Interviewing 101: How To Turn Your Next Interview Into a Job Offer

By?Lauren Robfogel, Job Architect Partner at LinkedIn

Edited by?Brandi Fowler, Reporter at LinkedIn News

Job interviews can be make-or-break moments in your job search. They can also cause anxiety. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help better prepare for the interview process. Think of every interview as practice to help reduce some of the stress, and focus on perfecting your skillset as you go through the process. We’ve compiled a guide to help you put your best foot forward and feel more confident when interviewing. This piece will teach you:

• How to prepare for a job interview.
• How to nail your elevator pitch.?
• How to get what you want during salary negotiations.??
• How to connect with other job seekers on LinkedIn.
• How to endure a long job search.?
• How to keep your momentum going after being turned down for a job.?

Interview Coming Up? Here Are 12 Questions to Ask

Hiring managers usually expect candidates to ask questions at the end of interviews, and the questions you ask can determine whether they think you are a good fit. Since it's not always easy to know what to ask, we’ve compiled 12 questions to help you stand out.

LinkedIn Learning - Expert Tips for Answering Common Interview Questions

How to Stand Out When the Interviewer Is Doing More Talking Than Asking

You may find yourself in a situation where the hiring manager does most of the talking. Career coach and former HR professional Martin Yate suggests leaning on your knowledge of the organization's needs to ask questions that demonstrate your knowledge. That strategy can help the interviewer get to know you better and show you are a good fit for the position and company.?

Take a look at these tips from the LinkedIn community to learn more about how to take charge of an interview.

LinkedIn Learning - How to Rock an Interview

Enduring a Long Job Search

We all hope that our job search will be quick and painless, but that doesn't always happen. LinkedIn News managing editor Andrew Seaman and Teachndo founder Sweta Regmi talked about the realities of looking for work and how to survive the ups and downs of a long job search process on #GetHired Live.?

Watch the full episode here for tips on how to endure a long job search.?

LinkedIn Learning - Managing tips and building resilience while job searching?

How to Get What You're Worth During Hiring Negotiations

Negotiating a higher salary doesn’t have to be a daunting task. But, it’s important to understand your value to the company and not leave money on the table. Fast Company suggests setting goals, mapping your career path, and designing the details of your offer to negotiate and secure the salary you want.?

Take a look at more tips from the LinkedIn community about how to negotiate your salary during the hiring process.?

LinkedIn Learning - Get more by saying less in negotiations

Forget the ‘We’ in Interviews and Focus on the ‘I’

Should job candidates use “I” instead of “we” when talking about themselves during an interview? McKinsey recruiting expert Amy Ross told Insider job seekers should frame their responses with "I" when asked to share examples of their problem-solving and leadership skills. Show “what you did, how you led, and actions you took to create change,” Ross said.??

Check out more tips from the LinkedIn community on how to talk about your accomplishments and stake claim on your successes during interviews.?

LinkedIn Learning - Responding to the three most common interview questions

Adopt These Skills to Stand Out As a Candidate

Thinking like a scientist can help you secure a higher salary when negotiating. Author Tracy Bower wrote in Fast Company that asking questions out of curiosity, persevering amid setbacks and paying attention to detail are important skills that scientists prioritize. Some experts believe using behavioral science can help you score a higher salary too.

Read on to see what other LinkedIn professionals had to say about why the scientist strategy works.?

LinkedIn Learning - How to confidently negotiate your salary

Ace your interview with this expert advice

Showing you meet job requirements is just one thing interviewers look for. Forbes senior contributor Jack Kelly explains why charisma, charm and the liability factor will help you actually get the job.

Kelly suggested taking these step to help ease your nerves and successfully navigate the process:?

• Be flexible when it comes to scheduling and reiterate your interest in the role.
• Ask questions throughout the interview so it's a two-sided conversation.
• Prepare to negotiate your job offer, including pay and benefits.
• Meet as many people as you can to learn what it's like to work at the company.

Check out more tips LinkedIn community members shared about the best ways to nail interviews.?

LinkedIn Learning - How to Answer the “Tell Me About Yourself” Question

Keep Up Your Momentum After Being Turned Down For a Job. Here's How.

Getting rejected for a job is never a fun experience. Forbes shares tips for how to cope with rejection during your job search. To start, "channel the pain productively," writes career expert Lee Cristina Beaser. The first step is to reflect on why you were turned down for the job.?

Read more tips from LinkedIn community members about how to handle rejection, here.?

LinkedIn Learning - Overcoming Rejection

Here’s the Formula for a Strong Elevator Pitch

Creating an elevator pitch can help you sell yourself in an interview or inspire interest in something you have to offer. Different strategies can ensure your elevator pitch leaves a good impression, like practicing and customizing your pitch for every audience.?

We broke down the ins and outs of how to craft an elevator pitch and the elements you need to create an unforgettable one. Take a look at the full post, here.?

LinkedIn Learning - Crafting Your Elevator Pitch

How to Ace Your Next Interview

Being good at your job isn't all you need to get job offers. You must be able to package and sell your skills and accomplishments, says career coach, Martin Yate.?

To ace your next interview:?

• Study and prepare for the interview.
• Understand how the role fits into the company.
• Know how to be a problem-solver.

Read more tips from LinkedIn community members on how to do your best in interviews, here.?

LinkedIn Learning - How to land job interviews without applying online