KForce

To successfully land a new job, you need to master the interview. This important step in the application process can make or break the decision to hire you. Therefore, this is your opportunity to demonstrate why you are the best person for the job.

In one word, the secret to nailing an interview is pretty simple: prepare.

Putting in the time will boost your confidence during the interview, allowing you to shine as an expert throughout the interview process. Check out these awesome ways you can prepare below.

Learn everything you can about the company

And we don’t mean just the night before. Dedicate plenty of time to utilize multiple sources to get an understanding of who the company is and what major initiatives, technology and products are on their plate.

Here’s how:

• Thoroughly review the company’s website, paying attention to service offerings, products, their mission and other general information.
• Scroll through their social media activity to get a sense of what they’re sharing and what’s important to them. Are they excited about a new product release, a stellar quarter or a new member of the executive team? Did they recently win an award?
• If the company is public, listen to their latest earnings call or review their SEC filings to understand their financial position as well as the goals and commitments they’re communicating to Wall Street.
• Identify their top three competitors and understand their similarities and differences.
• Prepare 3 to 5 questions based on your research to ask the interviewer. For example, if you noticed the company just received an award, you could ask the interviewer what the award means to him or her. This shows that you’ve done your homework, and more importantly, that you are genuinely interested in the company and this opportunity.

Research your interviewers

It’s important to research your interviewer prior to the big day. The name of your interviewer will likely be shared with you in advance. If not, ask your recruiter who you’ll be speaking with.

LinkedIn profiles are a great place to conduct online research to arm you with information to build rapport and plan questions for your interviewer. When reviewing your interviewers’ profiles, think about the following:

• How long have they been at the company?
• Do you have common interests?
• Have they worked their way up to management?
• Do you have shared connections?
• Do they describe key projects and initiatives?
• Do they mention volunteer experiences?

How to prepare for a behavioral interview

Congratulations on landing an interview! You’ve had to update your resume, search for jobs and apply, among other tasks. The job search can be tough to navigate—and your journey isn’t finished yet.

Now it’s time to ace your behavioral interview.

Before you reach the final stage of the interview process, the interviewer needs to establish your core competencies through a series of behavioral questions that assess your skills. This is the moment that will set you apart from other candidates based on your ability to communicate scenarios from your past performances.

Now, this isn’t an opportunity to break out your humblebragging skills. The answers to behavioral interviews should be a balance between confidentially explaining how you masterfully handled a situation without coming across arrogant.

We know how intimidating it can be to think on the fly during a behavioral interview. Take the time to strategically plan your responses using quantifiable examples that reflect your accomplishments, applicable skills and any obstacles you’ve had to overcome to achieve success in your role.

During your behavioral interview, utilize the STAR Method (situation, task, action and result) to set your strategy in motion. This interview technique is designed to help you organize your thoughts and answers concisely, so you stand out from the competition.

By using this method, it allows the interviewer to easily digest your experience and determine how fit you are for the role at hand. Be sure to put this method into use by bulleting out a list of sample responses prior to the interview. This doesn’t mean you have to memorize your answers, as it can sound robotic and overly rehearsed. Instead, break the explanation down at a high level to reference if necessary.

To learn about top behavioral questions to help you nail this step in your job search journey, click here.

Create your elevator pitch

Quick—in 60 seconds or less, describe why you are the perfect person for the job!

Did you do it? If you fumbled through this exercise, you are not alone. Promoting your accomplishments and why you’re the perfect candidate can be awkward and intimidating.

Picture this. You happen to be in the same elevator as a hiring manager you’ve been desperately trying to get in front of. What would you tell the hiring manager in the time it takes to get from the lobby to the 10^th floor? How will you make the best use of this time?

That example demonstrates how the “elevator pitch” got its name. An elevator pitch a concise way to sell yourself and highlight your most compelling attributes, accomplishments and unique strengths—in the time it takes to ride an elevator.

Create an elevator pitch that will be ready for whenever and wherever you need it. Here are some tips:

• Draft a pitch with no more than 5-6 sentences to ensure it’s less than a minute.
• Include who you are, what you do and the credentials that qualify you for the job.
• Tailor your elevator pitch to the job you are interviewing for.
• Express your interest and desire for the role. The four words “I want this job” go a long way when selling yourself for a position.

Audit your digital footprint

Just as you’re researching the people who will be interviewing you, count on them to research you too.

During your job search, your personal brand is in the spotlight. Earlier in this guide, we covered how to optimize your personal brand online. In this digital age, an abundance of information is readily accessible to potential employers at a push of a button. The first impression no longer occurs in the interview room; interviewers form an opinion of you after reviewing your social media activity before you even step foot into the office.

We recommend doing an audit of your professional brand before starting your job search. Here are some tips for auditing your personal brand:

• Delete any questionable photos that may portray you in an undesirable light. Don’t forget about the photos you are tagged in too.
• Avoid highly controversial “soapbox posts,” such as political opinions.
• Google search yourself to ensure there are no surprises that may come up.
• Review your social media privacy settings and be aware of what the public sees.
• Update your content online to accurately reflect current information about you. This is a good time to update your LinkedIn profile, online resume, email address and other contact information.
• Ensure that your email address is professional. You may want to create a new email address (preferably one that includes your full name) to use during your job search.

Remember the importance of first impressions

You’ve undoubtedly heard the phrase “It’s all in the details.” This is especially true when it comes to first impressions during your interview.

Here are some timeless tips to ensure you’re putting your best foot forward:

• Don’t wait until the last minute to pick out what you’re going to wear. Plan your outfit the day before and pack a back-up in case of an emergency.
• Arrive early to avoid any unforeseen event that would make you late. Arriving even just one or two minutes late does not give a good first impression. In addition, if you are anxious because you arrived late, you won’t be at your best during the interview.
• Don’t speak negatively of previous managers or employers. If you are asked about your current manager and have a less than perfect relationship with him or her, be prepared to put a positive spin on anything negative that has occurred.
• Compliment the interviewer and/or the company about something you discovered in your research to show that you’ve done your homework before the interview.

Exude confidence

Preparation leads to confidence, and confidence helps get you hired! When you are feeling confident, you will naturally come across as a subject matter expert.

Check out these simple ways to show your confidence:

• Remember, there is a big difference between confidence and cockiness.
• Don’t ramble. Instead, talk at a reasonable pace and focus on answering each question with one concise thought at a time.
• Nail your elevator pitch with the best response when probed and find an opportunity for it when not explicitly asked.
• Pay attention to your body language. Be engaged, sit up straight and genuinely enjoy the process.
• Lastly, start and end your interview with a firm handshake and a smile.

How to prepare for your video interview

Video interviews are now commonplace in the job search process. Job seekers should be prepared for them if the opportunity arises. When participating in either format, still consider the above and below tips:

• Use a quiet place to avoid interruptions and background noises.
• Gather proper lighting for optimal visuals during your video call.
• Silence any electronics that may cause disruption.
• Keep your resume, notepad and pen close.
• If using a webcam, test your computer’s audio and camera prior to the call.
• Use a headset or earbuds to avoid echoes.
• Ensure your internet connection is strong and stable.

Find Work

What’s new about video interviews?

Technology continues to redefine the job search, including video interviews. In recent years, the workplace has focused on flexibility to accommodate the modern worker. At the same time, technology has made huge advancements that have transformed the way we work. Artificial intelligence, internet of things, virtual reality and smart devices are revolutionizing the way business is done, including the job search.

Digital disruption has undeniably allowed the gig economy to flourish. As remote work grows in popularity, so has remote video job interviews. Employers don’t want to miss the opportunity to interview as many talented candidates as possible. As a result, new developments within video interviews have taken the job search by storm.

Skill assessments and simulations

Video interview platforms continue to emerge in the recruitment space. Employers currently have the ability to implement comprehensive video interviewing, which includes assessments and simulations that take the guesswork out of hiring talent.

Some recent developments in the video assessment and simulation space include live coding tests, where interviewers watch candidates develop and test code in shared, online environments. Live scenarios where prospective employees perform day-to-day challenges are also growing in popularity for sales and customers service roles.

Video technology is likewise allowing companies to record candidate interviews, screen applicants and blindly grade responses according to custom criteria before recruiters see them. Companies are now empowered to make quick, informed decisions on the best applicants for the job at hand.

Robo recruiters are coming

As organizations continue to eliminate human bias from the hiring process during candidate screenings, some businesses are implementing technology to screen calls using robo-video interviews with voice recognition and video recording.

Candidates now can record videos using a computer or smart device and are prompted to answer questions just like a real interview. This AI-led approach to recruiting has enabled technology to assess a candidate’s behavior and whether they’re a cultural fit for firms. Today, businesses are saving more than 20 hours of work with recruitment bots interviewing candidates.

Advice for job seekers

Working with technology requires finesse, and the same applies to modern video interviews. Check out these tips below to ensure you’re ready for your next video interview.

• Stay charged and connected: There’s much on the line during interviews. Employers use this time to weed out candidates, so it’s always in your best interest to avoid any possible electronic issues. Make sure your laptop or smart device is fully charged when you’re scheduled for a video interview. Prepare for worst case scenarios, including internet failure. In the event of this, try to have a backup device that has additional internet access, whether a smartphone or network card.

• Use timeless interview tips: You still have to make a positive first impression even when completing an interview from the comfort of your home. Treat all video interviews as you would a regular interview. Dress professionally, maintain eye contact and be articulate in your answers. Moreover, preparation is key to nailing an interview, especially when technology may be screening you out of the running for a job. Practice answering common interview questions and prepare for live assessments that may be indicative of your line of work. The work you put into preparation will always show when it’s go-time for an interview.

Don’t forget the thank-you note

You’ve nailed the job interview! But your work in leaving a positive, lasting impression isn’t done yet. Immediately after your interview, send a thank-you note to the interviewer. In the message, thank the person or party and express your excitement to learn more about the opportunity.

Now that your interview is over, take a deep breath. Continue your job search as you wait for the golden ticket—the job offer.

Suggested Reading:

50+ Interview Tips that Work: Best Advice for a Successful Job Interview
Must-Know Job Interview Tips for 2018 and Beyond
10 Awesome Interview Tips from Actual Hiring Managers