We know it feels weird to go into a conversation with a strategy, and we’re not saying that if you say the “wrong” things you’ll have to lay in bed at night thinking about it. However, interviewing is tricky and can feel daunting the more you do it. So, if you’re getting a lot of first interviews but haven’t received a lot of follow-ups, we’re here to help. The following tips are here to ground you for your next interview and will (hopefully) lead to a fit that feels right for all involved.
5 Quick tips for winning interviews and landing jobs
- Thoroughly study the job description.
- Form your own interview questions and write them down.
- Address all your needs (lifestyle, priorities, goals, health).
- Always, thank the interviewer for their time.
- Document your experience after the interview.
Ways to avoid common interviewing mistakes
Take your time and research: 47% of hiring managers say they would reject a candidate who had little knowledge about where they’re applying. Do your homework on the company, its mission, and its work culture. Review the employer’s website, especially the ‘About Us section.’ Look at the company’s social media presence, too. This will give insight into how the company wants the public to perceive it. When you demonstrate your knowledge about the organization during an interview, it shows genuine interest in what they have to offer outside of a salary, which is what interviewers want to see.
Don’t criticize your old job: Avoid being critical. Frame your responses about previous employers or roles in a way that emphasizes wanting a new challenge or why you wish to be part of a bigger or smaller company; these are perfectly understandable and suitable reasons.
Ask your own questions: At the end of the interview, the hiring manager will always ask if you have any questions. Surprisingly, the most common answer to this question is no. This is a missed opportunity to find out more about the company, highlight your interest in the position, and reinforce your suitability as a candidate. Ask questions related to the job, leadership within the company, and the industry. Some examples include: “What is your favorite part about working here?” and “What does the typical day-to-day look like for someone in this role?”
Stay engaged: Have you ever been talking to someone and you can tell that they’re just waiting for their turn to talk? Try not to let your mind race ahead to your answer while the interviewer is talking. If you feel like your attention is slipping, try to keep eye contact and make an active effort to listen to the full question before responding.
Not actively listening could lead to you misunderstanding the question and giving a poor (or more likely redundant) answer. This may lead your potential employer will question your ability to remain focused during a day on the job.
Try to stay calm. Remember that your body language can say as much about you as your answers to the questions. Breathe Preparation will allow you to exude confidence. If you need to take a moment to think about your answer, that’s totally fine, just say so. It’s better than trying to find your footing through multiple “ums” or “uhs.”
Be confident, not arrogant: It’s important to be confident and to give the interviewer proof of your achievements and abilities, but don’t go into it like you already know all the answers. Express your value rather than walking into the interview as if you’ve already got the job and they’re lucky to have you.
Benefits of working with Concentric
These might seem like common sense suggestions, but the hiring process is nerve-racking and, at times, a bit mentally exhausting. But it doesn’t have to be. We want to help job seekers confidentially take their next steps into the roles they’ve been dreaming of. Concentric believes that hiring isn’t just business— it’s building relationships that work between job seekers and companies.
Our recruiters start with an in-person meeting to get to know candidates personally, paying particular attention to the obstacles they’re facing in their current employment and discussing short- and long-term goals and ambitions. They’re with job seekers at every stage, at no cost to the candidate.
Want to learn more about how partnering with Concentric can take your career or company to the next level? Contact us today!
Looking for help landing a job outside of tech?
Connect with our sister company Clarity. Clarity Search teams up with business owners and managers nationwide to create connections between top-tier accounting, Finance, and marketing professionals.