Be ready to tell the story of your brand – ‘You’

Once the interview is set, prepare insightful questions and craft your personal story.

Start thinking about how you will talk about your career journey so far and present yourself and your accomplishments. This is where you need to shine. Think yourself as a brand – what’s your brand’s unique selling proposition? Why you’re different? What do you bring on the table? Focus on how your experience will benefit your potential new employer.

Industry trends

Remote and flexible working, creating teams in-house, diversity, transparency, big data, AI are all big trends – to name but a few.

Don’t wing it, just do your homework

Don’t show up without having a good understanding of the company, what they do, and what differentiates them in their industry. A bit of research can go a long way. Check out their website, blog, LinkedIn, etc. and take a look at their competition. Find out who you’re interviewing with, check their LinkedIn profile and learn about their background, so that you can prepare accordingly. Prepare a few interesting facts that you can bring up, as appropriate, during the interview.

What if…

You do a mock interview to practice your responses and wording. Ask someone you trust and practice until you feel more prepared and more comfortable.

Review your resume

This sounds like a no-brainer but you should know your resume inside and out. This is what the interviewer is using as a script for the discussion. Be ready to walk through your work experience and skills, discuss what you’ve accomplished and, if you have a portfolio, to concisely describe your work samples. Remember, you’re selling yourself. And, always bring an extra copy of your resume – maybe the interviewer doesn’t have one with them or other people may join the discussion during the interview.

Motivation, motivation, motivation

Do you really want this job? Then show it! Don’t allow there to be any ambiguity about whether or not you actually want the job. Everything about your motivation should be clear. Things like why do you want this job? What can you offer this company? How does this job play into your career path and goals? If by the end of your job interview, you’re still feeling excited about the opportunity, you need to say it!

Interviewing etiquette

Don’t let your body language during an interview reflect a lack of self-confidence. Here are a few tips from our experts:

• Perfect your handshake - People with excellent handshakes are viewed as being more extroverted and open-minded, as well as less neurotic. Go for a firm, not too much though, handshake with a little bit of a up-and-down motion. Sweaty palms? Just take a some tissues with you. And…smile!
• Make eye contact - Don’t forget when you’re speaking to make contact with your interviewer. According to many studies, people who have strong eye contact are perceived as being more persuasive, confident and trustworthy. So, eyes up!
• Sit up straight - Good posture gives a great first impression. Be mindful and avoid slouching, or arching your back.
• Let your smile shine - No one wants to hire a ‘Debbie Downer’. A lack of smiling and engagement during the conversation can affect your chances of getting that job. Go with a positive attitude, show that you’re engaged while listening to your interviewer, and put your people skills to practice.
• Stay calm - Interviews can be stressful. We get it. Remain calm and in control by keeping your answers to difficult questions on point. Take a deep breath and pause before you answer a challenging one. Think before you react and avoid interrupting the interviewer.

What to do after the interview:

• Ask when to expect a decision and who to follow up with.
• Send a brief, personalized thank you email to everyone you met with during the interview.
• If you don’t hear back within 4-5 business days of your interview, follow up with either the person who’s been your point of contact throughout the interview process, or the hiring manager for the position.

 

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