Finding a new job is daunting. Not just because of the whole ‘I need to earn money to live’ thing, but also the painstaking rigmarole of the process. Writing a resume, a cover letter, applying and interviewing, can feel like a job in itself. But the good news is there are some expert-backed tips and tricks you can apply to make the process as seamless (and hopefully successful!) as possible.
So, if you’re in the midst of the job hunt or getting prepped for the interview for your dream job, here are some expert tips on how to land your dream gig once you make it to the interview.
Still looking? Check out Pedestrian Jobs to craft your next move.
1. Research, research, research
If you’ve already landed an interview for a role, you should be aware of the company and have a general idea of what they do. According to entrepreneur and the host of The Boss In Heels Podcast Lara Nercessian, basic knowledge is just the tip of the iceberg and not going to get you very far.
“Take time to research the company, industry and role that you are applying for. What are their company values? What do they stand for? Are there current news or media articles that are relevant or interesting to know about the company?” Lara told PEDESTRIAN.TV.
“When you show up for an interview prepared, it shows that you have taken the time to do your research and that the opportunity matters to you.”
For Roxanne Calder, author, founder and managing director of successful recruitment agency EST10, research should extend past a Google search. It should include anything you can get your hands on from media releases to a cheeky stalk of your interviewer on LinkedIn.
“Don’t forget — while you’re doing your research, so is your interviewer, including social media,” Roxanne says.
“If you have any concerns about your prospective employer seeing any public information, it may be time to check your privacy settings.”
A good warning for all!
2. Make sure you know your own resume
When you’re on the hunt for a new gig, you can’t just dust off your old resume template and send it out without review. It’s important to go through your resume to make sure you’re presenting yourself accurately and that you actually know what’s in there. Although that sounds like an obvious point, Roxanne says it’s fairly common for people not to recall exactly what they’ve popped on their CV.
“Companies today are on the lookout for people who have embellished their resume. With this in mind, many companies will test your knowledge of your own resume!” she says.
“It might sound a little crazy, but if you don’t have a good handle on what you’ve written down, you’re definitely going to trigger some red flags. Employers expect you to speak intelligently about your job history and any other information on your resume, including dates of employment. Remember that the resume is the road map for the interview, so be ready to answer questions based on its content.”
3. Think like a recruiter
These days, just rocking up and answering questions isn’t enough to set you apart from the other candidates. So, it’s best to spend some time thinking about what unique qualities and skills you can bring to the role, too.
“Become clear on what sets you apart from other candidates,” Lara suggests.
“What unique experiences, skills or qualities do you have, that sets you apart from the rest? Clearly understand and learn to communicate your unique value proposition.
“Ask yourself, what makes you the best fit for the position you are applying for? The clearer you can become on this, the easier it will become to express your unique value.”
4. Do a test run with a pal
Before every job interview, I am a nervous wreck. While my sweaty little nerves have always made me feel a bit silly, Lara says it’s totally fine to feel nervous!
“Nerves are normal – it shows that you care, and that the opportunity matters to you,” Lara explains.
“Consider what some commonly asked questions may be for the position or industry you are applying for. Practising your responses in advance can be helpful, and you may wish to ask a friend, partner or mentor to help role-play some questions and responses in advance of the interview.”
However, she does note that overly scripted responses won’t usually go down well with potential employers, so try to go with the flow.
“It is almost impossible to know every question that will be asked of you, and you want to allow space to be natural and think on your feet,” she adds.
“Be professional, considered and intentional with your responses, but also know when to be relaxed and real– interviewers want to see your personality shine through, as this is what makes you, you!”
5. Dress for the job you want
The topic of office-appropriate wear — particularly as far as Gen Z and millennials are concerned — has been endlessly debated on TikTok (we’re looking at you, office siren).
“Plan your outfit the night before your interview,” Roxanne suggests.
“Err on the side of caution and always wear corporate attire and lean towards the conservative side. Leave your gym bag, backpack, and shopping bags at home and please, no coffee cups.”
Noted!!!!
6. Be on time
I know, I know, this one sounds obvious, but being on time to your interview is of utmost importance. Roxanne suggests always mapping out your route the night before.
“Don’t arrive at your interview too early and never be late! Aim to be ten minutes early,” she says.
“If you happen to run late, don’t stress, just handle it the right way. Try to call or email your interviewer and be sure to acknowledge and apologise for the lost time.”
7. For the love of god, turn your phone on silent
I know many of us have our phones on silent at all times, but let this serve as a reminder to triple-check you’re on quiet mode before you enter the interview room. Remember, you’re on the interviewer’s time. Having your phone go off isn’t a big deal, but it could give off a bad impression, and make it seem like you don’t value your interviewer’s time.
“Manners in general are key,” Roxanne reminds us.
“Little things like a firm handshake, standing when the interviewer enters the room, and thanking them at the end are important.”
8. Don’t forget: you’re also interviewing to see if this is a place you want to work
During a job interview, it can feel like you’re the one on the chopping block with the power completely in the interviewer’s hands. This just isn’t true. The interview is also a chance for you to figure out if the company is a place you’d like to work. It’s your opportunity to figure out workplace culture, team dynamics, and that all-important office vibe.
“Fit and culture are important when looking for a new role,” Roxanne says.
“You want to feel that you can be yourself in your workplace. Ask your future boss what the values are and examples that showcase them.”
9. Take a breath and be you
I know we all want to say the right thing in job interviews, but sometimes that gets in the way of making an impression.
“One of the biggest mistakes I see during job interviews is when candidates are so focused on how they appear and on curating the perfect response, that they forget to build a real relationship with the interviewer,” Lara says.
“Aside from meeting the minimum requirements of the role from a skills and experience perspective, hiring managers wish to see that the candidate fits into the team or company from a cultural perspective.
“Focus on how you can cultivate a real, human connection with the interviewer. Maintain eye contact, show them that you are interested not just in the company but also in building a real, genuine relationship with your prospective new manager and / or peers – this goes a long way, and yet is something which is often overlooked.”
10. Send a follow-up email
Once you’ve finished the chat, the decision is now out of your hands. But both Lara and Roxanne believe that sending a thank you email is a polite way to leave a good impression.
“Again, manners go a long way, as does showing you are grateful for the opportunity and their time,” Roxanne says, before noting that it’s important to make sure your grammar is on point.
Although sending a thank you email is good form, Lara says you’ve got to play your cards right so you don’t come across too desperate for the role.
“There is a distinction between acknowledging the interviewer for their time and confirming your interest in continuing through the application process, compared to following up in a way that makes the interviewer feel that you are desperate for the position,” she says.
“A simple thank you acknowledgement does more than 10 phone calls and follow-up emails. Discretion is key!“
11. If you don’t get it (boo), ask for feedback
It’s always a bummer when you don’t get the job, but one way to help your chances for next time is to ask for feedback to lock in your areas of improvement.
“What better way to support your growth mindset than through feedback,” Roxanne says.
“Feedback is necessary, even critical, must-know information, especially if you don’t get the job offer. I’ve also learnt to see it as a gift.”
Outside of the standard interview, Lara believes there are ways to position yourself favourably for potential employers.
“If you are in a position where you are ready to apply for your dream job, start by building a personal brand and making connections with hiring managers and relevant stakeholders on LinkedIn,” she advises.
“Leave meaningful comments on their posts and their page, without expecting anything from them in return. Showcase your unique skills, insights and value through your personal brand.”
Well, there you have it. Ultimately, job interviews can feel intimidating but with these tips in place, you’re in with a shot.
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