How to Get Hired in 2020: Ten Top Tips

My firm Ruder Finn is in the process of interviewing in HK. I have just interviewed 50+ candidates for a senior role. Based on what I saw, and what I was reminded of, I thought I'd share some top tips and clever techniques to help you win in any job interview.

1. Make your resume stand OUT. Times New Roman point size 12 doesn't really cut it these days. There are some great CV design options out there. Use them!
2. Dear Sir/Madam – really? No! When my/your name and email are on the original job post? Not a great start. Straight into the “delete” folder. Research an actual name and title. Hint: most people are on LinkedIn. Check your spelling as well.
3. Lots of job hopping? Five jobs in seven years? Not a good look. Unless you have a very (VERY) good reason.
4. Remember voice protocol. I often actually call directly when looking at CVs to invite candidates in for an interview. A nervous, unsure, tiny “hello” when you answer a call is not a great start. I get it that the number is “Unknown” but you do have your CV in the market. Expect, and be prepared for, calls. Sound like a winner. We like winners.
5. First meeting, have presence. We are in a C19 environment so these apply both for Zoom and IRL. Show confidence and smile. Dial up your EQ – even more so when the meeting is virtual.
6. Give people a reason to remember and like you. We spend a lot of time at work virtually or IRL. Dial up your EQ. (Repeated for a reason.)
7. Have good energy. This is so important. Be vibrant and connect with the people interviewing you. I wrote on the top of my interview notes about one candidate - “great energy”. 95% of my colleagues independently voted for the same candidate with no brief from me. Energy REALLY matters! Project good energy. (Repeated for a reason.)
8. Stop your wall of sound. Many candidates feel the need to share their entire CV in a monologue first answer to "why are you here?" Stop. It’s an interview. Not a speech. Make a connection. Stop talking. Start listening.
9. Ask questions/be curious/show interest. Show that you have done a bit of research into the firm where you would like to be hired. It's always appreciated.
10. Send a post-interview communication. Send an email. WhatsApp. Or WeChat. Show that you are keen. Say something to make us remember you. This is powerful. A recent candidate sent an individual "nice to meet you" email to the 10+ people they met as part of the hiring process. Guess who we hired?

I hope these Top Tips help you secure your next big role!

Please feel free to check in with any questions. [email protected]