“What do you want to be when you grow up?” is the most popular question asked by grownups. And as easy as the question comes out, the child replies with just as much ease. We all think about what we want to be when we grow up, whether you’re 6 or 50. The dreaming part is easy: it’s that dreaded interview that’s the real bitch. And if you’re anything like me, you excessively worry until it’s done and over with. Well, here are 10+ Interviewing Tips to Land your Next Job.
The Mission: To provide you with authentic, genuine 10+ Interviewing Tips to Land your Next Job.
A little background, so you know that I know what I’m talking about. I’ve been on both sides of the fence when it comes to The Interview. I’ve been under the spot light as I nervously sit in the hot seat. My pits are sweating, I’m trying to sit up straight, smile and nod at appropriate times while I simultaneously try to articulate professional responses to questions that I have no idea how I’ll answer. Even though I have practiced a mock interview the night before, the words that spew out of my mouth do not sound like me and I can’t wait for it to be over.
On the flip side, I was in a management position where I would prepare for my next interviewee to enter the door. I was full of hope that I would come across the next motivated, fun-loving, intelligent human being, only to be disappointed by a no show or someone who’s phone rang while I’m asking my well-prepared question. And I don’t know about all my fellow interviewers out there, but I have a pretty good idea if I am interested in hiring this person within the first five to ten minutes. Yes, appearances, attitude and how you conduct yourself is EVERYTHING.
However, this article is for all you Nervous Nellies out there looking for 10+ Interviewing Tips to Land your Next Job. Just remember – sometimes, the truth hurts. It is after all, the Journey Called Life.
- Who You Know – this is Number 1 for a reason because it’s the most important. This is, by far, is the only sure-fire way that you will even get an interview let alone a job. If you don’t know someone or know someone who knows someone, you can bet your ass that you can kiss that potential job goodbye.
- Luck – are you feeling lucky? Because if not – keep looking for another job because if luck isn’t on your side, neither is that paycheck.
- Opportunity – make sure that the position to which you are applying actually exists. Call me a conspirator, but I wholeheartedly believe that companies post jobs just to post jobs because they have to. Legally, ethically and morally, they have to publicly post a job. This is especially true if it’s a highly sought-after position. And if that’s the case, then please refer to Tip number 1. Because believe you me, they already have someone in mind.
- Timing – the timing better be right not only for the applicant but the hiring company as well. And if your timing and their timing do not match up then it will be a hard pass. And I’m not just talking about timing with when you can start versus when they want you to start. I’m talking about all timing – the Universe’s timing. Is it time for them to hire someone like you? Is it time for you to start this particular position? Ok – I get it, I’m getting a little too spiritual, but hey, that plays a factor too. That’s number 5…
- Everything Happens for a Reason – maybe you get the job because it will serve your life well or it will teach you valuable life lessons. Maybe they refuse you because in the end, it wouldn’t have been a good fit anyway. You’ll have no way of knowing the real, cosmic reasons for any of the outcomes of the interview. You just need to have faith that whatever happens, happens for a divine reason beyond our comprehension. And Always have a Plan B!
- Do Your Research – research the company. God forbid if the interviewer asks you a question about the company. The last thing you’ll want is to look stupid for not knowing something about them. And if it’s really something you don’t know, admit it and say that you would love to learn more. When you’re nervous and you lie, it shows – in a big, unpleasing way.
- Be Prepared – unless you are an outgoing, charismatic, super human being, you should prepare for your interview. Look up questions related to the position that you are interviewing for. If you have no one to practice mock interviews with (or are just too embarrassed) then practice with yourself. If your mind works anything like mine, it will ease your nerves… maybe only a little, but some nonetheless.
- Prepare your own Questions – at the end of most interviews it will be asked: “Do you have any questions?” This is your opportunity to show your interest. Interviewers like this – hell, I even liked it when a potential employee showed interest. Maybe you really do have questions (great!), if not, prepare them… ask about overtime policies, advancement possibilities or offered training, for example.
- Avoid Stupidity – don’t be stupid. Plain and simple. Turn your phone off, show up early, dress well, be polite and give a FIRM handshake. Avoid questions about time off, internet usage and drug tests. Yes, this all should be common sense, but you’d be surprised by the stupidity of people (or maybe you won’t)…
- Remember, You are Interviewing Them Too – trust your gut. If you’re getting a bad vibe from the company or the interviewer, this is a sign and you should heed that intuition. I’ve been in this situation too. (Quick story…) I was interviewing at a company and I will admit I gave a pretty well interview. However, after each of my responses I could tell that the manager wasn’t listening. She just seemed aloof and inattentive. I almost walked out I was so angry. The interview experience also told me that if I ended up working there, any concern would be overlooked or ignored. Forty-five minutes after my interview, I received a call back for a second – I told them it wasn’t a good fit. I had no doubt that I made the best decision for myself!
- Give Them Something They Can’t Get From Someone Else – you’ll have to do your own work on this one. Think about yourself and what you could bring to that company’s table. You need to stand out. What is something that you could you offer them that they simple can NOT get from someone else? And being a detail-oriented person doesn’t count. Think of concrete, factual history about your past employment that will impress them and would benefit them. This is especially the case if you don’t Know Someone (Tip 1) because, again, they already have someone in mind.
- Lastly, Know Someone – yes, I’m starting with it and I’m ending with it because it is THAT important. I know many of you will cringe when I say you need to “Network”, but you really need to. And I’m not a fan of LinkedIn… I’d scope out Facebook before I attempt LinkedIn again (but that’s just my own personal opinion). I’m talking about talking to your friends, neighbors, aunts, uncles, cousins – just talk to people. Everyone knows someone and it’s that Someone that could land you your dream career… or even just a job that pays your Amazon addiction.
The Moral: Nothing in Life goes according to plan – not even a “simple” job interview. However, trust that these 10+ Interviewing Tips to Land your Next Job will get you closer to restoring your faith in your personal Journey Called Life.
~ Happy Interviewing ~
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Well said and thought out…