take time to prepare for this question. For some, it might be uncomfortable talking about yourself, and this is critical time to shine a light on all the hard work you have done.
Quickly explain why you’re interested in your field
Highlight three important things you have done in your past roles that align to the current role
Outline how your skills tie to the job description
Discuss why you’re interested in the role
Share what you are looking for in the future
Drop in a personal fun fact.
Tie your answers to a skill or accomplishment. Use each interview question as an opportunity to tie your answer back to an example, learning, or accomplishment.
For example: “Describe your leadership style.”
Answer the question
Give a specific example of when you led your team through a hard time.
Describe what you learned from that experience
If you have time, add in how you are furthering your knowledge in leading great teams.
Let your personality shine. Be authentically you so the recruiter or hiring manager can assess how well you will fit with the team and the company. Be yourself, be confident, and show your personality! You want the interviewer to leave the interview wanting to work with the real you.
Prepare questions for the interviewer. At the tail end of the interview, the recruiter or hiring manager will more than likely ask you what questions you have? This isn’t the time to ask questions about time off and benefits - this IS an opportunity to show the interviewer how engaged you are in the role and how they might see you contributing to the organization in the future. Here are some examples:
“How do you define success in this role?”
“I noticed your company is currently working on X, how would this role impact that project?”
“What are some of the company or team goals?”
“What are some important qualities I should highlight to the hiring manager”
“Is there anything that concerns you about my skills or my background?”
Follow up. Send a quick thank you note. Then, follow up a few days later. The more times a recruiter or hiring manager sees your name, the more likely you’re top of mind for an open role.
Taking the time to prepare for your interview will pay off. Just remember to be crystal clear about why you’re a fit, know how you’ll contribute to the role and the organization, keep your answers focused and succinct, and be yourself! You’ll land your dream job in no time.
If you have more questions, feel free to book a free consultation!