Tips to Nail Your Next Job Interview
In today’s job market, it may seem like getting your resume in the right hands is the hardest part of the process. However, once you land an interview, your work is far from over.
Here are some tips from Matthew Rothenberg, editor-in-chief of TheLadders.com, on how to do well on your next job interview.
No. 1: Consider the interview setting.
Today, interviews are conducted everywhere from the office, to dinner-and-drinks to video conferences, Rothenberg said. No matter where your interview is being held, it is important to keep your mind on the task at hand—the skills that nailed you the interview in the first place.
“Many times it’s a test of how flexible you are under different circumstances,” he said. “Its how you can speak to the stuff that is in your resume, that convinced them you were someone to talk to. Stay on message with three key talking points, or things you can bring to this position.”
No. 2: Remember it’s not all about you.
Although the interview may be a great time to sell yourself, Rothenberg said it’s not a time to let your ego run wild.
“This is not a sales call,” he said. “It’s not about what your hopes and dreams are for your career, but the values you bring to them. How are your experiences and expertise going to sell that?”
No.3: Every interaction counts.
Rothenberg advises that every person within one mile of the place you are interviewing at is fair game. Any interaction with a person in that proximity can be a part of the interview, or have influence on its results.
“Don’t be rude to somebody on the elevator on the way up, it could be your interviewer,” he said.
No. 4: Have questions of your own.
The bulk of the interview will consist of you being questioned about your skills and experience, but Rothenberg said that when the interviewer inevitably turns the tables and ask you if you have any questions, be prepared.
“I hear a lot of stories from recruiters and hiring managers that had candidates they liked a lot, that looked like they would get the position,” he said. “But if you don’t have enough curiosity or haven’t done your research, you’re done.
Rothenberg said these are some good questions to have prepared for an interviewer:
-What is my future boss’ leadership style like?
-How does somebody work well with that person?
-What type of person is, or is not successful at this company?
-How would I be able to help my future boss succeed in the next year at this organization?