If you want to get a job, it's no longer enough to just send in a resume and hope for the best. Today's competitive job market means that candidates really have to stand out if they want to be hired, even for temporary positions. Even if your credentials are good enough to help you land an interview, that does not mean that you can sit back and relax yet. You need to ace the interview and make a really good impression, so you should consider some job interview tips to help you be hired.
Do Some Background Sleuthing
Whether you are applying for a job, dating, or meeting new friends, everyone wants to know that you find them interesting. The best way to convey this to a potential employer is by doing a little bit of advanced research about the company. Finding out about the company, including what they do, their recent successes and new product launches or developments, will give you a leg up over the competition... whom will show up at the interview with no information about the company. Companies want to know why you want to work specifically for them, not just that you need a job in general.
Think about Your Story
In an image-focused society, you need to have a personal brand now more than ever. One of the best job interview tips is to prepare in advance for how you will answer the common interview question, "Tell me about yourself." Most people just tell basic information about themselves, like why they chose a major in college that's relevant to the position or how long they have worked in the industry. Because most people being interviewed for a position could probably say something similar, this is where you can stand out. Craft your story about what is interesting about you. Leave out details about your personal life, but saying something memorable about your passion or one or two unique personality traits could just make the difference that would get you hired.
Put a Positive Spin on Weaknesses
Nearly every interviewer will ask for your assessment of what your weaknesses are. Avoid the common temptations to pretend you have no weaknesses or to go into too much detail about your flaws. Find a way to put a positive spin on even your weaknesses or to highlight the constructive actions you have taken to try to fix the issue. For example, if your weakness is that you tend to be disorganized, you could explain that and also mention that you have taken steps to become more organized, such as by relying more heavily on your online calendar and creating a filing system that helps you access important documents quickly. One of your job interview tips to help you be hired should be to prepare to show that you are continually working on self-improvement.
Be Upbeat and Cheerful
Your job interview is the first impression you can make on a potential employer about what it would be like to have you working in their environment. You want to come across as someone who would be pleasant and competent to have around. Resist the temptation to say anything negative about your past employers or bosses. Showing that you would be enjoyable to have in the office just might tip the balance in favor of being hired.
