The pressure is on when you land a job interview. You have impressed the hiring manager with your resume enough to advance in the process, and how you handle the interview is the make-or-break factor on landing the job. Make sure you are prepared to ace a job interview in 2020 with these tips:
● Gather as Much Information as Possible
Do as much research as you can about the employer ahead of your interview. Review the company website and any social media or press releases to understand not just any products or services they offer, but their customer base, mission statement and core values. The more information you gather, the better you will be able to tailor your responses.
● Practice Responding to Common Questions
There are standard interview questions most hiring managers are going to ask, regardless of the job. These include “Tell me about yourself,” “What’s your biggest weakness?” and “Why are you interested in this job?” Practice responding to these common questions so you become comfortable and do not forget the key points you want to make.
● Compile Achievements- Especially Stats
Hiring managers do not want to know what you were responsible for doing in your previous jobs, they want to know how well you performed. Prepare for your interview by compiling achievements, such as specific examples you can describe or stats that objectively quantify your claims (rankings or percentages). This allows you to show, rather than tell, that you are a top performer.
● Come Up with Questions of Your Own
Since interviewers typically open the conversation for questions from you in the end, you want to be ready to present thoughtful questions that demonstrate your professionalism and enthusiasm for the position. Come up with questions of your own ahead of time to ask the hiring manager. Focus the questions on the job duties or workplace itself, rather than self-serving questions about perks or time off.
● Plan the Image You Want to Project
Your interview responses are not the only factor on which you are evaluated – it is the overall impression you give, from your appearance to your body language to your punctuality and preparedness. Plan ahead for the image you want to project. Select a professional outfit and ensure it is clean, wrinkle-free, and properly fitted. Practice your handshake and introduction, so you are speaking with confidence, maintaining eye contact, and smiling. Pack your belongings ahead of time, so you have extra copies of your resume and a pad and paper for taking notes during the interview. And finally, plan your route to the interview location and give yourself plenty of extra time, so you don’t risk running late.
If you are ready to learn about new job opportunities, Nesco Resource can help. Since 1956, we have been working with job seekers to match them with opportunities from employers, from temporary to permanent placement. Contact us today to learn more.
