Job interview

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How To Get Rid Of Interview Nerves



It's normal to feel nervous before a job interview. But when those nerves start to impact your interview performance, it's time to learn how to get rid of interview nerves once and for all.

Here's how to get rid of your interview nerves and crush your next job interview:

Honesty, Interview Prep, And Connection


@j.t.odonnell Replying to @erica__007 How to get rid of interview nerves. #interviewquestions #interview #interviewtips #jobsearchtips #jobinterviewtips #interviewhelp #interviewprep #careertok #careeradvice #jobsearch ♬ original sound - J.T. O'Donnell

1. Be honest about your interview nerves.

First of all, it is okay to let the hiring manager know you're nervous. It's okay to be honest with them. But when you let the hiring manager know you're nervous, make sure you do it with a smile because that's going to set the tone for the interview.

If your interview nerves have the potential to ruin the job interview, when you sit down with the hiring manager, smile at them, take a deep breath, and say, "I just want to let you know that I am nervous for this interview, so I may not answer every question as smoothly as I want to, but it's because I'm excited about the job opportunity."

2. Focus on interview prep.

Keep your facial expressions and body language in mind. People hear what they see, especially in an interview. So the next tip I recommend to get rid of your interview nerves is to work on your interview prep.

Mock interviews are a great way to not only practice your answers to interview questions but also work on your body language and facial expressions. Remember to sit up tall and lean in a little bit. Remember to smile. Remember to make appropriate eye contact.

I often tell clients who are struggling with interview nerves to wear a ring or watch or another piece of jewelry on a different finger or wrist so that every time they see it in the interview, it triggers them to remember the body language tips above.

Interview prep is one of the best ways to get rid of interview nerves because it helps to instill confidence in your interview abilities and qualifications for the job. Body language and facial expressions are just as important as your interview answers, and interview prep can help you practice both.

3. Realize the interview is all about making a connection.

Sometimes the easiest way to get rid of interview nerves is to change your mindset. Before your next job interview, tell yourself: "I'm excited. This is about making a connection today. This is about me starting the process of getting to know this employer."

The interview isn't an all-or-nothing situation. You're learning. You're growing. You're doing your best. And you're at the job interview to make a connection and share your answers. The person who's interviewing you could be a potential colleague one day. How would you act if you were simply having coffee with them?

When you change your interview mindset to focus on connection and excitement instead of worst-case scenarios, your interview nerves will subside. A shift in your mindset will prevent you from psyching yourself out in the job interview, going in with that serious attitude, serious body language, and serious facial expressions. It's also going to help you answer interview questions with more positivity and enthusiasm, the perfect combination for connection.

The next time you're experiencing bad interview nerves, remember these three things: honesty, interview prep, and connection. And before you know it, your interview nerves will all but disappear!

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How To Get Rid Of Interview Nerves

Why You Shouldn’t Look At Your Notes During A Job Interview



Should you look at your notes during a job interview? A lot of people have different opinions on this. Personally, as a career coach for 20+ years, I don't recommend looking at your notes during a job interview. And this is the simple reason why...


It's Distracting


@j.t.odonnell Replying to @torzamorris Can I look at my notes in a job interview? #interviewprep #interviewhelp #jobinterviewtips #jobsearchtips #interviewtips #interview #interviewquestions ♬ original sound - J.T. O'Donnell

Looking at your notes during a job interview is extremely distracting. For example, if I were giving you advice in person or via video call, but I was either taking notes or looking at my notes while talking to you, how would you feel about our connection? Probably not very good.

I don't think looking at your notes sends the right message when you're trying to have a conversation during a job interview.

Now, you may think that your only other option is to memorize your interview answers. That's not true. In fact, you shouldn't be memorizing at all.

Instead of looking at notes or memorizing your answers, research the most common behavioral interview questions you'll likely be asked in the interview. Write out your answers to them. Read them back to yourself, and do that every day for a little while until you haven't memorized them, but the storyline of them has been committed to memory so that when you're asked a question, your answer comes out naturally.

Now, in addition to that, there's something that I teach at Work It DAILY called the "Experience + Learn = Grow" model. When you write the answers to these behavioral interview questions out, you want to follow a beginning, a middle, and an end. (Storytelling!)

  • What did you experience?
  • What did you learn from that experience?
  • How have you grown from that experience and how are you going to use that on the job?

This is what employers are looking for. You're a service provider. You're a business-of-one. They're trying to understand how you are going to serve their needs, why they should pick you, and why you're going to give them the best return on investment (ROI). This process—researching common behavioral interview questions, using the "Experience + Learn = Grow" model when writing out your answers in advance, and reading them until you know the stories you want to tell—will get you to a place of comfort where you'll be able to just look at them and have a conversation.

The hiring manager is a person that you're trying to connect with. This is a potential future co-worker. You are at that interview to make a friend, make a colleague, in a sense. So, you want to connect. And looking at your notes while you're trying to answer their questions—this is not connecting.

If you have such bad interview nerves that you feel like you need notes, my advice to you is to learn how to do better interview prep. You not only want to do the prep to ease your interview nerves but to be able to sit there and connect with the person you're talking to.

In the hiring process, it's all about connection! That's why looking at your notes during a job interview will do more harm than good.

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Why You Shouldn’t Look At Your Notes …

The No. 1 Job Interview Thank-You Note Mistake To Avoid



Sending a thank-you note to the hiring manager after a job interview is not only a kind thing to do but also a job search best practice. However, what you write in your thank-you note can significantly impact your chances of moving on in the hiring process.

If you make common thank-you note mistakes, the hiring manager might note consider you for the job. And there is one job interview thank-you note mistake that you should avoid at all costs...

#1 Thank-You Note Mistake: Recapping The Interview & Trying To Resell Yourself


@j.t.odonnell No. 1 Job Interview THANK YOU NOTE Mistake #thankyounote #thankyou #jobinterviewthankyounote #jobinterview #jobinterviewtips #interviewtips #interview #interviewtipsandtricks #mistake #mistakesweremade ♬ original sound - J.T. O'Donnell

The number one mistake that people make when writing a thank-you note is recapping everything they talked about in the interview and trying to resell themselves to the hiring manager.

In your thank-you note, you do not write an epic novel. You don't tell them why you think you're the best candidate for the job. And you definitely don't mention something you forgot to talk about in the job interview.

A thank-you note is to do one thing: give thanks.

Here's the simple thank-you note formula you should use after every job interview:

Dear [hiring manager's name],

Thank you so much for the opportunity to speak with you about the XYZ position. I really enjoyed talking with you about [something you specifically talked about]. If there's anything else I can provide to further my candidacy, please let me know because I would love to work with you.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

That's it. Three sentences.

And just in case you're wondering, send a thank-you note to everybody that you met with during the job interview.

Since your thank-you note is only three sentences long, you have the time and the ability to personalize that second line where you talk about what you enjoyed speaking with them about. If you met with three people, send three thank-you notes that are short and sweet, like the example above. You are showing your follow-through and your consistency, but also respect for the fact that your time to sell yourself was in the interview.

Your thank-you note is for showing appreciation. Don't make the mistake of recapping the interview and trying to resell yourself. If you follow the formula above, you'll write a thank-you note that will surely get you bonus points during the interview process.

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The No. 1 Job Interview Thank-You Note …



One of the hardest and most important job interview questions is, "Tell me about a time you went above and beyond." Here's the perfect technique to ace the answer every time.

Step 1: Think About A Time You Exceeded Expectations


The first step is for you to sit down and think about a time when you exceeded expectations on the job.

Imagine the times when you were given a lot of praise or maybe you got a promotion or even a raise. Think about what made you earn these things and ask yourself how exactly did you go above and beyond in order to get that appreciation and that recognition.

This is going to help you flesh out the stories that you're going to want to tell in order to validate your experience and your ability to go above and beyond.

Step 2: Break The Story Down


Job candidate tells the hiring manager about a time he went above and beyond at work during an interview

Now, step two is for you to break that story down into what we call the "Experience + Learn = Grow" model for answering behavioral interview questions like, "Tell me about a time you went above and beyond."

You want to think about the experience objectively and factually. Explain to the hiring manager everything that happened leading up to you earning that praise or that promotion or that raise.

Then, you want to talk about what you learned. As a good employee, you always want to be thinking about those experiences and what they taught you.

Lastly and most importantly, you're going to talk about how you grew as a professional—how you're going to take what you've learned and apply it going forward. This is going to demonstrate how employers like them could benefit from this added expertise that you've developed.

Step 3: Practice Your Delivery


Professional woman practices her answer to the interview question, "Tell me about a time you went above and beyond?" during a job interview

The third and final step is for you to practice your delivery. You do not want to walk in and wing it. It's super important that, in addition to writing out your answers, you play them back to yourself.

What do I mean by that? Well, I suggest grabbing a mirror and talking out the answers, looking at yourself straight in the eye with a smile, or asking friends or family members to do a mock interview with you. Even recording yourself and playing it back on a video will do the trick.

Doing these things repeatedly is vitally important in job interview preparation, especially when it comes to answering a question like this. "Tell me about a time you went above and beyond," can seem like a daunting interview question, but all you have to do is follow the three steps above to answer it effectively.

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How To Answer “Tell Me About A …

How To Explain A Career Gap Due To Cancer



If you've been out of work because you've had a life-threatening illness or cancer, I am so happy that you're okay. That is the first priority. Who cares about your gap in employment? Let's get you healthy first. And the fact that you are looking for work means you're on the other side of it. So to me, that's the story to tell.

The sad thing is 20 years ago you couldn't admit you had a life-threatening illness because people wouldn't hire you. Is that still happening today? I know it is. It's unfortunate. It stinks. But I've worked with a lot of people in your position, and I've found that if we can get the right verbiage and find the right way to answer this employment gap question, it can work in your favor, as opposed to it being a negative.

You might be wondering if you should lie when answering the employment gap question. I'm not a fan of lying, and I also don't think you need to. But, at the same time, I'm not a fan of shock value.

So here's my advice...

How To Explain A Gap In Employment Due To Cancer


@j.t.odonnell Replying to @t.a.m.m.a.m.a.y How to explain your career gap due to cancer. ♥️ #gapsinemployment #cancersurvivor #howtoexplain #jobadvice #jobtok #gaps #employment #careeradvice #careertiktok #jobsearchtips #jobtiktok #careertok ♬ Unstoppable - Sia

When the hiring manager asks why there is an employment gap on your resume, respond with, "That's a great question," because that way you're immediately going into this conversation with a positive tone. And it's the truth. It is a good question because you're going to answer it with enthusiasm.

Here's how to structure the rest of your answer...

"It's a (blank)-year gap because I had a life-threatening illness. I had cancer. And I am so happy to say that I'm here because I'm on the other side of it. Being sick for (blank) years, getting through cancer, and being a survivor has taught me (blank). I feel (blank) about work now. This is why I'm excited. I want to leverage (blank) skills. And I know I'd have that opportunity at this company."

In summary, when you explain a gap in employment due to cancer, talk about:

  • The things you've learned
  • How you feel about work now
  • Why you're excited about this employment opportunity
  • The skills you want to leverage

Show the hiring manager that you've taken this very powerful experience in your life and you've dealt with it. You're amazing, and now you're on the other side of it and ready to go. This draws them in. Now they're your champion. Now they want to place you in that job.

So there's a right answer to this employment gap question. There's a right story to tell. And with the right practice, you can get to the interview and tell it with enthusiasm and get them on your side.

I hope this helps because you are amazing. If you're reading this and you survived, you are amazing and that means we can get you hired too. Go get 'em!

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How To Explain A Career Gap Due …



Have you ever had the experience of sending out your resume everywhere and getting no results? No emails. No callbacks. No interviews. It sucks, doesn't it? I had that experience a few years back. And then a profound realization changed everything for me. I realized that...

You've got to make an irresistible offer.

And a boring, traditional resume just doesn't do that.

See, employers and recruiters are used to seeing the same thing over and over: a plain-Jane resume and cover letter. And they're dying to get something fresh. Something that makes an impact. Something that's irresistible.

We've all sent in boring resumes during our job search at one point or another. But now, it's time for an update. Here are three ways to change your job search strategy to practically guarantee you get the job:

1. Prove You'll Earn Them More Than You Cost


Here's the truth: You need to make your employer a profit.

Meaning hiring you comes at a cost. And likewise, the effort from the work you do brings in revenue.

So, what's the easiest way to practically guarantee you get the job you're applying for? Simply prove, based on past results, that you're going to bring in more revenue to the business than you cost them.

For example, one campaign I thought of and helped run at my past employer paid for my annual salary within a couple of weeks. That's solid, tangible, and quantifiable proof that I'm worth more than I cost.

So, if you haven't already, start thinking of measurable ways you bring in revenue for a company—and then put those detailed examples on your resume. The numbers will speak for themselves.

2. Provide Credible Proof That You Can Perform


Hiring manager asks a job candidate about their past job performance in a job interview

Testimonials from credible people—whether they're mentors, peers, employers, or teachers—are one of the best ways to show proof of past performance and character. And past performance combined with character (cultural fit) is a huge element employers look for in potential employees.

The good news is that LinkedIn has made gathering these testimonials easier than ever. So, if you don't have any yet, think of a few people that could provide great testimonials for you, and ask for them. They'll make a huge difference in your job search.

3. Work To Learn, Not To Earn


Young employees learning on the job during a work meeting

When you're first starting out and you don't have proof of generating results or credible testimonials, then the best way to get your foot in the door (if you're unable to successfully network your way into the company) is by working for free for a week, or even up to three months.

In fact, I got my dream job—the position I had my heart set on—by offering to work for free for three months. Now, of course, you don't want to do this for ANY employer. Only offer this if you're fairly certain that working for free will lead to a job, and that job will open up a world of opportunities within 2-3 years for you.

That's what it did for me, and that's what it could do for you.

BONUS: Stand Out Online!


Professional man builds his online presence during his job search

Your bonus tip is to stand out online. Why?

The first thing any employer is going to do when you apply is Google your name. And what if what they found blew them away so much so that they shortlisted you for the position immediately?

That's what can happen with a great online presence. And nowadays, that's easier than ever to achieve. You don't have to be tech savvy, you just need to know how to optimize your LinkedIn profile and make your personal brand known to colleagues, recruiters, and hiring managers.

We know the interview process can be stressful and draining. By doing these four things in your job search, you'll practically guarantee you get the job!

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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3 Ways To Practically Guarantee You Get …



How can you project confidence when you don't feel it? One of the most interesting things I learned from my days as an actor was seeing how audiences tended to remember what a person did much more than how they did it.

In other words, if you take the correct actions, despite not being confident, you'll trigger the same response as though you were. The goal? Establishing yourself as the job candidate who can deliver the most value—someone who is in demand, understands his/her worth, and is willing to advocate for it.

Here are some hacks to help you appear confident in your next job interview:

1. Have A Great Answer For Tricky Questions You Know Will Come Up


If you were laid off or fired, you know it's going to come up during the hiring process. So, make sure you have a good answer that eases any potential concerns from the employer.

We recommend using the "Experience + Learn = Grow" framework when you outline your responses for these types of questions. What happened? What did you learn from the experience? How did you grow into a better employee as a result?

Having good answers ready for tough interview questions can set you apart from the competition.

2. Be Flexible With Your Time When It Comes To Interviews


Job candidate interviews for an open position

When an interview runs over, it's a great sign. They want to continue learning about you, so let them! If you cut it short, you risk losing a great opportunity to sell yourself.

Make sure you block out enough time during the day for your interview, to get there and in case the interview goes long. You don't want to leave a job interview early, especially if it's going well! That will rub the hiring manager the wrong way, and definitely hurt your chances of moving on in the interview process.

3. Make Sure You Have A Number Or Range Ready When They Ask About Salary Requirements


Hiring manager asks about salary requirements during a job interview

No one likes getting the brush-off when it comes to important details. If an employer has a budget for a role, they need to know whether it's worth their time to continue with you (and vice versa!).

Also, this is a good opportunity for you to demonstrate that you've researched this and have a clear understanding of your value. An accurate and reasonable salary range will make you seem more confident and can make it easier to negotiate salary down the road.

4. Always Ask For Next Steps So You Know What To Expect And How You Should Respond


Woman asks about next steps at the end of her job interview

Some companies have longer interviews than others, and not every hiring process is the same. Making sure you know what to expect is key so you can set yourself up for success.

It's simple: never leave an interview without asking the hiring manager what the next steps are! You'll walk out feeling confident about what to expect in the coming weeks. Also, don't forget to send a thank-you note!

5. "I'm Interested In This Job, And Want It!"


Job seeker shakes hands with the hiring manager and tells them they want the job

Sounds obvious, right? But you'd be amazed how many great candidates lose out on the offer by being dinged for a lack of enthusiasm for the role.

The best solution? As the interview's wrapping up, take a second to bring it up.

Why are you excited about the role? Why are you excited about being a part of what they're doing? And yes, state outright that you'd like the job. It can make a big difference.

It's okay if you're struggling with feeling confident during your job search. These five hacks can help you appear confident and stand out from the competition. Sometimes it's best to fake it until you make it!

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.





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5 Interview Hacks That Will Give You …



Understanding how to prepare for a job interview is critical to your success in the job search process. One of the most important parts of preparing is the 24 hours prior to the actual interview. How you spend the last 24 hours could greatly impact your performance in the interview.

A job interview isn't like taking a test in school because you can't just cram at the last minute and "luck into" success. You should have been preparing for the interview over the course of multiple days or weeks. The 24 hours prior to the interview should be for making the final preparations and relaxing.

With that in mind, here are some tips for how to utilize the day before your job interview:

Take The Day Before The Interview For Yourself (If You Can)


Young professional takes some time to relax the day before her interview

If you have personal time that you can take at your current job and can take it without causing too much disruption, then you should consider taking the day before your job interview off. The benefit of doing this is that it's one way to eliminate potential stress going into the interview. It also frees up time so you can make your final interview preparations and relax, which are two of the most important factors heading into the job interview.

Depending on how an individual's schedule works, some people may work the day before their interview in order to take the day of the interview off. In fact, taking time off may not be an option at all. Having the day off before the interview isn't essential; you just need to make sure you create enough time for your final preparations so you can get into the right state of mind.

But, if you're one of the lucky ones who has the personal time, consider taking it. It will make the lead-up to your interview a lot easier.

Review Everything


Young professional does a mock interview with her friend

All of the heavy research about the opportunity should already be done. The last 24 hours should be for a light review of information. You should also go over common interview questions and behavioral interview questions.

Hopefully, your interview preparation included a mock interview or two. If you have time to fit one in the day before, you should give it a shot. Make one final checklist of the things you should know going into the interview. If you check all the boxes and feel good, call it a day and relax!

Do Something For Yourself


Job seeker listens to music and takes some time to relax in the hours leading up to her job interview

If you're lucky enough to have the day off before your job interview and you've finished your preparations early, you probably have some time to yourself. So, do something you enjoy—just don't go wild.

Working out at the gym, reading a book, watching a movie, and cooking are some great things that you could do in the hours leading up to an interview because they aren't overly stressful and many people find them relaxing.

Whatever activity you decide to do, make sure it's something you enjoy but isn't anything over strenuous. You want to be in a good place mentally and physically going into the interview.

Get A Good Night's Sleep


Before you call it a day, there are just a few more things that you should check on before going to bed.

Make sure you have an outfit picked out and ironed for the next day and that your alarm clock is set to the correct time. Give yourself some extra time in the morning to get ready, eat breakfast, and arrive at the interview early.

Once you're confident in your morning routine, go to bed! The night before a job interview is not a good time to stay up late. You'll want all eight hours of sleep so you can be rested and focused in the morning. You want to be fully engaged during your interview, not yawning.

Because there are so many factors that go into interviewing, following these steps doesn't guarantee success. However, following them will at least have you in a good state of mind going into the interview, which will allow you to give your best effort. Whether the interview is a success or you fall short, you'll learn something valuable and, ultimately, be a better professional for it.

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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How To Prepare In The 24 Hours …



Your job interview may be over but the interview process isn't done yet. There's another crucial step that could mean the difference between getting hired or getting looked over. That step is sending an unforgettable thank-you note to your hiring manager.

Will a thank-you note really make a difference?

Yes, it definitely will. Writing a thank-you note gives you the opportunity to keep on making a good impression after the interview process is complete. It shows that you care about the company and appreciate the time people put in to meet you. Plus, it shows that you care about the next step in the hiring process and want to take an active part in it.

If you have questions about your thank-you note strategy (like what to put in it or how to send it along), here are some tips on how to write a thank-you note that will really wow your potential employer:

Don't Send A Hand-Written Note—Email It Instead


There's a good chance the hiring manager is super busy and wants to make a hire soon. You need to keep up with them. If you write a note by hand and send it in the mail, it may not reach them by the time they make a decision.

To ensure that you're up to speed in the hiring process, send the thank-you note via email. It will get to the hiring manager much faster.

Send It Sooner Rather Than Later


Man on laptop writes a thank-you note after a job interview

The hiring process moves fast, so it's important you make a good first impression—fast.

The optimal time to send a thank-you note is within 24 hours of your job interview. That way, the hiring manager doesn't forget you or the conversations you had during your interview. A quick turnaround on your thank-you note also shows the employer you're a proactive and eager job candidate.

Be Sure To Say Why You're Thankful For The Interview


Woman on laptop sends a thank-you note to a hiring manager

Saying "thank you" in your thank-you note is a given. Take it a step further by telling the hiring manager why you are thankful for the interview.

You could mention that you liked learning more about the company, meeting members of the team, and getting to know more about the position. This shows the hiring manager that the job interview was more than just a formal part of the hiring process for you.

Remember Names And Drop Them In Your Note


Man writes a thank-you note to an employer on his laptop

During your job interview, learn the names of those you come in contact with and mention some of them in your thank-you note. You could mention a question they answered for you or give them a shout-out for making you feel comfortable.

This shows that you pay attention to the details and care about those who have helped you throughout the hiring process.

Tell Them Why You'd Be A Good Fit


Woman sitting on grass types a thank-you note on her laptop

Now that you've gone through the interview, reiterate why you think you'd be a good fit for the job. You got a glimpse of how the company functions, so now's your chance to add what value you think you bring to the table.

You can also express your excitement about the position and the company. It will show that you care about the job and it will help you further stand out in the hiring manager's mind.

At the end of the day, a thank-you note will make you a memorable job candidate, someone the employer would love to have on their team. So, don't forget to send a thank-you note after your next job interview!

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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5 Tips For Writing An Unforgettable Thank-You …



A lot of job seekers worry about how other candidates are performing in job interviews. However, if you are too concerned about your competition, it can affect your own performance.

After all, there is no point worrying about stuff you have no control over. You can only focus on doing your best. Having said that, here are some of our top interview secrets on how to be more confident in a job interview and stop worrying about your competitors:

1. Focus On Your Unique Abilities


Man tries to beat the competition in a job interview

We all have something we are really good at, and this is what you need to focus on during a job interview. This is your specialty—the service you provide to employers.

You are a business-of-one. In the job interview, you need to articulate how you will make or save the company money with the service you provide. Whether it is your strong analytical skills, ability to win clients, or experience in running marketing campaigns across various countries, focus on what you bring to the job and always back up your answers with examples.

2. Provide Specific And Tangible Examples


Woman tries to beat the competition in a job interview

Most people have a mediocre resume that doesn't show recruiters why they are a strong candidate. The way to avoid that is to provide specific, tangible examples of what you've achieved in previous/current jobs that would be relevant to the job you're applying for.

In a job interview, you'll probably be asked a few behavioral interview questions that require you to provide an example in your answer. Use the "Experience + Learn = Grow" model and the STAR technique so your answers are clear, concise, and structured.

3. Use Evidence And Concrete Examples To Back Up Your Statements


Man tries to stand out from the competition in a job interview

A continuation of the previous point, it's important to back up every statement you make with numbers. This is especially true in regard to your resume, where you should be quantifying your work experience.

Numbers are great for demonstrating your skills and expertise. Did you increase revenue or save time? How did you improve processes or procedures? How many clients did you deal with/win every month? You definitely want to have a few stories prepared related to the job description using the STAR technique.

4. Demonstrate Your Soft Skills


Woman tries to stand out from the competition in a job interview

People hire people they like. During a job interview, you'll want to demonstrate that you have good communication skills, know how to deal with people, have integrity, and so on.

The truth is employers hire for three things: personality, aptitude, and experience. You could have the right experience for a job, but if the hiring manager doesn't think your personality is a good fit for the company culture, you probably won't get the job offer. So, make sure you demonstrate your soft skills to prove you're the best candidate for the job, not just the most qualified.

5. Forget About The Competition


To make competition irrelevant in your job search, simply stop worrying about other candidates. You don't need additional stress when looking for a job. Focus on what you can bring to the company instead.

If you're confident in yourself and stop worrying about the things you can't control, you'll have the right mindset to conduct a successful job search.

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.


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5 Interview Secrets That Will Help You …



The longer your job search drags on, the more you start to doubt your interviewing abilities. Or worse—you start to doubt your skills and experience as a job candidate, which in turn affects your interview confidence.

You may begin to ask yourself, "What are employers really looking for in a job candidate?" The good news is we can help you understand just what you need to convey in a job interview to stand out to employers and finally land a job.

Employers want you to answer three questions they won't ask you directly. So, it is your job to answer those unasked interview questions in order to move on in the hiring process.

Here are three things you should be sharing in your job interview to make the right impression and send the correct message to potential employers:

1. How Do You Save Or Make Companies Money?


The first thing you need to convey in your job interview is how your skills and expertise save or make a company money. You are a business-of-one. As an employee, you provide a service to an employer. So, in your job interview, you have to prove to the employer that the services you can provide for the company will either save or make them money.

It comes down to your ability to justify the initial cost it would take to hire you. Most professionals don't know that it costs an employer between 130% to 140% of their salary to hire them. It's a big investment for a company to hire a new employee. That's why you need to convey your efficiency and effectiveness as an employee in job interviews.

To prove you could save or make a potential employer money, quantify your past experience (on your resume and in the interview) and cite examples of how you've saved or made your previous/current employer money. Once a potential employer understands that you will provide a good return on investment, they will automatically consider you a great candidate for the position.

2. How Do You Like To Deliver Value?


Professional woman shakes the hiring manager's hand during a job interview

Make sure you talk about how you deliver value too. No employee performs a job the same way. We all work on tasks differently and go about accomplishing goals with different processes and strategies. If a company doesn't think you'll be able to do the job the way they want you to do the job, you probably won't be offered the position.

In order to explain how you deliver value, you need to know exactly what you do and how you do it. During a job interview, let the employer take a peek inside your brain to help them get a better idea of how you would perform certain tasks that the job requires.

A great way to explain how you deliver value is by answering behavioral interview questions with the STAR technique. Begin answering a behavioral interview question by describing the situation or task you were faced with. Then, explain how you took action, walking the employer through your decision-making process. Finally, quantify your results so the employer can clearly see how you deliver value.

(If you're not sure how you deliver value, take this free quiz! You may be surprised by the results.)

3. Why Do You Feel Connected To The Business?


Job candidate answers the hiring manager's questions during a job interview

The last thing you absolutely want to convey to an employer is how you feel connected to their organization. Consider the company culture and their mission, and use that to your advantage.

During a job interview, it's important to explain to an employer how you feel like you're a part of their "tribe." Why do you want to be a part of the team of people dedicated to solving this specific problem? You can also talk about why you admire their products and services, why you understand and identify with their customers, and what you love about the way they do business.

Tie all your pre-interview research back to what excites you about working for the company. Employers want to hire people who would integrate well within their organization. By talking about the above factors, you'll connect with employers on a deeper level and show that you're passionate about the job. Therefore, you'll come across as a great cultural fit.

You can also begin to convey that connection to a potential employer in your disruptive cover letter. A disruptive cover letter catches an employer's attention and gets them excited about you as a candidate. So, even before you walk through the door to your interview, an employer will already feel a connection to you.

Knowing what to say in an interview in order to make the right impression can feel incredibly overwhelming, maybe even impossible. If you follow these three tips, you'll be sure to send the correct message to an employer, and ultimately increase your chances of landing the job.

Need more help with your job search?

Become a member to learn how to land a job and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.


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What Employers Are REALLY Looking For In …



You polished your resume and sent it to the right person, along with a stellar cover letter. You got a call. You aced the interview. You were brought back in—twice! You sent thank-you notes after each interview, to each interviewer. Your follow-up was polite and appropriate. You were told you were a finalist. The HR person thought it was looking good for you...yet they gave the job to someone else.

After all that effort and waiting and wondering. After joking with the receptionist about being a “regular" in the lobby. After establishing what seemed like a genuine rapport with the executive in charge of the department. After what the HR person said about it looking good...

Yes, it's a disappointment. But in spite of what you might think, all is not lost. What can you do to maximize your chances of having some good come out of this seeming loss?

Here are three ways you should react to a particularly disappointing job rejection:

Be Gracious


Yes, you were obviously the best candidate, at least as far as you could tell. And maybe some of the people on the other side of the interview desk thought so too. But a decision was made, no matter how difficult. And it's time to touch base one more time with a thank-you note to all involved for their time and consideration.

Be A Resource If You Can


Professional man gets rejected from a job

If there's some topic that was discussed and a piece of information that the interviewer wished they had, track it down. If the interviewer wanted to connect with someone you know, offer to make the introduction. There's not always an opportunity like this, but if there is, take advantage of it.

By doing this, you're not only being professional about the rejection, but it's also an opening to add the hiring manager to your professional network. Consider connecting with this person on LinkedIn down the line.

As they say, "Out of sight, out of mind," so try to stay on the hiring manager's radar.

Keep The Door Open


Young woman and HR manager discuss the next steps after she is rejected from a job she applied to

Even though you didn't get the job, it's important to reiterate your respect and admiration for the company and the fact that you would like to work there. It's okay to say, "If another position comes up—or if the candidate you hired doesn't work out—I would still love the opportunity to join the team over there."

A sentence like this can cement you in their minds as the backup or as the first person to be called when something else becomes available.

HR officials will sometimes forward resumes of promising candidates to colleagues at other companies for their open positions. Getting the original job is just one good outcome of the job interviewing process. Consider a "near miss" at getting hired one more step in building your reputation for overall career success.

Need more help with your job search?

Become a member to learn how to land a job and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Acquiring Job Advance Your Career Career Changing Careers and Employment Education Internship

3 Ways Professionals Should Respond To Job …