10 Tips for Nailing Your Next Job Interview

It’s a competitive job market out there, which is why we’re ready to share our expert tips and strategies on how to stand out against the competition. Follow our fool-proof steps to conquer your next interview with confidence.

1. First Things First… Research:

Familiarize yourself with the company’s history, values, and beyond. Show your recruiter that you have taken the time to learn everything there is to know about the position and the company. Do they partake in annual charity events? Are there amazing benefits that stand out against similar-companies? Highlight your interest! Tell them what you love about the company.

You can also use this research to develop thoughtful questions to ask your interviewer, or incorporate what you learned about the company into your interview responses.

2. Prepare for the Basics:

Review common interview questions such as "tell me about yourself", or "why do you want to work here?", and "what are your strengths and weaknesses?". Preparing for common questions will help you feel confident and in control of the conversation.

3. Dress to Impress:

Whether it's a Zoom call or an in-person meeting, dressing appropriately is key. Choose an outfit that boosts your comfort and confidence while ensuring a polished appearance.

4. Punctuality Matters:

Being late for an interview could be a red flag for the interviewer. For in-person meetings, aim to arrive 10-15 minutes early, and for Zoom interviews, double check you're logged in and all your equipment is in working order. 

5. Prepare Your Stories:

A great interview comes with great storytelling. A story is more likely to be remembered, because it creates emotion and is an effective way to get across a message or paint a picture. In advance of your interview, brainstorm on past examples to create stories which demonstrate why you think you’ll succeed or bring impact in the role. You can structure these stories using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

6. Be Confident and Positive:

Display a positive attitude and confidence throughout the interview to show that you are passionate about the position and the company. Practice positive body language by maintaining eye contact and smiling, and be engaged in the conversation.

7. Promote Yourself:

Don’t be afraid to sell yourself and why you think you’re the right fit for the role. Highlight how your skills, experiences, and achievements make you the best candidate for the job. Use specific examples from past experiences to support your qualifications. 

8. Remember, You Can Conduct Your Own Interview Too:

What are some challenges you might face in the position? Are you being hired for bandwidth reasons, or due to an employee departure? Take the opportunity to ask thoughtful, insightful questions about the company and the role you're interviewing for, showing that you are engaged and interested in the position.

9. Practice Makes Perfect:

Rehearse your responses to common interview questions and practice speaking about your qualifications. (Yes, have a mock interview with yourself!) This is the best way to avoid being caught off guard and will help you feel more confident and prepared during the interview. You can work with a professional coach (like us!) or try out a mock interview. Follow the link to learn more about our service offering, including interview coaching.

10. Don’t Be Afraid to Follow-Up:

After the interview, send a thank you email to the interviewer to express your appreciation for their time and to reiterate your interest in the role.

Ready to tackle that next interview? Remember, just be yourself, do your research, follow our proven steps and go land that dream job! Good luck! By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to nailing your next job interview. Good luck!