Preparing For An Interview: Step-By-Step Guide

Preparing For An Interview: Step-By-Step Guide

So, you received a call back for an in-person interview. Now what? The week leading up to the in-person interview probably deserves more effort and preparation than any other portion of the job search process. Here’s a step-by-step guide on preparing for an interview.

The Day You Are Offered The Interview

These are some things you should do immediately after getting an interview:

Respond promptly – Waiting to respond may send a message that you’re not interested (bad!) or have poor follow-up (also bad!). Respond promptly, thank the employer for the opportunity, and express your excitement without being over the top.

Ask about logistics – Aside from nailing down the location, it’s generally acceptable to ask about the company’s dress code and the names of those you’ll be interviewing with. Avoid asking questions that you (or Google) can answer yourself (e.g. directions).

Clear your schedule – If you’re currently employed or have other commitments, make sure the appropriate people know you will not be available on the day of your interview.

The Week Before The Interview

Man at computer prepares for a job interview

Your interview is a week away! Get prepared by doing the following:

Research the company – Even if you did this before applying for the job (which you should have!), it’s time to revisit the company website, its blog and social media accounts, and recent news articles.

Research the hiring managers – If you know who the interviewers are, do a little research. Look for them on the company’s team page and on online networks like LinkedIn. Try to get a feel for who the interviewers are and for the type of person the company employs.

Decide what to wear to the interview – Don’t wait until the night before. Try on your interview outfit, ask others for their opinion, and make sure you don’t need a trip to the dry cleaner or cobbler.

The Day Before The Interview

Woman looks at laptop while preparing for a job interview

In order to be completely prepared for your interview, make sure to do these things the day before:

Review the job posting – It will be far easier to tailor your interview answers if the job description is fresh in your mind.

Practice answering common interview questions – There are certain questions you can expect to be asked during a job interview. Look up the generic ones as well as ones specific to your industry, then rehearse them with a friend, family member, or patient pet.

Prepare questions for the employer – At the end of an interview, you will be given the opportunity to ask questions. It’s an important part of the interview and the questions you ask could make or break your chances of landing the job offer, so put some serious thought into them.

Map the directions – One of the last things you want to do is be late for your interview. Find how long it should take you to get there, then give yourself plenty of extra time in case you get lost, stuck in traffic, or detoured.

Gather your day-of materials – Even if the hiring manager doesn’t ask, it’s common practice to bring enough copies of your resume for yourself and for each of the interviewers. You should also bring a pen and paper to take notes, as well as anything else specifically requested by the employer. Other things to consider include mints, grooming materials, money for parking, and a backup interview outfit (just in case you spill your Starbucks all over your lap).

Do the obvious things – Go to bed at a reasonable hour and set at least one alarm.

Think positively – Visualizing a positive outcome has a surprising impact on real-life performance. Think about past successes and envision, in detail, a stellar interview in your mind.

What steps do you take when preparing for an interview?

If you need more help preparing for your next job interview, we’re here for you!

We’d love it if you joined our FREE community. It’s a private, online platform where workers, just like you, are coming together to learn and grow into powerful Workplace Renegades. More importantly, we have tons of resources inside our community that can help you prepare for your next job interview.

It’s time to find work that makes you feel happy, satisfied, and fulfilled. Join our FREE community today to finally become an empowered business-of-one!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Interview Tips: Master Your Nonverbal Communication

Interview Tips: Master Your Nonverbal Communication

If you are going to an interview, there are many things you will want to consider. Many people think that knowing how to accurately answer the questions is the only thing that needs to be practiced. In reality, you also need to master your nonverbal communication to demonstrate your best attributes to the interviewer.

There are a few things you will need to think about. Your nonverbal communication is one of the most important aspects of an interview. This includes factors such as your gestures, body language, facial expressions, and more. These communication signals are important because they send a multitude of messages to the interviewer. Many times, nonverbal communication is subconscious, but it is still something that people will notice. Just as you will control what you verbally say, you will want to control what you communicate nonverbally, too.

It is a good idea to have your verbal match your nonverbal communication. This means if you say you are confident that you can give the business what it needs because you have years of experience, you do not want to come off as timid, shy, and unsure of yourself. Instead, you want to exude confidence.

Here are a few interview tips for nonverbal communication in an interview:

Get Plenty Of Practice

One of the best things you can do is to practice your interview ahead of time. You can do this by yourself, though you will want to have a mirror or video recording so you can evaluate your communication signals, or with a friend via a mock interview. When practicing for a job interview, you should think about the things you appear to be saying nonverbally and think about how you can change them to give the impression you are looking for.

Be Mindful During Your Interview

Man smiles during a job interview

You should be aware of how you are communicating during the interview, but be sure not to overthink and become distracted from the interview questions. For example, if you want to demonstrate your confidence, then you need to think about having excellent posture, keeping eye contact with your interviewer, and making sure to keep a calm demeanor.

Be Aware Of Your Hands

Man listens to a question during a job interview

A big issue many people face when they are in an interview is that they do not know what to do with their hands. Individuals should avoid fidgeting and touching their hair and face because the interviewer can read these communication signals negatively. These nervous movements and fidgets may be a sign of anything from uncertainty in your qualifications to lying about something.

It is also important to give the interviewer an open body position without crossing your arms, which shows that you are comfortable and open to discussion. By crossing your arms, you are sending the message that you are closed off, which makes an interviewer think you may have something to hide or feel negatively about the interview. You can keep your arms at your side or on your lap. Using your hands when you explain something is fine as well, and it is seen as a very open gesture to show your palms to the other individual while explaining.

Pay Attention To The Interviewer’s Nonverbal Communication

Man shakes the hiring manager's hand before a job interview

While thinking about the right thing to say both verbally and nonverbally, you need to think about the message you are getting from the interviewer. For instance, if you see them lean back or look uncomfortable, you may be in their personal space. If the interviewer seems impatient or uncomfortable, you may want to try to explain yourself better or offer shorter and more concise answers.

There are many different aspects to think about with nonverbal communication and what it means in the business world. If you are finding that you are not having the success you want with an interview, you may find it helpful to take a class on nonverbal communication so you can achieve the results you are looking for.

Or you could join our FREE community. It’s a private, online platform where workers, just like you, are coming together to learn and grow into powerful Workplace Renegades. More importantly, we have tons of resources inside our community that can help you prepare for your next job interview.

It’s time to find work that makes you feel happy, satisfied, and fulfilled. Join our FREE community today to finally become an empowered business-of-one!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

#1 Thing You MUST Say In Your Cover Letter

#1 Thing You MUST Say In Your Cover Letter

Is there one thing you can say in a cover letter that will guarantee it accomplishes its purpose? Absolutely!

A cover letter serves as an introduction to your resume and to yourself as a candidate for employment. It’s the place to show your interest in the position, and make a personal connection between who you are and why you’re a great fit for the opportunity.

Showing your interest and passion for the company is important in the cover letter. However, saying this ONE thing is almost an ultimate guarantee you’ll get the interview.

Ask For It

Woman writes a cover letter that asks for the job interview

You know that old saying, “Ask and you shall receive”? It’s true. It may sound like common sense and obvious advice, but how many times have you sent a cover letter with your resume and not asked for the interview? It’s easy to do!

In the closing paragraph of your cover letter, all you need to do is ask the employer for the interview. Statistics have indicated job seekers who ASK for the interview in their cover letters are twice as likely to GET the interview.

Below, we give you several examples that you can modify and use in your own cover letter.

How To Ask For A Job Interview In Your Cover Letter

Job seeker writes a cover letter

Ending #1

I’m excited about the Director of Sales position with XYZ Widgets and would love the opportunity to meet in person to further discuss my experience and the value I can offer you as your next Director of Sales. Please call me at 555.555.5555 to schedule an interview at your earliest convenience.

Ending #2

I would love a personal interview at your earliest convenience to further discuss my credentials with you. I can be reached at 555.555.5555 and will follow up as well to make sure you’ve received my information.

Ending #3

Thank you for your time reviewing my resume. I welcome the opportunity to discuss in a personal interview my qualifications and fit for the position. Feel free to reach me at 555.555.5555 at your earliest convenience.

Ending #4

Thank you for your time and consideration. I’d love the opportunity to further discuss the position and my experience with you. Please reach out to me at 555.555.5555 to schedule an interview.

Remember: you can ask for the interview with any wording you’re comfortable with, whether that’s with more direct language or not. The key thing is to close your cover letter by asking for the interview.

A cover letter is your chance to connect with an employer and explain your passion for what they do and how you believe you can help them achieve their goals as a company. If you do all that and ask for the job interview at the end of your cover letter, you’ll be much more likely to get a call from the hiring manager.

We know how difficult it can be to write a cover letter, especially when there’s so much conflicting advice out there. If you need more help writing cover letters in your job search, we’re here for you.

We’d love it if you joined our FREE community. It’s a private, online platform where workers, just like you, are coming together to learn and grow into powerful Workplace Renegades. More importantly, we have tons of resources inside our community that can help you write a cover letter—the right way.

It’s time to find work that makes you feel happy, satisfied, and fulfilled. Join our FREE community today to finally become an empowered business-of-one!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Interview Cheat Sheet: 8 Tips For A Flawless Interview

Interview Cheat Sheet: 8 Tips For A Flawless Interview

Got an interview coming up soon? We know you have a busy life, and sometimes there’s just not enough time in the day to scan through articles to get the information you need. That’s why we created the Interview Cheat Sheet! We pulled the best tips, tricks, and advice from our archives and put them all in one place just for you.

Here are eight solid interview tips from our experts:

Interview Preparation

When you’re preparing for your interview, you need to make sure you cover all of your bases. Here are some tips on what to say to a potential employer:

1. Stay away from superlatives.

Keep it singular. Superlatives such as “weakest,” “worst,” or “biggest” indicate the greatest degree of whatever is it describing. “Biggest weakness” is the weakness of the highest degree implying there are other weaknesses of varying degrees but weaknesses nonetheless. That begs the question: “What are some others?” Likewise, “need most to improve” implies there are others areas for improvement. In any case, try this as an alternative, “If I had to come up with one…” (No negatives, no multiples.)

(Original article: 4 Tips To Answer Tough Interview Questions Correctly)

2. Be prepared with questions for the employer.

Each interview takes on a different format, but somewhere along the way, an employer will likely ask if you have any questions. Even if the interview was packed with information, always have questions prepared to ask the employer that have not been touched on or that you can benefit from by having more information.

Asking questions expresses to an employer that you are serious and sincerely interested in the company and position. Asking the “right” questions can also help solidify a positive impression. For instance, if you have done the proper research on the company before the interview, you may have knowledge of developments happening at the company or within the industry that may have an impact on the job you applied for. Asking questions that express you are thinking ahead about the job and how certain developments may impact the business demonstrates to an employer that you are a “smart” candidate. You are already thinking like you belong in the position and looking ahead at how to address possible challenges. These types of questions can also help the employer see how you fit right in.

(Original article: Information You Must Have Before Your Interview)

3. Show them you did your homework.

One great way to build your interviewing confidence is by conducting plenty of research on the company you’re applying to and the position it’s offering. A common question interviewers ask is, “Do you know anything about our company?” Most times, candidates are forced to answer “No.” If you’re able to share the company’s background information and showcase knowledge of its future goals for the position in question, you’ll undoubtedly catch the interviewer off guard—in a great way!

(Original article: 3 Ways To Build Confidence For A Job Interview)

Interview Questions

Man answers an interview question

Being prepared to answer any question that comes out of the interviewer’s mouth is a big advantage in interviews. Here are some questions to go over before your next interview:

1. “How do you handle stress?”

Interviewers are generally looking for an answer that indicates you can handle multiple priorities and projects at the same time. An answer stating that stress is a natural part of life and you feel equipped to handle the challenges of the job and balance them with the rest of your life may just be the answer that earns you the job.

(Original article: How To Handle Tough Interview Questions)

2. “Tell me about yourself.”

What the hiring manager is really asking: “How do your education, work history, and professional aspirations relate to the open job?”

How to respond: Select key work and education information that shows the hiring manager why you are a perfect fit for the job and for the company. For example, a recent grad might say something like, “I went to X University where I majored in Y and completed an internship at Z Company. During my internship, I did this and that (name achievements that match the job description), which really solidified my passion for this line of work.”

(Original article: How To Answer 7 Of The Most Common Interview Questions)

3. “Tell me about a time when you did ______.”

Just because you’ve never done something doesn’t mean you can’t do it. And it surely doesn’t mean you can’t excel at it. If you’re asked a question about prior experience regarding something you’ve never done, the best way to answer isn’t to say “No, I’ve never done that,” or “No, I don’t have experience in that area.” The best way to handle the question is to say something along these lines: “While I have not had any direct experience in XYZ, I am a fast learner, and I am confident that I could (do, manage, direct, handle, etc.) XYZ successfully and exceed your expectations.”

An effective way to enhance your previous confident response would be to share with the hiring manager about a time when you did do something very similar—or something that could in some way relate to the experience they are asking you about. However, no matter how you approach the question, be sure to emphasize that you’re confident you can do whatever it is they’re asking you about, and provide examples as to why you feel that way.

(Original article: #1 Interview Question You Must Answer Correctly)

Post-Interview Protocol

Man shakes hands with the hiring manager after a job interview

Even after the interview is over, you need to go the extra mile to impress the employer. Here are some post-interview tips:

1. Follow up with a thank-you note.

Send thank-you notes to all the individuals with whom you had a conversation. Do not send one note to just the hiring manager. You will miss out on all the other contacts that you made. Even a note to the receptionist/office manager is appropriate and helpful but only if you had more of a conversation, not just a “hello.” Make the notes unique to each individual based on the conversation you had with them. Remind them of the conversation you had. Also, in each thank-you note, remind the contact why you bring value to the company/team/position and show your enthusiasm.

As the hiring process progresses or slows, stay in touch with your contacts as appropriate. If the process has slowed, begin to follow up about every two business weeks. Too soon and it will be considered overkill. Much later than two weeks and you’ll be forgotten.

(Original article: How To Follow Up After An Interview)

2. Use the three-paragraph rule.

Your follow-up email should be short, sweet, and personalized. Generally, a good rule of thumb for the length is three paragraphs, with no more than two to three sentences in each paragraph.

First paragraph: Briefly thank them for their time and reiterate your interest in the position.

Second paragraph: Discuss a couple of your strengths and how the company would benefit if you were hired. Consider using bullet points to break up your text.

Third paragraph: Include any points of clarification you might have. Include answers to questions that you weren’t able to answer during the interview, or add new info about yourself that was left out of the interview.

But, remember, keep it brief. Vicky Oliver, author of 301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions, suggests indicating your next point of contact by saying something along the lines of “Look forward to hearing from you within the next two weeks.” If no date was set at the interview, either ask for one or specify you will loop back to them for a decision in two weeks.

(Original article: 6 Tips For Following Up After A Job Interview)

We know how difficult it can be to ace a job interview. We hope our Interview Cheat Sheet helps you prepare for your next one so you can stand out to the hiring manager and land the job. If you’re still not feeling confident, we can help.

We’d love it if you joined our FREE community. It’s a private, online platform where workers, just like you, are coming together to learn and grow into powerful Workplace Renegades. More importantly, we have tons of resources inside our community that can help you prepare for your next job interview.

It’s time to find work that makes you feel happy, satisfied, and fulfilled. Join our FREE community today to finally become an empowered business-of-one!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

The Waiting Game: Surviving Job Offer Anxiety

The Waiting Game: Surviving Job Offer Anxiety

Have you ever felt like you totally rocked an interview? You had all your questions and answers prepared, the hiring manager really seemed impressed, and they even hinted at a call back. You wake up the next morning with a huge grin on your face expecting an email or a phone call, but you receive nothing. No worries, right? “They will probably get back to me tomorrow,” you think to yourself.

However, tomorrow comes and goes, as does the next day and the day after that, all without a phone call or an email. Days turn into a week, and you begin to get a bit antsy. Hope starts to dwindle as the questions begin to mount.

  • What’s taking so long?
  • Was my interview not as good as I thought?
  • Did I say something wrong? Did I misread the cues?
  • Was my writing sample terrible?
  • Should I send another email?
  • WHY HAVEN’T THEY CALLED ME BACK?

As time goes on, you are consumed by these questions and can think of nothing else. This is a dangerous time for any job seeker. This inner state of turmoil is often referred to as job offer anxiety.

What Is Job Offer Anxiety?

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Job offer anxiety is the anxiousness and stress one feels usually while waiting for an interview or a callback. This anxiousness is frequently accompanied by tense behavior and rumination. People who suffer from this are in a never-ending search to discover why they haven’t received an interview/callback when everything seemed promising.

In a struggle to answer this question, job seekers start to second-guess their interview and writing skills as each day passes. They blame themselves for not getting the call and their confidence all but disappears. Job offer anxiety can even affect job seekers after they have received an offer.

For instance, a job seeker may receive a job offer that happens to be their second choice. The question of whether to accept the offer or wait for their first choice now arises. This may cause unnecessary panic in the applicant which can lead to a misguided decision. Even just waiting for a callback is extremely destructive to the job search. You end up losing focus and wasting valuable time that could be spent pursuing other job opportunities.

If you have ever suffered from job offer anxiety, have no fear. Here are some specific causes of job offer anxiety and ways to overcome them.

Cause #1 – Forgetting To Continue The Job Search

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The solution: Apply for other jobs.

This advice seems obvious, but many people become so focused on the callback that they forget about the end goal: getting a job.

What better way to distract yourself than to continue looking for other jobs? Continuing your job search allows you to take your mind off the callback and get back to using your time wisely. Sitting around and waiting for the perfect job to get back to you isn’t productive and won’t get you anywhere closer to realizing your goal.

And who knows? While you are being focused and productive, time will pass a lot more quickly and you might finally get that callback you were waiting for, and if not, at least you expanded your job opportunities.

Cause #2 – Restlessness And Insomnia

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The solution: Exercise.

All that stress and anxiety can inflict heavy damage to your body and overall health. Those at WebMD.com recommend people with high anxiety to “relieve tension with vigorous exercise or massage.” The Anxiety and Depression Association of America has found that “regular participation in aerobic exercise has been shown to decrease overall levels of tension, elevate and stabilize mood, improve sleep, and improve self-esteem.”

When it comes to reducing stress and anxiety, exercise should not be overlooked.

Cause #3 – Lack Of Perspective

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The solution: Realize that HR is on a different time frame than you.

There is no doubt that, when searching for a job, time seems to creep by at a snail’s pace. Some like to believe that hiring managers sit at their desk with an evil smirk tapping their fingers together (think Mr. Burns from The Simpsons) purposefully making candidates wait in despair.

Yet, it’s easy to forget that employers may have responsibilities other than hiring candidates. Hiring managers would love nothing more than to get through all the applicants in a timely manner. But like every job, things tend to pop up unexpectedly that require immediate attention. It’s important to remember this, take a deep breath, and give the hiring manager the benefit of the doubt.

Cause #4 – Not Sure When To Follow Up

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The solution: Use proper follow-up etiquette.

It’s important to remember that the interview doesn’t end until you have sent a follow-up thank-you letter. Susan Adams of Forbes advises applicants to send a follow-up letter as soon as possible. If you wait too long, other prospective employees might beat you to it.

While sending a handwritten note is a nice thought, it takes much too long for the employer to receive it. So, email is always the best choice for sending your follow-up thank-you note. It’s also a nice touch if you add a high point from the interview in your message.

However, even after the follow-up thank-you letter, applicants can still find themselves without a response. In this case, it is appropriate to follow up again.

In “4 Things You Need To Do After The Interview To Get The Job,” Sudy Bharadwaj believes that periodically following up every few weeks is a great way to stay on the hiring manager’s mind. He recommends that: “Instead of asking, ‘Have you made a decision yet?’ forward a recent article you’ve read that you believe he’ll find interesting and helpful. Following up in this way demonstrates that you’re a great network connection instead of a pesky wannabe employee.”

Cause #5 – Lack Of Confidence In Your Resume

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The solution: Check if you made common resume mistakes and/or get your resume reviewed by trained coaches.

One last measure to reduce stress and anxiety during the job search is to make sure your resume is in tip-top shape. Knowing that your resume is up to par can be a great boost to your confidence.

An excellent way to get some tips on your resume is to pass it out to your friends and colleagues. They might be able to bring some fresh ideas to your resume and suggest edits to improve it.

We hope you found these tips for overcoming job offer anxiety to be helpful, no matter where you are in your career. And remember…only worry about the things you can control. You’ll avoid a lot of stress and anxiety this way!

We know how difficult it is to overcome anxiety in your job search. If you’re struggling to find a job, we’re here for you.

We’d love it if you joined our FREE community. It’s a private, online platform where workers, just like you, are coming together to learn and grow into powerful Workplace Renegades.

It’s time to find work that makes you feel happy, satisfied, and fulfilled. Join our FREE community today to finally become an empowered business-of-one!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

7 Secrets To A Successful Informational Interview

7 Secrets To A Successful Informational Interview

An informational interview is a meeting where a job seeker asks for advice rather than employment. Rather than get a job offer, a job seeker uses informational interviews to:

  • Learn more about a company or job function
  • Inquire about job leads
  • Network

    For job seekers, informational interviews can secure meetings with managers, shape positive first impressions, and develop relationships that may pay off in the future. Managers are open to informational interviews because:

    • They do not require a big time investment. Informational interviews can be done during lunch or during an afternoon coffee break.
    • They can give managers an opportunity to identify new talent, either for now or in the future, without a formal recruiting process.
    • Informational interviews allow managers to give advice. Who doesn’t like to have their ego stroked?

    Here are my tips on how you can succeed in your informational interviews:

    1. Ask For An Informational Interview

    After you’ve identified who you want to meet, ask friends, family, ex-co-workers, and fellow alums if they have contacts at a certain company or a particular line of work. Utilize social networking tools, such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to find contacts. In the introduction email, keep it short and simple. Provide some background information on yourself and explain why you want to meet.

    2. Clearly Define What You Want To Get Out Of The Meeting

    Woman goes in for an informational interview

    If you don’t know what you want, the person on the other side of the table will have a hard time helping you. I’d recommend going for easy wins such as learning more about a company or a job function. So prepare questions such as: “What do you like about working for company X?” or “When you think about successful folks in position Y, what made them successful?”

    3. Getting A Job Should Not Be Your Immediate Goal

    Woman asks a question during an informational interview

    Job seekers often ask for a job at the beginning. Resist that temptation. If the manager does have a job, asking for it at the beginning is premature, especially if you haven’t proven yourself. If he or she does not have a job, you and the manager have to overcome the early letdown. Instead, focus on asking good questions and creating a good impression. Then, at the end, do ask if the manager is hiring, but don’t push it.

    4. Go With The Flow

    Man asks a question during an informational interview

    Some managers use the informational interview as an informal job interview. If the manager wants to deviate from your prepared list of questions and ask you more formal interview questions, let him or her do so. Who knows? You might get a job offer at the end of the interview.

    5. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

    Woman smiles during an informational interview

    An informational interview can range from an informal career chat to a structured interview. Prepare for any scenario. Have those general career questions ready, and at the same time, don’t be surprised if the interviewer asks tough questions like, “What’s your biggest weakness?” Remember the saying, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”

    6. Dress For Success

    Man goes in for an informational interview

    It’s always worth reminding: dress professionally.

    7. Don’t Forget To Follow Up And Send The Thank-You Note

    Woman shakes hands with a colleague after an informational interview

    Don’t forget to send a thank-you email or note after the informational interview. In addition, send updates every couple of weeks. The manager invested time into your career; he or she will be interested in your progress. And who knows, that manager may not have had openings a while ago, but he or she may be hiring now.

    As a job seeker, an informational interview can be the secret to job search success. If you want to have a successful informational interview, just remember these seven tips. Good luck!

    Need more help with your job search?

    We’d love it if you joined our FREE community. It’s a private, online platform where workers, just like you, are coming together to learn and grow into powerful Workplace Renegades. More importantly, we have tons of resources inside our community that can help you prepare for your next job interview.

    It’s time to find work that makes you feel happy, satisfied, and fulfilled. Join our FREE community today to finally become an empowered business-of-one!

    This article was originally published at an earlier date.

    Job Interview Tips For Fresh Graduates

    Job Interview Tips For Fresh Graduates

    When in college, you’re used to competition. From scholarships to internships, you compete at every step with other students. Although you may think applying for internships and scholarships is just a lesser version of a job hunt, the world of employment is a much more competitive landscape.

    Cleaning out your dorm, ridding school supplies with a textbook buy and sell back service, shopping for business attire, and getting student loan bills should be the signs that the party is over and it’s time to pay the tab. One thing that might not dawn on you is thousands of other kids your age are in the same boat and there are a lot fewer dream jobs than dream seekers.

    Landing an interview is never enough. You need to go beyond the usual to impress your potential employer and get the job. Here are a few job interview tips to help you improve your chances of success as a recent college graduate looking for your first real job out of school:

    Prepare To The Core

    We all know preparation is the key to succeeding in an interview. But most recent college graduates don’t prepare enough, which is why they fail. If you want to get the job, then you need to prove that you’ve done your homework. Preparation doesn’t simply mean skimming through the company’s Wikipedia page and website. You need to go out of your way to find out as much as you can about the company—about its culture, the industry trends, and so on. That’s how you demonstrate your worth to the interviewer.

    Draft Stories

    Recent college grad attends a job interview

    Your interviewer wants to see how your current skills complement the requirements of the job. The best way to prove them is to draft stories about your previous achievements. Why? Because stories are more convincing than factual data (in the job interview, not on your resume). Make sure your stories are interesting and to the point. Have a good opening line and see to it that you’ve learned them by heart. Be clear and avoid sounding like a robot. To keep your stories concise, use the “Experience + Learn = Grow” model to answer behavioral interview questions.

    Avoid Overselling Yourself

    Recent college grad listens to an interview question

    You know how they say that you should “be yourself” to make the best impression? It’s advice that you should stay away from when being interviewed. While it’s good to be enthusiastic, energetic, and positive during your interview, don’t oversell yourself. The simple reason for this is that employers know that there’s a lot of talent in the market. And candidates can go to any extent to get the job—even exaggerate their skills and experience. So if you’re going to say something, you better back it with solid proof (aka quantify your accomplishments).

    Focus On Your Potential

    Recent college grad shakes hands with the hiring manager after a job interview

    Like any other candidate, you too are not perfect, which is why you shouldn’t give the interviewer a chance to talk about where you lack. Instead, lay more emphasis on your potential, which clearly shows that you have what it takes to succeed at the job. If you don’t have real-world experience to boast of or if your past achievements aren’t relevant to the job, then you should talk about your quick learning and adapting abilities. If they ask about your weaknesses, mention them, and then talk about what you’re doing to improve. It helps you win the confidence of your interviewer to a great extent.

    Remember, as a recent college graduate, you might not have highly specialized skills and years of experience under your belt, but you do have something unique to offer. That’s the uniqueness that you need to use to make an impact on your interviewer.

    Here at Work It Daily, we understand how difficult it is to find a job and grow your career as a recent college grad. If you’re struggling to find a job that’s right for you, we can help.

    We’d love it if you joined our FREE community. It’s a private, online platform where workers, just like you, are coming together to learn and grow into powerful Workplace Renegades.

    It’s time to find work that makes you feel happy, satisfied, and fulfilled. Join our FREE community today to finally become an empowered business-of-one!

    This article was originally published at an earlier date.

    Should You Tell Your Boss About A Job Interview?

    Should You Tell Your Boss About A Job Interview?

    Somebody reached out to me recently and said, “I love my current company, but it’s time to move on. I like my boss, and I know when I leave I’m going to leave them in a lurch. I have a final interview tomorrow and I feel like they know something’s going on. I should probably tell them, right?”

    No, you don’t tell them.

    Why You Shouldn’t Tell Your Boss You’re Interviewing For A New Job

    @j.t.odonnell Should you tell your boss about your job interview? #jobsearchtips #jobsearch #jobtips #careertiktok #careeradvice #careertips ♬ original sound – J.T. O’Donnell

    You shouldn’t tell your boss you’re interviewing for a new job because you’re going to make this situation so much more awkward. It will actually hurt you in the long run from a relationship standpoint. If you want this boss—who you appreciate so much—to be a reference one day, then you need to do the right thing.

    So, here’s what you should do.

    You go in for the job interview. If you get the job, decide if you want to take it or not, and then go to your boss and resign. And, if possible, try to offer more than two weeks’ notice. Maybe you could give your boss three weeks’ notice. That is the better thing to do to show them that you respect them and you’re trying not to leave them in the lurch.

    My issue with you telling them you’re interviewing for a new job is that they’re probably going to want to try to keep you, but study after study shows that never works out. You’ve revealed that you want to leave, so they’re never going to trust you again. And a lot of times they just end up keeping you and offering for you to stay, only to get frustrated and let you go, or you stay and you’re still not really happy and you leave anyways. Those situations lead to bad blood and then you won’t be able to use your boss as a reference.

    The right thing to do is wait. Go in for the interview, get the job offer, decide if you want the new job, and then resign professionally. And again, if possible, give your boss an extra week’s notice. You’ll leave on good terms without damaging any professional relationships you’ve made.

    Navigating a job search can be tricky, especially if you’re still employed. The good news is, I can help.

    I’d love it if you joined my FREE community where professionals like you are learning how to become empowered in their careers so they can finally find career happiness and satisfaction, and overcome job burnout once and for all!

    Sign up for my FREE community and become a Workplace Renegade today! My team and I are looking forward to working with you soon.

    3 Most Important Things To Do In A Job Interview

    3 Most Important Things To Do In A Job Interview

    A job interview can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially when you have been removed from the job market for an extended period of time. It is one thing to sell on paper with the resume and another thing to sell in person at the interview.

    Regardless of whether you have been out of a job for an extended period of time, are looking to change careers, or are still employed and seeking a better opportunity, the key to conducting a job interview successfully is a result of a number of factors, and being aware of these factor plays a major role in how to prepare for an interview.

    One of the more defining factors is the relationship you establish. People hire people they like. Even if one candidate is more qualified and experienced than another, without a good relationship there is a minimal chance of securing the job.

    The same goes for referrals. When you are referred by an existing employee, your chances are much stronger than a candidate who applied simply as a result of finding the opportunity through a job posting.

    So the question becomes this: how do you develop a strong enough relationship from a job interview to strengthen and lock in your chances at a job offer? Here are some things to keep in mind as you prepare for your job interview, and eventually go through with it.

    Use Appropriate Body Language

    What you don’t say matters just as much as what you do say. Your body language and facial expressions inform an employer how engaged you are in the conversation and how interested you are in the opportunity. Smile, exhibit confidence, and listen carefully so you respond appropriately and build on the conversation.

    Seek More Information

    Woman researches the company before her job interview

    Asking questions expresses to an employer that you are engaged in the conversation. Try to ask questions to probe for additional information. Research the company in your interview preparation and make a list of potential questions that you may want to ask.

    In addition, while you’re in the interview, instead of simply addressing what’s asked of you, respond and follow up with a question of your own and turn the interview into a conversation. This expresses to the employer that you’re interested in learning more.

    Demonstrate You Are Up For The Challenge

    Man shakes hands with the hiring manager after a job interview

    There are challenges with every job. What is important to an employer is that you are up for the challenge and that you have the ability to succeed. Once again, research information as you’re preparing for the interview by reviewing the company’s website and social media. You will have a better understanding of what challenges or changes the company has recently been through, and how they may impact the position you are interested in.

    Ask related questions during the interview to find out more. This informs an employer that you have come well-prepared for the interview. You can also take the opportunity to relay how you have experienced similar situations in past jobs and explain how you dealt with them.

    The more confident and comfortable you are with yourself in the interview, the easier it will be for the employer to develop a strong rapport and relationship with you. This is not to say you sit back and relax as though you are sitting in your own living room. Instead, the point is to be open to conversation and for it to be developed with ease.

    Consider a candidate sitting stiff, head down, and who is brief in response to conversation and questions asked. It makes it difficult for them as well as the employer to try to establish good rapport and a relationship. Don’t let that be you!

    We know how difficult it can be to feel confident in a job interview. If you’re struggling to perform well in job interviews, we can help.

    We’d love it if you joined our FREE community. It’s a private, online platform where workers, just like you, are coming together to learn and grow into powerful Workplace Renegades. More importantly, we have tons of resources inside our community that can help you prepare for your next job interview.

    It’s time to find work that makes you feel happy, satisfied, and fulfilled. Join our FREE community today to finally become an empowered business-of-one!

    This article was originally published at an earlier date.

    Exactly why is this position available?

    Exactly why is this position available?

    This is  1 important job interview query you should always request because you actually want to know… why is this place available. The job job interview is very much more compared to just selling yourself.   (Yes, you have in order to explain you have the particular skills and talent in order to peform the job. ) But, you really need to verify that the job […]

    The post Why is certainly this position available? appeared first upon Career Sherpa .

    5 Things You Shouldn’t Say In An Interview

    5 Things You Shouldn’t Say In An Interview

    Interviewing can actually be pretty fun, especially when you’re on the other side of the table! However, I know how stressful it can be when you’re the one in the hot seat as an eager job candidate.

    Emotions are high, nerves are in play, and there’s so much information you need to remember. It can be tough!

    And, because I know how difficult it can be to be in that position, I want to share some major red flags I’ve encountered when interviewing candidates.

    I know there’s a lot to remember, but there are some things you should NEVER say during a job interview. If you’ve got an interview coming up, make sure you review these phrases before you hop on the phone or walk into the office.

    “I Don’t See Myself Working Here For More Than 2 Years.”

    Even if the job you’re applying for isn’t something you can really see yourself doing for the long term, don’t volunteer that information to your interviewer. You might have big career aspirations, but it’s important to focus on the job you’re interviewing for now, even if it’s just an entry-level job you don’t plan on working for very long.

    By telling your interviewer that you’re essentially uncommitted to the job, you can sabotage your chances of landing the position. Think about it from the employer’s perspective: Why would a company want to invest in, hire, and train someone who is already planning on leaving before he or she even gets the job offer? Second, you might not realize how much growth potential this role has and whether or not it might transform into something that excites you. Every dream job starts somewhere. So, why kill the opportunity before you give it a chance?

    “I Don’t Have Any Questions.”

    Woman answers a question during a job interview

    Typically, at the end of interviews, we ask our job candidates if they have any questions for us. We EXPECT questions. The candidate should be looking to learn as much as he or she can about the role, company, and team. It’s just as much for his or her benefit as it is for the employer.

    Also, don’t just wait until the end of the interview to ask questions. An interview should be a two-way conversation. So, ask questions throughout the interview to emphasize your interest, curiosity, and listening skills.

    “So, What Does Your Company Actually Do, Anyway?”

    Hiring manager confused about a job candidate's interview question

    While it’s very important to ask questions during a job interview, it’s just as important to ask the RIGHT questions—questions that show you’ve done your homework, but want to dig deeper. Asking questions you could (and frankly should) have the answers to beforehand (like what the company does, when it started, why it started, etc.) isn’t going to make you look very good.

    A huge part of interview prep is taking time to research the company you’re applying to. You should be able to find basic information about the company by doing a simple Google search and checking out their website and social media profiles.

    “What Else Can You Tell Me About The Salary And Benefits?”

    Hiring manager interviews a virtual candidate

    Learning about what you’ll be paid and what benefits you’ll receive as an employee is something you’ll want to understand down the line, but please don’t bring this up during your first interview.

    This information will be revealed and/or mapped out for you as you get closer to a job offer. If you ask questions like this one too soon, though, you risk looking like you’re only in it for the money and kickbacks. Employers know these things are important to job candidates, obviously, but if you start focusing on them too early in the process, it can be a huge turnoff.

    Again, think about it from the employer’s point of view: If you’re taking this job solely for the money and/or benefits, who’s to say you won’t up and leave when a better offer comes along? What’s keeping you at the company other than the extras?

    Instead, focus on why you want this particular job at this specific company. The other stuff will come up later.

    “What Kind Of Skills Are You Looking To Leverage In This Position?”

    Man shakes hands with the hiring manager before his job interview

    This is a similar question to #3. If you feel like you need to ask what kinds of skill sets are required for this role, you didn’t read the job description carefully enough. That information should be all over the job posting and you should be prepared to show examples of how your experience will be valuable.

    If the job description was a little vague, though, ask more targeted questions about the role. For example, “What would a typical day look like for this employee?” or “What kinds of projects would I be working on specifically and how would they add value to the company?”

    Questions like these will allow you to get more clues on the role AND give you a deeper understanding of what you’re expected to accomplish as an employee.

    A job interview can be scary, but if you go in prepared, it’s actually pretty exciting. Make sure to prioritize interview prep before your next job interview, and you’ll likely avoid saying any of these five things to the hiring manager.

    If you’re struggling to land job interviews, we can help.

    We’d love it if you joined our FREE community. It’s a private, online platform where workers, just like you, are coming together to learn and grow into powerful Workplace Renegades.

    It’s time to find work that makes you feel happy, satisfied, and fulfilled. Join our FREE community today to finally become an empowered business-of-one!

    This article was originally published at an earlier date.


    3 Warning Signs The Job Will Be Bad

    3 Warning Signs The Job Will Be Bad

    You applied for a job and made it through to the interview process. You’re incredibly excited to meet the hiring manager and potential future co-workers. But during your interview, whether prompted by something you heard or observed, you suddenly get a bad feeling about the job opportunity. Is this a sign that the job will be bad?

    It is possible to spot a bad job and/or toxic work environment during an interview. Luckily, if you know what to look for and learn to trust your gut, you’ll also likely avoid accepting a job offer for a bad/toxic job. In your next job interview, watch out for these three warning signs the job will be bad…

    1. The Hiring Manager Doesn’t Ask You A Lot Of Questions

    @j.t.odonnell 3 Signs the job opportunity could be bad. #badboss #badjob #toxixjob #toxicboss #careertiktok #careeradvice #careertok #jobinterview #jobinterviewtips ♬ Eyes. Lips. Face. (e.l.f.) – iLL Wayno & Holla FyeSixWun

    The first warning sign you should watch out for is when the person interviewing you does all the talking. They don’t ask you a lot of questions. They just sit and talk about the job and how great the company is. Really good managers and companies have clear expectations and they’re going to get at that through a series of questions to you in an interview. So if you don’t do a lot of talking, something’s up.

    2. The Employees Aren’t Talking To Each Other

    Women wait for a job interview

    The next warning sign to watch out for requires you to be observant. If you’re physically in the office for the job interview and notice that people aren’t really chatting much, that’s a bad sign. Maybe they look a little serious and aren’t very open to talking about the company and the opportunity. Happy employees love to talk about their employer.

    3. There’s No Formal Job Description

    Man has a bad feeling about a job during the interview

    The final warning sign that the job will be bad is if there’s no formal job description. And when you ask for it, the hiring manager says there isn’t one. Good companies always have job descriptions clearly written out so that they can make sure you understand your expectations.

    If any of these warning signs are popping up in your interview, the job will probably be bad and you could end up dealing with a toxic work environment. Now, you might be tempted to accept the job offer even if you have a bad feeling because you’ve been looking for a job for a while. This will only hurt your career down the road. No matter how desperate you are for a job, you should never accept a job offer if there are major warning signs. The good news is, I can help you find the right job for YOU.

    I’d love it if you joined my FREE community where professionals like you are learning how to become empowered in their careers so they can finally find career happiness and satisfaction, and overcome job burnout once and for all!

    Sign up for my FREE community and become a Workplace Renegade today! My team and I are looking forward to working with you soon.