10 Things You Forgot About Interviewing
Has it been a while since your last job interview? If you’re job searching for the first time in years, interviewing can feel somewhat forced. That’s because it is! In everyday life, you hardly ever have to impress a stranger so quickly and completely.
It’s hard to come across as genuine when you’re in an artificial situation–especially when you’re out of practice. Reviewing these basic facts about the realities of job interviewing can help you get comfortable with the process.
1. This Is a Test
Hiring managers are evaluating you on everything from basic professionalism to job skills. They’re also trying to figure out whether you’re a good fit for the corporate culture.
Give yourself an advantage by observing job searching etiquette and doing your homework. Be on time, dress appropriately for the interview, and show up ready to impress. That means having copies of your resume, being able to answer typical job interview questions, and knowing as much as you can about the company and the role before you meet with the hiring manager.
Tip: If you’re interviewing at a big company, it’s worth checking Glassdoor to see if other candidates have posted the questions they were asked during interviews at the organization.
2. You Can’t Be Entirely Yourself
In an ideal world, you’d land a job that allows you to bring your whole self to work. But don’t approach the interview as you would an unfiltered conversation with a friend. Now is not the time to get comfortable. Watch your language, be professional, and above all, focus on what you have to offer the company.
3. Oversharing Is Your Enemy
When you’re talking with friends, you can be vulnerable. When you’re talking with a job interviewer, you need to make sure that everything you share paints you in the best possible light. Now is not the time to share that you have problems with punctuality, organization, or taking criticism. Even if you’re asked to share your weaknesses, make sure you don’t offer anything that will make you look like you can’t handle the job duties or responsibilities. For example, if you’re interviewing for a sales role, don’t share that you hate talking on the phone.
4. Be the Person Hiring Managers Want to Work With
Everything else being equal, hiring managers will pick the candidate they want to work with every day. Stay positive, even about former employers and clients who might not deserve your good will. Focus on the future and how you can help the organization achieve its goals.
5. Use LinkedIn To Find Connections
Get the inside scoop from your contacts about the company, the hiring manager, even the interview process at the organization. You might even find someone to give you a recommendation that will help seal the deal.
6. You Have Even More To Offer Than You Think
One good exercise to undertake before a job interview is to isolate the keywords in the job description in the employment listing and compare those with your skills and abilities. And remember that you don’t need to have the exact experience the employer is seeking in order to solve their problems and help the company succeed. For example, if you’ve managed volunteers for community projects, you have experience motivating others and directing their work, even if you’ve never held a formal role as a manager at a company.
7. No One Wants To Hear About What They’re Doing Wrong
Got feedback on the company’s products, services, website, or hiring process? Keep it to yourself unless asked. You may think they’re missing big opportunities–and you might be right!– but unless they’re able to hear that, all you’ll do is make the hiring team feel criticized. That’s never a good way to build a relationship.
8. Practice Interviewing
You don’t need to go into your interview cold. Use free interview practice tools to help you acclimate to the process. You can even get live feedback on your skills in a safe environment.
9. Have Questions Ready To Ask
Job interviews aren’t just about impressing the hiring manager. They’re also a chance to learn more about the role and what it’s like to work at the organization. Come prepared with questions to ask the hiring manager. They’ll usually give you a chance to ask anything you want to know at the end of the interview.
10. Everyone Likes To Hear “Thank You”
Thank-you notes are not a thing of the past. Send an email thanking your interviewers for their time and consideration within 24 hours of your meeting. You can also use this opportunity to emphasize your excitement for the job, as well as your skills and qualifications.
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