In today’s competitive job market, just landing an interview is an accomplishment. How you present your story and how well you communicate your experiences, however, is what will differentiate you from other equally qualified candidates. We’ve put together some of our most valuable tips in our Guide to Getting Hired to help you take the right steps before, during, and after a job interview to maximize your chance of landing the job.
Here are some of our favorite tips from our Guide to Getting Hired that will help you prepare for your in-person or virtual interview:
Get comfortable in your interviewing environment
For in person this means arriving early. We recommend you get there at least 15 minutes early. For a virtual interview take some time to familiarize yourself with the app you will be using for the interview. Download the app in advance, check your camera and microphone settings, and practice with a friend.
Make sure your background isn’t too flashy or distracting because you want the interviewer to focus on you. Use a simple, clean, virtual background if necessary and remember to always be prepared to mute if your space gets noisy.
Be enthusiastic about the position and the company
Show your interviewer that you want the job. Before your interview list one major reason why you want to work for the company, aside from the actual position itself. This job fits within a very specific organization, with its own identity and culture. Hiring managers want to recruit people who aren’t just “capable” of doing the job, but who really want to work for the organization. Do enough research about the company to be able to answer the question, “Why do you want to work here?”
Dress to impress
Whether you are sitting down for a virtual interview, or an in-person interview, it is a proven statistic that if you look better, you will feel better. You want to show your interviewers your best self. Take a deep breath. You got the interview! There is a reason why they brought you in and chances are they are already interested in your experience and they just want to hear more about you. Carry yourself confidently.
Quantify your experience
Stress specific facts, figures and measurable accomplishments. We recommend that you print out the job description of the position you are interviewing for. Next to each of the responsibilities, jot down specific examples of how you’ve performed each task. You won’t necessarily have to recite each one, but you never know which expectations of the role (and your experience) are going to be discussed. Reminder: Look up from your notes! Some people think they can get away with reading their experience, especially in virtual interviews.
Defer to Atrium for salary or benefit discussions
Remain open. Let your recruiter handle these sensitive negotiations. Remember, your Recruiter is here for you as a resource for further insight into the company culture, who you’re meeting with, and what to wear. We’ll gladly answer any last minute questions you may have.
Being prepared is the key to putting your best foot forward for in-person and virtual interviews. Download our complete Guide to Getting Hired for more suggestions on how to grow your skills and confidence to clearly communicate your story and experiences. We know our Guide to Getting Hired will help you land the perfect job in today’s competitive job market.
