5 Best Interview Tips That'll Change Your Job-Hunting Game
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After graduating from college, I immediately spent two months of applying, practicing, and interviewing for all sorts of journalism/communications jobs. Though it felt like forever, I received a job offer and accepted my position as a reporter back in March. It was one of those moments where not only was the offer expected but also a sigh of relief.
There was one point when I almost wanted to give up on job-hunting to be a reporter and go straight into graduate school, but I knew I couldn’t give up on my dreams.
Here’s what I learned throughout the job hunting journey. Let’s jump right in!
• Tip 1: Come Prepared.
This is a no-brainer but you would have to do your research on what the employer is and what is their goal. Companies want to see what YOU can bring to the table and how can you help them solve an issue. While you may be applying for an entry-level job, you still have to have some learning experiences in how you can apply those skills you learned.
This is where critical thinking skills come into play. You want to be able to tell employers about how can you contribute to their company, how did you achieve your goals, hard/soft skills, and problem-solving scenarios.
My suggestion: Write some notes down about the company, practice answering with a friend or yourself in the mirror, and also list the achievements you’ve done, making sure you think about not “Why,” but “How.”
• Tip 2: Play the Game.
Oftentimes, job interviews want you to be honest, but practicing your communication skills is a must. Being able to articulate your answers in an elegant but conversational manner will build chemistry with your interviewer. You do not want to be too blunt in what you say. For example, do not bring up past conflicts or be uncertain about any questions. In addition, having a pretentious or even an insecure attitude is not going to get you the job you want.
Realistically, there are some interviewers that may or may not have natural chemistry with you and that’s perfectly okay! People bond differently than others and if it wasn’t the right chemistry–despite trying your best–then it may not be the right match.
• Tip 3: There Is No Need to Overanalyze.
Employers are mostly straightforward with what they’re asking and how they’re carrying themselves in front of you. At the end of the day, the interviewer doesn’t know you personally and you don’t know them either. If the interviewer is looking at you a certain way or said something that must’ve sounded positive or negative, DO NOT TAKE IT PERSONALLY. There’s no need for you to research how the interviewer was acting, nor overthink how the interview went.
Just know you’ve tried your best, they got to know who you are, AND you’re able to learn from any mistakes.
• Tip 4: Always Be Grateful, and Graceful.
This is the toughest advice that was given to me, but also it’s even harder for me to follow. Whether it was a good or bad job interview, always be grateful you got the interview. Take that time to be patient with yourself and don’t be hard on yourself if plans aren’t what you expect. Giving yourself grace is also a number one priority during this time while you’re job-hunting.
It is stressful, frustrating, and nerve-wracking to practically talk to a number of people, but just remember to always learn from your mistakes and give yourself that credit.
• Tip 5: Be Confident!
Believe it or not, I got my job because I learned from the confidence and charm of Miss Universe contestants. I’m not saying take the exact answers from Miss Universe pageant questions and apply them to your job interviews but learn the confidence. If these beautiful women can stand in 7-inch stilettos–while wearing a bikini–but also answer one of the toughest questions in front of millions of people, then YOU can answer these job interviews effortlessly in front of one person or a few people.
Of course, having confidence for some may take time, but you just have to do it. You don’t get anywhere in life if you are not confident in yourself and the work you have done in the past!
There’s so much to job-hunting and career planning, but that’s why I created this blog in the first place. It’s hard to navigate your life after school, but it’s harder to present yourself in a job interview. I admit I was afraid of reaching out for help because not many people were in the field I am in. Turns out, that all job interviews follow the same concept. If you follow these suggestions, then I guarantee you’ll see a huge difference in how you answer in your interviews.
Good Luck with Job Hunting,
