In today’s competitive job market, first impressions matter more than ever. Did you know? More than a third of hiring managers know within 90 seconds whether they’ll hire someone–you could make or break your chances of landing the role in just a minute and a half.
Our experienced recruiters have conducted thousands of interviews and know exactly what makes candidates stand out. Here are their practical tips you can implement immediately to land your dream job.
1. Do Your Research – It’s More Than Just Googling
[Tips from Evan Schlesinger, Ashley Powers, & Alyssa Smith]
Our experts agree that research is the key differentiator between candidates who shine in interviews and those who fall short. Quality research helps you make informed decisions and shows employers you’re serious about the opportunity. Here’s what they recommend for genuinely understanding if a company is the right fit for you:
- Know the company you’re interviewing with! Remember, you are interviewing them just as much as they are interviewing you to ensure it’s a good fit.
- Come prepared with information about the company, its role, and a solid understanding of its history.
- Do your due diligence before interviewing and understand the position details and expectations to ensure you meet their requirements.
While thorough research is essential, your ability to communicate this knowledge effectively is what truly sets you apart in an interview. Let’s explore how to structure your responses for maximum impact.
2. Structure Your Responses for Maximum Impact
[Tips from David Weiman]
Preparing compelling interview responses isn’t just about what you say but how you say it. Having a clear framework for sharing your experiences can help you communicate your value effectively and memorably.
- Use the “OAR”/”CAR” method to frame your answers! OAR — Opportunity, Action, Result, and CAR – Challenge, Action, Result are easy to remember and can help you answer questions about your background/experiences in a way that makes it clear to the interviewer what you were facing, what you did, and how it turned out.
- It’s okay to discuss things that didn’t work out as planned. Some candidates think they must deny anything negative or that they ever made a mistake. Learning from mistakes is part of growing and developing, so it’s fine to share those and how you overcame them.
Remember, the goal isn’t to memorize perfect answers but to tell your professional story in a way that resonates.
3. Present Yourself Professionally
[Tips from Ashley Powers]
First impressions matter, and in an interview setting, every detail of your presentation counts. Here’s what our expert recommends:
- Dress for the part–go in as if you’re applying for the CEO position.
- Practice your elevator pitch! Keep it concise and tailor it to the specific job or company.
- Prepare for the “why should we hire you” question – don’t just list your qualifications; show how you will help the company succeed and solve its challenges.
Your professional presence sets the stage for success, but the interview is a two-way conversation requiring thoughtful engagement.
4. Ask Strategic Questions
[Tips from Ashley Powers, Evan Schlesinger & Brad Schwartz]
The questions you ask during an interview are just as important as the answers you give – they demonstrate your genuine interest and help you gain valuable insights about the role and company. Our experts share their top strategies:
- ASK QUESTIONS! Don’t leave the interview without asking important, open-ended questions that encourage discussion, like “What does success look like for someone stepping into this role?”
- Show genuine interest by asking about company culture, their history, and most importantly, where they are going and how this role fits in – how do their needs align with your strengths?
- Keep an open mind if the job differs from your expectations. Keep enthusiasm high, ask great questions, and leave a strong impression. Don’t let any disappointment show – you never know what opportunities might arise.
Thoughtful questions create meaningful dialogue and help both parties determine if there’s a strong mutual fit.
5. Close Strong and Follow Through
[Tips from Aimee Long & Evan Schlesinger]
The final moments of your interview and your actions afterward can significantly impact your candidacy. Our experts share these essential strategies for ending on a high note:
- In the final interview, don’t be afraid to “close the deal” and ask for the job – communicate your excitement and interest clearly.
- Don’t be afraid to ask the interviewer if they have any hesitations about offering you the position. If they do, this gives you a valuable opportunity to address any concerns directly and reinforce why you’re the right fit for the role.
- Get their contact information after the interview and follow up appropriately – send a thank you email and follow up once after a week or two. Show interest, but don’t go overboard.
A strong finish demonstrates your continued enthusiasm and professionalism, setting you apart from other candidates. However, job searching can be stressful, and it’s important to maintain perspective throughout the process.
BONUS TIP: The Power of a Smile
Special insight from Amanda Kopko, #OpenToWork Elevator Spotlight guest
During our recent #OpenToWork Elevator Spotlight call, Amanda reminded us of an often-overlooked truth:
- Remember that your interviewer might be nervous, too! A genuine smile can help relax both parties. This is especially important in today’s virtual interviews where we’re limited to “neck up” visibility – making your smile even more crucial for creating connection.
Want to hear more insights from Amanda? Jump to 13:46 in the #OpenToWork Elevator Spotlight call on our YouTube channel here to listen to her perspective on the power of a smile, or watch the whole discussion for more valuable interview tips.
Final Thoughts
Success in interviews isn’t about mastering any technique – it’s about bringing together all these elements to present your authentic, professional self. While thorough research and structured responses form the foundation, your mindset and approach can set you apart. Remember, the strongest interviews feel like genuine conversations rather than interrogations; something as simple as a warm smile can make all the difference. With these expert strategies and consistent practice, you can showcase your best self in any interview.
Ready to put these interview tips into action? Visit our Get Hired page for more resources and expert advice on landing your dream job. Stay tuned for more career tips and insights from our recruiting team!