Interview Tips to Get The Job

Just because the job market is the strongest in decades doesn’t mean that interviewing is getting easier these days. Many of the job seekers who reach out to me for interview coaching have a common problem. They get called in for plenty of interviews, some can go far in the process and some cannot progress beyond the initial phone screen. But the outcome is the same: No job offers. This can be an extremely frustrating situation to be in. In this article, I will share some interview tips that can help you change the pattern and get a job offer:

1. Do a lot of research on the company before you interview with them. Go to their website and read everything, especially products and services, customers, competitors and achievements that are directly related to the job you are applying for. Incorporate this information into your responses during the interview to show your energy and enthusiasm for the career field and the company.

2. Make the interview a two-way conversation, not a question-answer session. An interview isn’t just for the employer to find out if you are a good fit for the job, but also for you to find out if you like the company and really want to work there. Ask intelligent questions that show your strong interest in the job.

3. One of the most important questions the employer will ask is “Tell me about yourself”. How you answer that question determines your fate during the rest of the interview. Don’t tell your entire life story. The part of your work experience, knowledge and skills most relevant to the job is important to the employer. Use your first and best chance to state your unique selling points and set the stage for further discussion.

4. Review the job posting carefully, make a list of the responsibilities and requirements, and match them to your experience, knowledge and skills. Use examples with tangible results to highlight your qualifications. Strong answers are those that are to the point and concise. Limit your answers to 20 seconds up to 2 minutes.

5. Always follow up with a thank-you note stating your interest in the job. Send your thank-you email within 24 hours of the interview.

Succeeding in job interviews takes effort and practice. The more effort you put into your preparation following these interview tips, the more success you will have in getting job offers.