Looking for and finding a new job for many people is a frustrating and difficult task. Being the right person in the right place at the right time can seem like success depends more on luck than skill. As a Career Advisor, and consultant, and when I wore my Human Resources “Hat” as a businessperson, my advice is to focus on the elements of the job search you can control. Having a good resume, a tailored cover letter, and making cold calls to employers, are all especially important. Perhaps one of the most overlooked elements of a successful job search is how you prepare for interviews.
As a person looking for work, it is important to remember that your goal is to find an employer who is the right fit for you and will appreciate you and your abilities. To be successful, you need to remember that to be hired, you have to focus on solving the employer’s needs.
If an employer has “gone to market” to hire someone, they have a problem. Usually, someone has quit, or they are expanding, if you keep this as your focus in how you approach the questions they ask, you will be far more successful than the applicants who ignore this basic tenant.
Stand out. If you have been selected for an interview – congratulations, that is always a great accomplishment; however, you’re only halfway there. Employers seldom interview everyone who applies but it is common for 3-5 people to be interviewed. All of you could likely do the job, you want to stand out and preparation is the best way.
Don’t go to the wrong place. Nothing kills your chances of a new job more than not paying attention to the interview instructions and going to the wrong place. It happens more than people think, I once had a person arrive for an interview who was supposed to be at our competitors next door. He missed the signs on the building and was quite upset because we didn’t know anything about his interview … by the time we got things figured out, not only was he in completely the wrong store, but he was also late.
Don’t be late. Be 10 to 15 minutes early, giving yourself time to arrive, relax, and review your notes.
When you arrive for an interview, be polite and respectful of the receptionist and anyone else you encounter in the organization. Many applicants fail this basic test; chemistry is especially important in any company, and how you treat the people you speak to is noticed.
Go into the interview on your own. This lesson will not apply to most people, but it is still worth mentioning. I once had someone bring their mother into an interview, and worse yet she answered all of the questions; another person left the interview and went to get his wife from the car because he figured that she would never believe how much money he could make working for us … neither one got the job. I have noticed some students who have brought friends, but do yourself a favor everyone except you should wait in the car.
Dress appropriately and be aware of your personal hygiene. While is it possible to over-dress, the most common error is to under-dress for an interview. The best way to know how to dress is to visit the organization or check out their social media. Also, take the time to watch your personal grooming as well; take the extra time because you will be judged on your appearance, whether it is fair or not. Try to avoid wearing any perfume or cologne, as many organizations are scent-free workplaces.
Don’t wear a hat. I can’t think of a single time where this might be appropriate no matter how good it looks on you, do yourself a favor and leave it at home.
Don’t bring a coffee or chew gum. I have experienced both situations many times, and neither will help you positively stand out.
Don’t complain about how messy the interviewer’s office is – If you find yourself criticizing anything about the interviewer, their office, or the organizations you are applying with you likely aren’t going to get the job.
Only make positive comments about yourself. Practice your answers to interview questions frame any negative life experiences as “past experiences,” and emphasize the skills, experiences, and behaviors that are going to help you solve the employers’ problems.
When an interviewer asks, “What is your greatest weakness” remember the question really is, why shouldn’t we hire you? I have had so many people tell me absolutely horrible things about themselves because they have answered the question without considering the answer. My advice is to begin with the phrase, “In the past I … “and then pick something that you know hindered you; but then tell the interviewers how you’ve overcome it. I use my fear of “public speaking” when talking to a room full of people at one point in my life, I was terrified of speaking in front of a group. I took a course on public speaking and was able to overcome this fear.
Don’t complain about how miserable your last boss or organization was. It is amazing how small management communities are and how interconnected people are; making negative comments will never help you in an interview.
Don’t over-exaggerate your skills. It’s hard to believe that people would do this, but it happens: I have had applicants boast about their computer skills and then fail a subsequent proficiency test in the same interview. Focus on things you know and can do.
Don’t forget to only have positive references. This one happens quite often as well: having references gives you a strong competitive advantage … but only when they know you are using them. It is embarrassing for everyone when a prospective employer calls for a reference, and the reference isn’t aware or worse yet; says something negative about you.
Being nervous is okay. Everyone is usually,even the people doing the interview sometimes. RELAX, LISTEN TO THE QUESTION, THINK FOR A MOMENT, ANSWER THE QUESTION, and keep moving forward. Most people will not know you are nervous unless you tell them. Be you, you are good at that.
Don’t swear. There are some places where swearing might be appropriate, but an interview is not one of them.
If you take your coat off, don’t forget to empty the pockets of loose change. Trust me on this one. The fewer things that can accidentally fall out of your pockets the better.
Sit forward in your chair and watch your body language. Body language is as important as your spoken language, LOOK INTERESTED, LISTEN TO THE QUESTION, LOOK AT EACH INTERVIEWER IF THERE IS MORE THAN ONE; sitting with your back straight creates the image of an eager person… it helps.
Don’t forget to practice the standard questions. Be less concerned about memorizing the answers to these questions and focus on HOW you answer the question and the thought you put into the answers. Try to focus on answers that address the needs of the employer. Role-playing with another person is the best way, but even practicing in front of a mirror is helpful.
Eye contact. Some people are very uncomfortable with direct eye contact, so my advice to you is to look at a point about 6 inches above the interviewer’s shoulder 3 to 4 inches from their ear; from a distance across a desk, it will look like you have perfect eye contact.
Turn off your phone. For the 20 or 30 minutes that you are in an interview, it will make a difference.
Bring 3-5 written questions with you in a small notebook. You will score points for this when they ask you, “Do you have any questions for us?” Questions such as: “What is the next step in your hiring process, when could I expect to hear from you, what are your expectations for the first 90 days.”
Listen to the questions and just answer the questions – Always keep the question in mind when responding to an interviewer, if you cannot remember the question, you have been talking for too long. At the opposite end of the spectrum, very few interview questions should be answered in “YES or NO.”
Use the STAR method to answer questions that begin with “Tell me about a time …” or “What would you do if …” Using the Specific situation, what Task were you doing, what Action did you do, and what Result was achieved, will help keep you focused when answering situational or behavioral questions.
Say “Thank you” at the end of the interview to the interviewers and to the receptionist. In my experience, very few people actually do this, and it helps to create a positive impression of yourself.
Don’t burn any bridges – If you don’t happen to get the job, be respectful, be gracious, and make sure they know that if the person hired doesn’t work out, you would still like to be considered.
If you make a mistake. Understand that it will happen, try not to dwell on it, and keep answering the remaining questions to the best of your ability.
Virtual Interviews. Prepare the same way as you would for an in-person interview. Double-check your internet connections and log on for at least 5 minutes to ensure you have the correct link.
Afterwards. Every interview is a great experience to learn, even if you aren’t successful. After each interview, ask yourself, “What did I do well, what didn’t I do well, and what lessons can I apply for next time. This short exercise can help build your confidence and your skills as you work towards your job goals.
As an insider, my advice is to seek out people who can help you prepare for all elements of a job search. Most communities offer professional assistance for no charge to you, take advantage of these services and tools. Being prepared for an interview is something you can do easily and most of your competition for jobs does not.
Good luck.
Paul.