4 Insider Tips That Help You Stand Out During An Interview
GENERAL PREPARATION
Review the job description: Are you comfortable with all of the responsibilities and competencies? Are you missing qualifications or have transferrable skills?
Prepare for the interview: Understand the technological expectations, interview process, or special instructions. Arrange for childcare or transportation as needed. Plan to be ready for the meeting 20 minutes before it begins.
PERSONAL PREPARATION
Practice Your Message
• Elevator Pitch: What specific competencies do you have that translate directly to the role?
• Your Why: Why do you want to work for that company (besides pay) and what makes you a good fit?
• Mock Interview: Do a mock interview with a friend, peer, or Career Coach.
PRO TECHNIQUES
Tell Me About Yourself: This formula combines your expertise, what you’re most proud of professionally, and your industry experience into a memorable response.
Action/Result: Describe the actions you took to overcome a challenging situation and the outcomes you achieved.
Task Compare: Describe tasks you have been responsible for and how they are similar to the tasks of the new role. Compare how you will solve problems and generate results.
DO’S AND
DON’TS
DO
Make A Good First Impression: Be early, dressed professionally, and with copies of your resume.
Test Your Tech: If you’re going virtual, have a strong internet and a neutral background in a quiet space. Check your connection, speaker, and microphone for proper function.
Ask Questions: Remember, you are also interviewing the company to ensure it’s the right fit for you. Ask questions about the work culture, company policies, and opportunities for growth.
DON’T
Be Dishonest: Be upfront about your background and skills. Demonstrate your willingness to learn and grow.
Dwell Or Bad Mouth: If necessary, acknowledge past mistakes and the steps you took to address them. But, don’t dwell on past mistakes or bad-mouth past employers or coworkers.
E&ES IS HERE FOR YOU
Your Career Coach can help you find the right career through personalized guidance and resources. You can get hands-on paid training, direct job placement, transportation assistance, and more.
