Say goodbye to awkward silences and regrettable responses during job interviews. Instead, welcome to a confident and professional experience you can be proud of.
It’s no secret that preparing for an interview can be stressful, but having the right strategy can make all the difference when it comes to sitting down with a recruiter or hiring manager and making an impact.
To help, we’ll explore eight proven and authentic interview practices to help you rise above other candidates and leave a lasting impression in your job search.
Ready to turn your next job interview into a career-defining moment? These eight tips can help you elevate your performance and stand out from the competition.
Going into an interview without understanding the industry the job represents is like walking into a sushi restaurant and ordering a slice of pepperoni pizza. It shows that you didn’t do your research and don't understand what they do. It can also leave the impression that you are not genuinely interested in the role.
Employers tend to favor candidates who are enthusiastic about the industry, and the company, they’re applying to work in. Before your interview, spend some time researching the appropriate industry, especially if it’s not one you envisioned yourself in or have little prior experience with. Displaying genuine passion can help set you apart from less-informed candidates.
Prep tip: Quickly become an industry pro by following industry leaders on social media, subscribing to relevant industry newsletters, and attending webinars or in-person industry events.
Over 90% of U.S. managers say a job candidate’s alignment with the company culture is equal to or more important than skills1 and experience. Company culture refers to values, work environment, communication techniques, leadership style, company traditions, and how leaders approach work-life balance.
When a candidate’s values and work style don’t match up with a company’s culture, it’s likely to result in a lack of engagement, increased stress levels, and a higher likelihood of turnover. Just as employers look for a cultural fit, candidates should also explore ways an organization corresponds with their ideals to reduce the prospect of a future layoff.
Prep tip: Research a company’s culture by exploring its website, particularly sections like About Us or Our Mission. Their career page may also give insight into the attributes they look for in ideal candidates. You can also check their social media profiles and look for employee testimonials.
Matching with company culture should be authentic. If you’re not on board with their beliefs, carefully consider whether you can leave your values at the door every workday should you get hired.
Having the right skills and qualifications isn’t enough. During an interview, it all comes down to how they’re presented.
According to a 2023 Glassdoor survey, 63% of recruiters say the biggest mistake applicants make on their resumes is not tailoring them to the specific jobs they’re applying for. This factor becomes even more critical when considering at least 35% of companies use AI2 in hiring, while 99% of Fortune 500 companies rely on AI to streamline their recruitment processes.
If you’re not tailoring your resume for each position with both human and AI-powered recruiters in mind, your relevant skills and qualifications may be missed entirely.
Prep tip: Be ready to dive deeper into your skill set during the interview. Beforehand, review your resume with the job description beside it. Identify key skills and experiences that closely align with the role’s requirements. Then, think of a real scenario from your past work experience or education that demonstrates you effectively utilizing these skills.
Use these anecdotes to display your qualifications out in the open rather than relying on the list in your resume or application.
Job markets and descriptions can change overnight. Employers seek candidates who can not only ride the waves but also read them. The ability to quickly adjust to new challenges demonstrates resilience and flexibility, allowing some employees to thrive while others barely survive.
This can be a complex attribute to showcase in an interview, but doing so successfully can give you a winning edge. Look for opportunities to share specific examples where you adapted to significant changes. Demonstrate your ability to think on your feet when asked hypothetical questions or discuss your commitment to ongoing development.
Prep tip: Practice answering questions through a mock interview with a friend. You can have them throw unexpected questions at you, helping you to sharpen your quick-thinking skills.
Collaboration is critical in the workplace, with about 75% of employers3 considering it a very important skill for candidates to possess. Similarly, employers also highly value leadership skills for driving organizational success and team performance.
Employers often assess a candidate’s interpersonal skills and ability to contribute to a positive team dynamic. While you may prefer solitude in your personal life, it’s crucial to show during the interview that you’re committed to collaboration and leadership in the workplace.
Prep tip: Look for opportunities to share teamwork stories or highlight a leadership experience during your interview. Be specific by demonstrating KPIs, growth numbers, and impactful outcomes and showing your ability to work in diverse teams, resolve conflicts, and meet goals.
Over 70% of employers feel critical thinking is key4 to their organization’s success. Companies need candidates who can analyze problems, think critically, and develop practical solutions. This is particularly important for roles that involve decision-making.
Interviews are often an ideal opportunity to showcase your critical thinking process as they demand on-the-spot problem solving and quick-witted answers.
Prep tip: Enhance your problem solving and critical thinking skills by learning the STAR method5 (Situation, Task, Action, Result). With this approach, you can effectively structure your responses and provide clear examples of your problem-solving skills while highlighting your ability to create successful outcomes in various professional situations.
In today’s job market, finding a position that doesn’t require at least a basic understanding of technology is nearly impossible. As industries adopt more digital processes and tools, tech-savviness has become highly desirable, if not completely necessary, even for roles that may not be traditionally tech-related.
Those who proudly display their tech skills alongside an eagerness to learn more and remain current with emerging technologies are more likely to stand out as candidates, especially during a career change.
Prep tip: Find ways to mention any certifications or training you have related to technology, even if the role isn't explicitly tech focused. If you don’t have any of these skills but want to demonstrate your commitment to skill building, consider taking Coursera, EdX, Udacity, or LinkedIn Learning courses or checking out options at your local community college or university.
Soft skills are personal attributes that enhance your interactions, communication, and work performance. Examples include time management, problem solving, punctuality, personal grooming, and emotional intelligence.
Employers typically value soft skills since they can contribute to a positive work environment and foster effective teamwork. When an employee works with consumers, soft skills can enhance client relations and promote overall success within the company.
Prep tip: Soft skills are easily demonstrated during an interview. Show up early and dress professionally. Carry yourself confidently and come prepared with stories and examples that illustrate your skill set and problem-solving abilities. Bonus tip: send a thank-you note to the hiring manager to show your appreciation after the interview.
Ready to excel in your career? Your success story begins with mastering the interview process, strengthens with a job offer, and extends to securing your loved ones’ future.
1 https://builtin.com/company-culture/company-culture-statistics
3https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/team-decision-making
4https://www.fastcompany.com/3037837/employers-want-critical-thinkers-but-do-they-know-what-it-means
5 https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/how-to-use-the-star-interview-response-technique
This article is provided for general informational purposes only. Neither New York Life Insurance Company, nor its agents, provides tax, legal, or accounting advice. Please consult your own tax, legal, or accounting professional before making any decisions.
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