Interview Co-Pilot

When you’re talking about yourself in an interview, the way you answer certain questions can mean the difference between getting the job and not getting the job.

Be prepared with your answers. Recruiters love to ask behavioral questions (a time when you…) so make sure you have a few good anecdotes to fall back on.

Don’t be shy! When you’re telling a story about yourself, make sure you mention the parts that make yourself look good. After all, you want to give the recruiter a good impression.

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Some people just naturally have charisma. But while being irresistible may seem like magic, you can learn some of their secrets to become just as likable.

Learn to read people. Instead of treating everyone the way you’d like to be treated, pay attention and discern what each individual needs and how they want to specifically be treated by you.

Avoid small talk. Stop talking about things like the weather or traffic and turn the conversation into something more interesting and meaningful.

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It’s easy for people to give the advice to follow your passion. But sometimes following your passion isn’t what’s best for your career and for yourself.

Your passion is difficult to define. You may enjoy multiple things equally. Instead, you should focus on what you’re good at.

Your passion may change. You don’t always love the same things for your entire life. Even if you love a job now, you might feel differently in five years.

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Having a mentor on your side can be a huge help in the job search process. To find and keep a good one, you need to know how to first build the relationship.

Start by knowing exactly what you want. Decide what you want out of the mentor relationship and how you want it to work before pursuing one.

Don’t make up any problems. When your mentor asks you how they can help, have an answer ready, so that you don’t have to make up a problem on the spot.

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Moving can be a hassle – even if you’re doing it for the job of your dreams. When you’re negotiating an out-of-state job, there are certain things you should ask for to make your transition easier.

Ask your company to allow you and your family to take a relocation scouting trip. These trips give you the opportunity to look for a place to live and to scout the area and get to know it better.

Temporary housing, if available, is a great benefit. Getting a one or two month housing option takes the pressure off and gives you plenty of time to find someplace more permanent.

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The time you schedule an interview may influence your likelihood of getting a job. Make sure you know when the best, and worst, times to have an interview are.

Try not to be the first. You don’t want to be ahead of too many other candidates so you don’t become the benchmark against which all others are measured.

Don’t be the last, either. By the end of the day, your interviewer might be more tired and less likely to think clearly and critically, meaning they won’t be at their best to meet you.

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Searching for a job can be pretty frustrating. With a lot of waiting around and probably some rejection, you may just want to give up completely.

Remember to tell yourself not to cave. If you commit yourself and tell yourself you can do it, you will.

Think about your past accomplishments. Have you been in other situations where you had to push through and keep going? What did you do then? Apply the same strategies here.

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When you’re offered a job that you’re unsure about, sometimes it might be better to just say no, rather than accept it anyway, only to realize later on that you’ve made a huge mistake.

Do your research. Learn all you can about the company and the position, and if you see any warning signs, chances are it may not be the right position for you.

When you’re in the interview, observe the interviewer. Do they seem prepared for you? If they don’t, they probably aren’t prepared in other aspects of their business.

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You may not be able to predict what questions an interviewer will ask, but you can be prepared. Once you know how to answer the most common questions, you’ll be ready no matter what question is thrown your way.

When you’re asked to tell a little bit about yourself, don’t just give your employment history. Give the interviewer a short pitch that shows why you’re the right fit for the job.

When asked where you heard about the position, take the opportunity to show off your knowledge and interest in the company.

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When you’ve been rejected over and over again, it can hurt. But what are you doing wrong? Understanding what the problem is will put you closer to nailing that interview and landing the job.

If you’re not making it past the final round, chances are it’s because you’re not showing that you understand the position, the company and the team. Make sure you do your research and show off what you know in the interview.

If you’re only getting phone interview, that probably means you’re not delivering your stories well. You’ve got the experience and skills but you don’t know how to stand out and show what you’re worth. Practice to ensure you make it further than the phone.

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