Snag That Job! Interviewing Tips From An Industry Professional

Back on the job market? It's a competitive market out there, so you need a strong, competitive edge. A solid resume, effective job hunt strategy, and prospects are all important, but it all comes down to the interview. 

As a Manager and Recruiter, I have seen people with mediocre resumes ace an interview and land the job, and someone with a superb resume blow the interview and get nothing more than a cold handshake and rushed "thank you for coming in" as they are scooted out the door. So what makes or breaks an interview?

A poor interview is usually caused by lack of preparation, unappealing or aggressive body language, and lack of confidence. 

A great interview happens when a candidate knows their worth, connects with the interviewer, and sells themselves as the best candidate for the role. These concepts seem simple, but sometimes the smallest detail can flip an interview into a negative spiral. 

Here are some great tips for nailing your next interview:

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

This is one of the most important steps in the interview process, and it occurs before the interview even begins! When a Recruiter or Hiring Manager reaches out to schedule an interview, or even a phone screen, immediately research the company. Start with their website. Look for cultural cues, news, and their story. Then search for both client and employee reviews. Remember that nearly every employer will have some negative reviews, so don't necessarily let a few bad reviews scare you. What you are looking for are patterns. Maybe they have a lot of employees complaining about Payroll issues, which would be a major concern if you were to accept employment within the company. Maybe all of their clients talk about the Sales department lying to them, so honestly and integrity may be an issue. Sometimes you will find that the strong majority of employees are very happy and stay with the company for five years or longer. Understanding the company culture is an integral part of making an employment decision, and reading reviews will show you the strengths and areas for improvement for each company with which you interview. You will want to address the great things that you read about them, and and ask a couple of questions regarding the negative reviews in the interview. They will be impressed with your enthusiasm and diligence. 

After your research, you will have a better feel for the types of questions that may be asked during your interview. For instance, if they post a lot of articles and photos of their team volunteering in the community, they may ask if you have any volunteer experience. If you have volunteered in the past, or if you are currently volunteering, prepare a couple of short anecdotes pertaining to your experiences. If not, look up a few specific charities (perhaps ones featured on their site) that have missions statements that speak to you, and be prepared to discuss interest in working with those organizations. You never want to sound scripted, so don't do the 'ol "type and read", but be prepared. This will prevent awkward silences, discombobulated responses, and the ever irritating perpetual "ums". 

Finally, look up common interview questions and come up with simple and appealing answers. Think of ways to say something briefly, but in a way prompts further engagement or induces a smile or nod of approval. Make sure that you find ways to mention skills or experience that show that you are qualified for the role.

See a list of some of the most popular generic questions here: LINK

Know Your Resume

This one is simple. It's your resume. Know the details on it. There is nothing that will turn an employer off and make them question your integrity quicker than not knowing your resume or employment details. 

Dress To Impress

• You only get one shot at a first impression, so make it a great one! Hair- Should be simple, and professional (Ladies- bun, clip, or slicked pony tail... Gentlemen- clean shaved or buzzed, gelled, and combed)
• Make Up- Natural looks are best, avoid bright pinks, blues, greens, etc... or use them as delicate highlights
• Attire- Business- Suits, or a business professional dress for women (no shorter than knee length)
• Business Casual- 
• Men- Khakis, Slacks, Belt, Polo, Button up Shirt, Henley Shirt, Dress Shoes and Socks, Jewelry minimal
• Women- Slacks or Skirt (no more than 1 inch above the knee), Button up shirt or Blouse (no less than 2 inch straps), Heels or Dress Flats, Jewelry minimal
• A Good Rule: If you have to ask, don't wear it!!
• Facial Hair- Neatly groomed
• Legs- Shaven or in Hose (for ladies)
• Nails- Clean and natural look (no "fun" nail polish or design jobs), and should be no more than 1/2 inch long
• Cologne- It is better to avoid it, but if you prefer to wear it, only use ONE spray. You don't want to activate someones allergies.

I have always had a policy that if you look in the mirror at your "finished product" and smile, then you are dressed to impress!

Posture Sets The Tone

• Strong posture shows confidence and class. Slouching shows lack of confidence, respect, or interest, so be sure to pay attention to the ways in which you position your body. Sit up straight, Shoulders back
• Neck straight, and head forward, chin straight or at a very slight downward angle
• Sit either knees together or legs crossed at the ankle, NOT the knee

This step is simple, but imperative. You must exude confidence and professionalism at all times. 

Body Language Is 60% Of Communication

I have sat in on interviews in which the candidate said all the right things, but afterward the Hiring Manager told me "I just didn't like him/her". The problem was the candidate's body language. This is one of the top reasons that candidates lose opportunities. 

• Follow these simple tips, and you will project an image of confidence and enthusiasm without demonstrating accidental aggression, absent mindedness, or over excitement:Smile, but Don't Grin- Use a gentle, welcoming smile. A toothy grin can come across as disingenuous 
• Gesture Small- Create a "gesture box" that is between your biceps and waist, and extends about 6 inches to the left and right of your torso. Do not gesture outside of those guidelines, and gesture slowly, not in a spastic manner. Doing so creates the impression that you are tightly-wound and nervous.
• DO NOT FIDGET- No tapping, kicking, shaking, drumming, fiddling with clothing, or over-blinking
• Make Soft Eye Contact- Be sure to look at the interviewer in the eyes approximately 95% of the time, but remember to blink (but not excessively). Don't stare. Be sure to have a soft, or welcoming, expression on your face. The rest of the time, a brief look down, or slightly off to the side works well.
• Nod Slowly- When you nod, do so slowly and in small movements.
• Hands should be together in your lap or on the table/desk.

It takes practice to master these techniques, so rehearse with a friend, relative, or in the mirror. It may feel silly, but if it will help you to perfect your technique and land the job, it's worth it.

Sound Pleasant

Interviewing involves all five senses. The way you sound must also be addressed. Sometimes the pitch of your voice can irritate someone. For example, I have a very loud and deeper-toned voice. Even when I am happy or calm, some people find that I sound aggressive. Therefore, when I interview I speak at a lower volume, slightly raise the pitch of my voice, and make a point to sound soothing and confident. Also, if you are interviewing for a phone-heavy role, the employer needs to know that their clients will enjoy speaking with you. Be sure that you not only appear professional, but that you sound pleasant. 

Know Your Worth

Know that you have value. That's why they called you for an interview. THEY KNOW YOU ARE VALUABLE. Know that you can rock this position! Confidence goes a long way, and instills the same feeling in the interviewer, making you an appealing candidate. 

If you are having trouble showing your strength, before you go in, go down the line of qualifications, and remind yourself how you meet each one. Review the expectations, and think about how you could excel in each one. This little exercise will help you to realize that you can do this, and do it well. Then to show that to your potential employer with confidence. 

Sell Yourself

Interviewing is sales. You know your worth, so sell it! When you wrap up at the end of the interview, summarize your qualifications and relate them to points made by the interviewer during the conversation, show enthusiasm, and let them know that you would love to help them make their organization even stronger!

Interviewing can be a nerve wracking experience, but following these steps and learning these habits will help you to become a stronger candidate, capable of communicating effectively and selling themselves to any employer with confidence. 

Interviewing is a skill. It takes practice, and if your master it, you can land the career of your dreams!