Interviews can feel intimidating, but keep in mind that the interviewer or hiring manager needs the position filled just as much, if not more than you need the job. Even if this is your first interview, remember, you wouldn’t have been asked to come in for an interview if the company didn’t see potential with your resume. Whether you’re interviewing for a technical career or a corporate office position, preparing for the job interview should be pretty similar. 

Do you have an interview coming up? Here are 5 helpful ways to prepare. Click To Tweet

How Can You Land Your Dream Job?

At this point, you’ve probably spent ample time writing and editing your resume. You’ve also had to network and put yourself out there to even be called in for an interview. Job interviews can be a source of anxiety for a lot of people, but with a bit of preparation, you can feel relaxed and confident knowing that you’re ready to ace the interview! Here are 5 tips to help you land your dream job:

1. Research the Company
2. Confidence & A Positive Attitude
3. Don’t Sell Yourself Short
4. Arrive Early
5. Ask Questions

1) Research the Company

First and foremost, you should do your research! Visit their website and learn as much as you can about the company. Read each page and take notes. (You may even come up with some questions to ask during the interview) Spend a lot of time on the About page. This will give you an opportunity to understand the company culture. Find the managers name and look them up on LinkedIn. Learn what they’re interested in so that you can build rapport during your interview. You’ll impress the interviewer by telling them what you’ve learned about their company and industry. Another thing you can try is to Google “Common interview questions at [Company Name]” Depending on the size of the company, you may find what others have experienced during interviews in the past. However, don’t forget that while you’re researching their company, they’re researching you. Hiring managers will look you up on social networks like Facebook to see if you portray a professional presence online. If you haven’t already, go through your social networks and make sure everything you’ve shared is appropriate and professional.

2) Confidence & A Positive Attitude

After you’ve done your research, you should feel more confident about the interview process. Even if you’re still a little nervous, you can always “Fake it until you make it.” Your body language will tell the hiring manager a lot about you. Having a smile on your face and appearing friendly and personable is a huge bonus to good interviewers. Confidence and a positive attitude can take you a long way during your job search. Even if this is your dream job and you’re worried that you aren’t qualified, stand tall and believe in yourself and you’ll be surprised at what doors will open.

3) Don’t Sell Yourself Short

This step is so important for landing your dream job! Even if you feel under-qualified, don’t let the interviewer know that. Use your skills to your advantage. Are you a good public speaker? Do you have experience with working in teams or leading others? These interpersonal skills or soft skills are essential for most jobs. Use any previous job experience when answering the questions. Even if it’s in an entirely different field, chances are, you can transfer the skills you’ve learned to a variety of job fields.

4) Arrive Early

First impressions are everything, so arrive at least fifteen minutes early! Arriving early will show the hiring managers that you are not only punctual but have interest in the job. Also, if you arrive early, this will give you time to use the restroom beforehand.

Pro Tip: If you have an interview coming up, bring at least two copies of your resume and portfolio (if you have one) so that the hiring managers have something tangible to look at.

5) Ask Questions

Lastly, ask good questions! At the end of your interview, the interviewers will ask you if you have any questions. The answer to this is always, “Yes!” If you have no questions, it will make you seem unprepared. Make eye contact and ask any of these questions:

• What does a typical day in this career field look like?
• Is there an opportunity for advancement?
• How did this business start?
• What weekly hours will I be expected to work?
• When will I hear back about this position?

Score Your Dream Job!

Whether you’re interviewing for a position as an HVAC tech or a fashion designer, these interview tips can be used across most industries. Practice answers to potential interview questions, come prepared, and the rest should be a breeze.

Do you want to learn more interview tips? Join us on Facebook to speak with our team today!