One of the most exciting, nerve-wrecking and inevitable initiations into career building is The Interview. Oh the dreaded interview! Some of us are naturally good at marketing ourselves. While others need breathing techniques, power poses, and pep talks just to get by. Throughout my experience, I’ve noticed six tried and true tips for a job interviews that will help lead you to an offer!
1. Hit Them With Some Knowledge
When you receive an interview request, research should be the first item on your prep list! Find out who makes up the company’s executive team, who its clients are, about the company's origins and its most notable projects.
Very rarely will an interviewer ask you for facts about the company point blank. The question may be framed more broadly. During an interview with L'Oreal I was asked, "How did you prepare for this interview?" While this was not a quiz, it was an opportunity for me to showcase some of the information I picked up from my research. You can even pose your research in the form of a question.
For example: "I understand you recently moved your headquarters from Paris to New York in 2015. How has this transition affected the company culture?
2. Dress to Impress (for your industry)
While the national standard for interview attire may be a suit and tie, or pencil skirt and blouse, this does not necessarily impress across the board. For instance, the aforementioned interview outfits would be appropriate for an interview with law firm. In the fashion and lifestyle industries, these interview outfits may come off as stuffy and inconsistent with the company culture. Be conscious of which interview outfits will suit your desired field.
(I’m a huge fan of the jumper/blazer combo for PR!)
3. Stay Positive at All Times
You may get halfway through an interview and realize that this opportunity is not the right fit for you. Do NOT let this show in expressions of disinterest, disapproval, discomfort or any ‘dis’ you can think of. Stay engaged! This the most important tip for a job interview of all. Even if you walk away disheartened, it was just an interview and you can always decline with grace if you get an offer. You also never know who knows who in an industry. So you want to leave a good impression with everyone you meet.
4. Be a Mirror Image
Behavioral psychology tells us that mirroring someone’s movements and expressions can make them like, trust, and feel more comfortable with us. This is called limbic synchrony. In all honesty, getting an interview usually means you’re qualified for the position; the hiring manager just wants to see if they like you. Limbic synchrony can be accomplished through body language, as well as expression. If the interviewer talks about the importance of team collaboration, mirror this sentiment with an expression that says you agree and are looking for this type of work experience.
5. Say Thank You
Many people forget this CRUCIAL step, but it is one of the most important tips for a job interview. The interview is over and all you can think about is how you totally slayed or totally messed up. Regardless of how it went, you must remember to thank your interviewer. According to Business News Daily, “sending a well-crafted email within 24 hours of a successful job interview could be the tipping point that catapults you to the top – or bottom – of the finalist pool.” In my experience, thank you emails have gotten responses with updates, 2nd interview requests, or even an offer.
Pro tip: If you want stand out in an interview, send a handwritten thank you card.
6. It Gets Easier
I used to get a lot of anxiety before an interview. I would study my resume, memorizing my experiences like a set of facts before a test… and they’re my own experiences! Don’t let the fear of rejection (or the desire for acceptance) make you forget that you know yourself and your skills better than anyone else in the room. As you continue to interview, it gets easier to talk about your experiences and the important highlights. Sometimes to the point where the interview resembles a pleasant conversation. Just remember to always remain professional and keep these interview tips in your arsenal!
