Recent Posts
You’ve been sending out resumes for weeks, researching possible jobs and perfecting your cover letter. Finally, you see a message in your inbox: “We are impressed with your credentials, and would like to schedule an interview with you.”
Getting an interview can be heartening yet nerve-wracking at the same time. Your first thought may even be, “What if I sound better on paper than in-person, and they decide to go with another candidate?” Before you even start preparing for the interview, though, you need to push these doubts to the side.
Still not confident that you’ll be the businesswoman of your dreams? Then keep reading for ENTITY’s top five tips to nail a job interview.
This company could become your second home, which means you need to get comfortable – and this doesn’t mean wearing PJs to the office. Instead, show your possible future employer that you’ve done your research. Deborah Markus, founder of Columbus Advisors LLC, advises that applicants display their knowledge of the company as well as how their skills align with the company’s current needs. For instance, if you read that the company just partnered with a business in France, share how you studied abroad in Paris for six months. Or if you know the company stresses being technologically advanced, mention your computer classes from college.
READ MORE: 5 Promising Startup Business Founded By Women
If you want to stand out, however, a quick Google search won’t cut it. Uncover how recent changes in the market have affected the company, understand its competitors and where the firm stands within the industry today. Is the company at its peak, or is it in “survival mode”? In either case, ask yourself how can you be an asset. If you can answer these questions before your interview, you’ll be sure to give impressive answers.
Recruiters for Consolidated Container Co. have reported that recent job candidates are arriving an hour before their scheduled interview. While arriving early is a better alternative to being late, coming too early can also backfire. Julie Loubaton, director of recruiting at Consolidated Container, said that it “shows that you’re not respectful of the time the hiring manager put aside of for you” and may make workers uncomfortable. Having extra time to kill could also make you overthink your interview and make you even more nervous than before.
Instead, arrive ten minutes early. This will give you enough free time to calm your nerves and observe the company’s environment to see if it would be the right fit for you.
Look up the most commonly asked questions asked during interviews, draft your answers and role play them with a friend or family member. Afterward, ask your “interviewer” for feedback. Simulating the actual interview setting is a great way to ease tension the day of the interview. Your friend can also point out issues with your interviewing behavior – like saying “umm” or stumbling over your words.
If you practice your responses to commonly asked questions, you’re also less likely to fumble with your answers when you are being interviewed. Need help getting started? Some commonly asked questions include:
Have you ever gone on a first date when the person wouldn’t stop complaining about his or her ex? It’s not fun … the same goes for applicants who seem “desperate or bitter” about their prior jobs or current situations. The lesson is to keep your personal woes out of your responses. Your career journey may not have been an easy one and your complaints may be warranted. However, you should focus on your accomplishments instead of your struggles.
READ MORE: How to Cope with Being Fired
For instance, maybe you quit your last job because there was no chance for advancement. Rather than throwing digs at your old boss for promoting others, emphasize that you’re a hard worker who hopes to one day manage her own company. “You want to demonstrate resilience in the face of unpredictable obstacles,” says Wendy Alfus Rothman, president of coaching firm Wenroth Consulting.
Have you ever heard the phrase, “Fake it ’till you make it”? This old cliche can be a modern women’s secret weapon to nailing an interview. Dress professionally and walk tall. Maintain good eye contact and avoid nervous or jittery behavior like tapping your feet or playing with your pen. A tip: Before your interview, stand in “superman pose.” Studies show that people who stand in powerful positions experience a notable increase in testosterone and decrease in the stress hormone of cortisol. These changes can give you the boost of confidence you need.
READ MORE: Is Confidence Contagious?
To end your interview as strongly as you started, always ask a question when the interviewer asks if there’s anything else you want to know. It doesn’t matter what kind of question you ask. You just need to show your interest in the company. Some winning questions often involve asking what the company does and why your interviewer chose to work there.
This list of tips isn’t exhaustive, but these insights from lead coaches and recruiting directors can definitely give you a step up in your next job interview. #WomenThatDo are always prepared to nail a job interview; after all, you never know when your dream position might come your way.
