8 Things Star Wars Reminds Us About the Interview Process

Navigating interviews can be some of the most challenging moments in your career. The ability to get your foot in the door and market yourself to potential employers can be difficult. Luckily, there are many things you can do to position yourself for success when trying to land that interview and stand out through the selection process.

"Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi; you're my only hope." - Princess Leia (A New Hope)

Now more than ever candidates need to harness one of the most powerful tools at their disposal: their network. After a long job hunt, some candidates may feel they are out of options and out of hope.

Princess Leia did not hesitant to reach out to a member of her network, Obi-Wan Kenobi, to help save the Rebel Alliance. Unlike Leia, you are not restricted to one hope. Your network provides you with many hopes of connecting with someone who can point you in the direction of an opportunity. Whether its through a friend of yours, a past co-worker, or a college professor, its hard to find a network with an end. Nobody knows everyone, but everyone knows someone.

"Your eyes deceive you, don't trust them." - Obi-Wan Kenobi (A New Hope)

Obi-Wan Kenobi's advice to Luke Skywalker as he learned the ways of the Force mirrors your efforts to learn more about the organization your interviewing with. It is advantageous to utilize your resources to learn more about the organization including their history, mission, values, and culture.

For any position you are applying for, looking at the job requirements and responsibilities is not enough. Do not trust one glance at an organization's job posting to tell you everything about their culture and environment. Be sure to utilize sites like Glassdoor to formulate a snapshot of what it would be like to work for their organization. On the other hand, take a holistic approach and keep in mind that employees having negative experiences with organizations are more likely to post reviews than those who love their job.

"R2-D2, you know better than to trust a strange computer." - C-3PO (Empire Strikes Back)

Many large organizations use applicant tracking systems (ATS). Sometimes these systems utilize "strange computers" that search resumes for keywords that associate the text of your resume with the qualifications of the position you are applying for.

While there is debate over the effectiveness of such an approach, as a candidate it is your job to work with the hand you are dealt. In this case, you shouldn't trust an ATS to give your resume its due diligence. It is recommended that you edit your resume to include keywords found in the job posting. If you are appropriately qualified for the position, this should be an easy undertaking.

"The ability to speak does not make you intelligent." - Qui-Gon Jinn (The Phantom Menace)

Once you receive an opportunity to interview do not underestimate the importance of communication. There is a clear connection between excellent communication and strong candidates. In the Phantom Menace, Qui-Gon Jinn made Jar Jar Binks aware that his quips carried no substantial help in their adventures.

Don't walk into an interview expecting to impress with Jar Jar communication. Being able to communicate what you are looking for in a new career opportunity, your goals, why you are a fit with that organization, and doing so clearly is an easy way to stand out from other candidates.

"I find your lack of faith disturbing." - Darth Vader (A New Hope)

It would be a disservice to George Lucas and all of his hard work not to include some interview advice from Mr. Vader. To an interviewer, lack of faith in oneself is disturbing. Equally disturbing is an inflated sense of self.

Be sure to find a happy medium between highlighting your strengths and accomplishments and genuine humility. Not finding that balance puts you at risk of coming off as braggadocious to those you meet with. On the other hand, exhibiting a lack of confidence in your abilities and previous work can have the same negative effect. Bring balance to the interview Force.

"In my experience, there is no such thing as luck." - Obi-Wan Kenobi (A New Hope)

When Han Solo lauded his luck while aboard the Millennium Falcon, Obi-Wan was quick to remind him that it takes more than good looks and a little bit of luck. You shouldn't expect to be a stand-out candidate without going the extra mile during the interview process.

There are many ways to do this. From avoiding cliché cover letter templates, to taking the effort to learn more about your interviewers, to sending a follow-up email thanking the team for their time. There are ways to exert that little extra into your interview process that will make you memorable. Throw luck out the window and don't be afraid to think outside the box.

"I've got a bad feeling about this." - Han Solo (multiple films)

Han has had several bad feelings through the Star Wars saga. Yet, like any other action-packed film that seeks to grab your attention and provide a plot twist, Han lets his curiosity overcome his gut feelings. That may work on the big screen, but it doesn't work in the interview process.

In fact, trust your instincts. Through the interview process you will have multiple opportunities to interact with people from the company you are interviewing with. You will almost certainly interact with human resource representatives and hiring managers, maybe even cross paths with current employees. If at any point in the interview process you have a bad feeling, do not ignore it. Odds are something significant is sparking that bad feeling and it's worth your attention before going all-in on a new opportunity.

"Always in motion is the future." - Yoda (Empire Strikes Back)

One of the biggest factors influencing job satisfaction is the opportunity for growth and development. You aren't alone if you are looking for an opportunity that is an appropriate fit for your long-term professional and personal development.

Relying on Yoda's wisdom, it is important to approach the interview process with the mindset that your future is always in motion. How will this position help me achieve my goals in 5-10 years? What opportunities do I have to learn and grow in this position and with this organization? Will I be able to make meaningful contributions to the organization now and in the future? Mindful considerations in your interviews, along with the right questions, can help you find an opportunity that keeps your future moving in the right direction.

As you continue your journey through the interview process it is crucial to utilize your network, make your application and interview stand-out, communicate effectively, and think about your career's big picture.

As a result, a new career opportunity you will soon have.