I think we can all agree that job interviews can be pretty daunting. Right? But they don’t need to be something that you’re afraid of. With the right preparation, you can walk into that job interview and ACE it. How? Well, we’ve put our heads together, tapped into our collective experience and collated six tips that will help you put your best foot forward from the minute you walk through the door (or pop up on screen).
Tip 1 | Do your Homework
Do some research on the company and the role you are interviewing for. Check out their website and social media, and make sure you know the ins-and-outs of the brand:
1 | The company’s history
2 | Their core values
3 | Their vision for the future
4 | Their organogram and where you’d fit in
When you understand their mission and long-term goals, you can position yourself as a valuable asset.
It’s kind of like the Facebook or Instagram stalking that you do, to be prepared for a first date 😉
Tip 2 | Identify your Sustainable Competitive Advantage (SCA) or Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Once you’ve researched the position you’re applying for, make note of the skills and experience you have that align with the position’s roles and responsibilities.
1 | What resonates with you most about the role?
2 | Why will you be the best person to fill this position? (Own it, but be authentic and confident rather than veering towards arrogance!)
3 | What value do you bring that makes you stand out from other potential applicants?
Not sure where to start on this? Not to worry! As part of our curated Lift Off package, you’ll get a worksheet to help you identify these skills and real-life scenarios to gain a better understanding of your USP. For more information on our Lift Off with DAPPER package – head on over to our website.
Tip 3 | Spruce up your Linkedin
According to a recent 2020 survey, The Harris Poll, 71% of hiring decision-makers agreed that social media platforms are effective for screening job applicants. Most of the hiring decision-makers who partook in this poll agreed that they viewed an applicant’s LinkedIn to view their work experience and accomplishments.
So, let’s get that LinkedIn profile looking professional with a few first steps:
1 | Upload a current professional photo as your profile picture
2 | Update your headline with a summary about you. You might want to include keywords, or spotlight your experience
3 | Make sure your contact information is up to date
4 | Make your summary simple and personal
For more on this, check out this blog post with tips to perfect your CV. Once you’ve created a digital presence (or worked with us to get it up to scratch in no time) and feel that it aligns with your personal brand, it’s time to ace that job interview!
Tip 4 | Be Professional and Personable
I know this sounds like a bit of a contradiction but it’s actually all about finding a balance. This may feel like a juggling act, but just stick to the golden rule – be your authentic self, with an appropriate amount of professionalism. Here are some pointers:
1 | Be polite, engaging and interested in all of your encounters
2 | Start the interview with some small talk, this is a great way to build rapport
3 | Skip the cliches, and maybe find a common interest, or comment on something company-related like: ‘Everyone seems so friendly here; it’s great that you have a good ethos’.
4 | Keep it brief – the interviewer is likely to be short of time
5 | Avoid filler words like “um” and “like”
6 | Dress the part. As author Austin Kleon says, “You have to dress for the job you want, not the job you have.”
Tip 5 | Ask Questions!
At the end of your interview, don’t forget to ask questions to show your interest and passion. Consider questions like:
1 | What are the biggest challenges of this position?
2 | What skills would your ideal candidate have?
3 | Where do you think the company is headed in the next five years?
4 | How is success measured for this role?
Tip 6 | Don’t Forget to Follow up
Remember that the interviewing process isn’t over when the interview ends. Send a brief thank-you email to show your appreciation and comment on something that stood out for you, or made you excited about the opportunity.
If you want to work on curating your personal brand, so that you can get a head start and stand out from the crowd – head over to our Lift Off with DAPPER website page for everything you need to know. Let’s get in touch and create your future, today.