Written by Job Transitions, Inc
Are you preparing for an upcoming interview? If so, you're probably wondering what you can do to make sure you ace it. While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, there are certain strategies that will help you in any situation. Here are five of the best tips to help you impress your interviewer and get the job offer!
1. Research the company
If you're a job seeker, you know how important it is to research a company before your interview, but what are the best ways to go about doing that?
First, take a look at the company's website. Check out their About Us page to learn more about their history, mission, and values. Then, take a look at their blog or social media accounts to get a sense of their culture and the kind of content they produce. This will give you a good sense of the company’s organizational culture and help you design good questions to ask the company, which is an important part of the interview process.
Next, try to find some insider information. Talk to friends or family members who work for the company, or search for employee reviews online. These can give you insight into what it's really like to work there. If you have a LinkedIn Profile, see if you have a primary connection or even a secondary connection that might be able to provide you with some information about working for that specific company. Most people on LinkedIn are willing to help job seekers, but you have to ask! After all, LinkedIn is a networking site.
The more you know about the company and the job opening, the better equipped you'll be to sell yourself as the perfect candidate. So do your homework, and you'll be sure to ace your job interview!
2. Make the most of the "Tell me about yourself" question
Job seekers often dread the "Tell me about yourself" question in job interviews. However, if you take the time to prepare for this question, it can be an opportunity to set yourself apart from the other candidates. Start by sharing your professional story, including your current job and how you got to where you are today. Then, highlight your key strengths and accomplishments that are relevant to the job you're interviewing for. Finally, finish by sharing your aspirations for the future and why you would be a good fit for the company. By showing that you're prepared and enthusiastic about the job, you'll increase your chances of acing the interview and landing the job.
3. Be able to expand on every bullet point on your resume
To really ace an interview, you need to be able to expand on each and every bullet point on your resume. Your resume is simply a list of your skills, accountabilities, and accomplishments. During an interview, you have the opportunity to elaborate on those accomplishments and share the stories behind them. Focus on being able to speak clearly and concisely about each bullet point on your resume, and you'll be sure to impress your potential employer.
For example, if you claim to have strong communication skills, be prepared to give a specific example of a time when you successfully communicated with a difficult client. If you say that you're a team player, be ready to describe a time when you went above and beyond to help out a coworker. By being able to speak confidently about your skills and experience, you'll demonstrate that you're the perfect candidate for the job.
4. Be ready for "behavioral-based" interview questions – Use the “STAR” method
Many job seekers focus solely on preparing for traditional, question-and-answer style interviews. While this is certainly important, it's also essential to be prepared for behavioral-based questions. The interviewer is looking to see how you have handled certain situations, and they will use your responses to determine whether or not you are a good fit for the job.
In these types of interviews, the interviewer will ask questions designed to elicit examples of your past behavior. For example, you might be asked to describe a time when you faced a difficult challenge at work. To prepare for these types of questions, job seekers can use the "STAR" method. “STAR” stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Essentially, you want to be able to describe a specific situation from your past, the task you were facing, the actions you took, and the results of your actions. By using the “STAR” method, you can give concrete examples of your skills and abilities, which can help you ace the interview.
5. Practice! Practice! Practice!
While it's important to be knowledgeable about the job you're applying for and to have a good understanding of your qualifications, nothing can replace the feeling of confidence that comes from being prepared. By practicing your answers to common interview questions, you'll be able to exude confidence when it matters most. Additionally, by having a friend or family member role-play with you, you'll be able to identify any nervous ticks that may sabotage your performance. With a little practice, you'll be ready to impress potential employers and land the job of your dreams.
You’re on your way to landing that job you want! The tips we shared in this post will help you feel confident and prepared for your interview. Remember, the most important thing is Practice! Practice! Practice!
Want to practice with a career advisory coach? Schedule an interview preparation session or get a free resume review consultation.