Let’s be real — preparing for a job interview can be nerve-racking. However, with the help of the internet, you can find endless amounts of advice and tips from entrepreneurs and CEOs about how to excel in your job interviews.
To save you time, I scuffled through an eye-watering amount of articles and selected only the best. From the way you should dress to the tone of your resume, the first impression you make on a future employer is crucial. But, have no fear. Here are five essential steps to help you have a successful job interview and secure your dream job.
1. You Need A Killer Resume
What’s the first thing your potential future employer can judge you on? Your resume!
True story: if I had a dime for every time someone confidently sent a resume filled with grammar errors, I would have Donald Trump in an apron scrubbing my floor.
One of the biggest issues for job seekers is submitting resumes containing spelling errors or flat tone. If you don’t want to sound dull, it’s time to quit Google searching “job resume samples” or “job objective samples,” and start using your creativity to stand out from the pack.
Keep your resume short and straightforward. If possible, try and make everything fit on one page. For the objective or professional summary, add the position title and refrain from sounding too generic. Employers really notice when you put sweat, blood, and tears into your resume.
2. You Need To Look Snazzy
Now that your resume is nice and polished, it’s time to find the freshest outfit for the big day. For either gender, you can find affordable business attire at Ross or Marshall’s for less than $30. Macy’s is also an excellent choice for women looking to invest in a chic pair of shoes. However, if you’re a man, and want to look extra dapper, you can find elegant shoes at Hand Welt Co.
Unless you’re applying for an office position, it is best not to overdress or you might give the wrong impression. At the same time, try not to underdress, or you may come across as lazy and uncaring.
For men, an important factor when fixing up your self-image should be facial hair. Trim that beard and mustache. For both genders alike, cover up tattoos and remove piercings before heading to the interview.
3. What To Do BEFORE The Interview
It’s almost time. You’re in the waiting room, tapping your fingers on the chair, itching for them to call your name. As seconds turn into minutes, it’s best to rehearse your responses to the boss’ questions. Research commonly asked questions in an interview and have canned answers prepared so that you can lean on them during the interview if you need them.
Take deep breaths by inhaling through your nose and exhaling out through the mouth. Also, memorize all the lines you are going to say by reciting a dozen times in case you freeze during the interview. Read up on the company via their website again too. Grab a mint and chew on it so your breath doesn’t knock down planes when it’s time to meet the head honcho.
4. What To Do DURING The Interview
As soon as you walk in the door, reach out for a firm handshake. Make sure you make consistent eye contact, that way the boss sees you as confident. When it’s time to speak, do so slowly — it will keep you from stuttering. Showing your hands is always a sign of honesty and should be done during the interview process.
Want to know a secret? When speaking, use your hands too; this makes you seem more intelligent and charismatic. Another great way to ace the interview is sliding in compliments when the time is perfect.
Are you the shaky type? If your anxiety is worse than most people’s, squeeze your buttocks and tighten your muscles. You won’t be as shaky anymore. End the interview with: “Thank you for taking the time to review my application. I appreciate the opportunity!”
5. What To Do AFTER The Interview
Once the dust settles, it’s time to analyze how well you did. Were there any screw-ups or regrets during the interview process? If so, learn from your mistakes and move on.
As you patiently wait for the nod, it’s best to keep applying for new jobs, even if you are confident the job is yours. And last but not least, if you didn’t get the job, don’t panic because we’ve all been there.
Once in a while, I tend to recall a quote by Robert F. Kennedy: “Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.”
Featured photo credit: Shutterstock via theconversation.com
