Looking for a new job makes mixed feelings arise. On the one hand, new opportunities await you in a possibly better job with better working conditions and pay. Who knows? Maybe quitting a place opens the door to your dream occupation. Either way, it’s a new and exciting chapter of your life.
On the other hand, CVs and interviews’ competition and success rate might make you feel under pressure. So, it sounds like having a good resume might ease your mind and boost your chances of getting hired. Hence, applicants might try to hire a CV editor to help them perfect their resumes.
The last thing is the interview. Whether online or in-person with a mask on, it’s a crucial opportunity to leave a good impression and seal the deal. So, is there a way to ace the interview? Not really, because every employer is different. Nevertheless, there’s an almost perfect formula to having a successful discussion.
1. Have an impeccable CV
Employers might not even consider you for the interview without a good CV. So, it’s quintessential to have a fantastic resume with these essential aspects:
- Hard skills. Avoid writing a list of your abilities. Instead, aim for a more fluent description of your skills.
- Character. Employers might sort through a myriad of seemingly similar CVs. So, it’s essential to strike them with your personality. Showing off a little bit of yourself through a motto, a set of values, and hobbies are something people might remember.
- Soft skills. People underestimate the number of skills you need in a workplace. Most of these abilities are “soft” because they concern your social skills. If you plan on working in a team, this set of capabilities is vital.
- Experiences. Don’t spend too much time on activities that don’t interest the position you want. Try to highlight the relevant ones.
- Picture. A name without a face is just a word. So, try to include a nice photo of yourself.
- Contacts and social media.
- References.
2. Know your interviewer
Before you step into the office, you should know your interviewer. So, start researching the company.
Figure out their history, the image they want to present, and their objective. You can do this by checking social media or official sites. When it’s time to talk, try to bring those ideas to the surface when you speak.
3. Start from the basics
Your interviewer might ask you about some basic information that they might find in your CV. For instance, they might ask you about your education, past jobs, and life. Here are some common questions:
- Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
- Why did you quit your last job?
- Why did you choose to specialize in this sector?
4. Align with the position
When you’re talking about yourself and your work, you should bring out the abilities that align with the new job. So, it would help if you started reading a few times the job description and requirements.
5. Talk about your past jobs
Whether your past jobs are similar to those you’re applying for doesn’t matter. What counts is how your work your way through tough situations. Therefore, when explaining the most challenging parts of your past experiences, try to tell a story. Starting from the setting of the problem, proceed with describing your actions, the solution, and success. This method’s also known as START, according to Forbes.
In addition, when you talk about your past jobs, try to have a positive to neutral approach. Avoid discrediting your ex-employers and their company, especially if they’re in your references.
6. Practice with friends
It’s helpful to have someone who listens to you. A friend will tell you if your tone is too formal or if something doesn’t sound right. Also, they can give you ideas for questions or enrich your interview ideas.
Moreover, you can practice with different friends because each might bring some valuable and diverse input. Of course, it would help to practice with someone from the company you’re applying to, but your close ones will do if that’s not possible.
7. Get your papers ready
A great point from Indeed.com is to make at least a few copies of your CV to give to the team of interviewers. Also, you can make some thank you letters to provide after the interview. They can be physical or virtual letters.
In addition, bring a pen and paper to note down important aspects of your interview.
8. Impress
Your outfit should be perfect for the interview. Depending on the job, you can prepare a stylish fit that will help you give a good impression. Have a clean manicure, and if you wear makeup, keep it simple.
Stand upright to exude confidence and have a serene expression. Also, try to tame your physical language:
- When giving people a handshake, make eye contact, and smile, but don’t touch their wrist with your index finger. Scientifically, the wrist is a sensitive area. So, when you’re just meeting someone and touching that part, it’s almost like you’re forcing contact with them.
- Keep eye contact with the people you’re speaking to, always. Eye contact conveys confidence and attention, so try to look your interviewers in the eyes without staring.
- Don’t be stiff. Sure, it’s great to stand tall, but people will perceive you as cold if you’re too robotic.
- Take up space. If you’re sitting, use your table’s space (or just the space in front of you) to explain better. If you’re standing tall, place your hands on your hips from time to time. Don’t cross your arms because it means that you’re being defensive.
Last but not least, get there a few minutes early. Prepare your routes and have plan B in case plan A fails.
9. Authenticity
It feels good to speak to someone who is honest and isn’t just trying to get the job. Most employers will feel refreshed to hear someone who doesn’t just try to please their interviewers. Also, people want to relate to you, so show your personality.