Going through a job interview takes both physical and mental preparation. You have to get your resume and portfolio together, be an engaging interviewee, and “wow” the hiring manager beyond your skills listed on paper. Being the ideal candidate can come with a lot of pressure because you want to secure the job and want those at the company to be impressed by your previous work. Most people do not think the interview process is their idea of fun, but it doesn’t have to be as daunting as you think it is. By following these tips, you can set yourself up for success and potentially secure the job of your dreams. 

Even if you go into the interview feeling confident, you can never know what to expect. Sometimes, the interviewer will match your personality, or the job is not what you thought it would be. You might even leave the interview feeling worse than when you started, but you are not the only one. According to a survey by The Human Reach, 40.3% of respondents say preparing for an interview and answering tough questions is the hardest part of searching for a new job. This shows that no matter how many jobs people have had in their careers, there is still a lack of education about how to nail the interview process. But The Human Reach CEO, A.J. Mizes, has done the hard work and listed his three tips to help you feel more confident in your following interview. 

Tip #1: Prepare Impactful Questions

Creating a list of thoughtful, impactful questions shows you’ve done your homework. Don’t just stick to the boring, generic ones you have asked repeatedly. Ask about the company’s plans, team dynamics, or challenges they are facing. Even though they might seem challenging, companies want to know that these essential topics matter to you as a potential employee. This will also demonstrate your genuine interest and preparation and position you as forward-thinking and eager to contribute. Having these questions ready will ensure you’re never caught off guard and make you memorable in the interviewer’s eyes.

Staying memorable during the interview process takes practice. Hiring managers see a lot of candidates, so asking these impactful questions will give you a leg up. Chances are that other interviewees asked generic questions, so you already have an advantage by taking a little extra time to come up with thoughtful questions. 

Tip #2: Let the Interviewer Take the Lead

You will have your chance to shine, but it doesn’t have to happen right off the bat. Allow the interviewer to guide the flow of the conversation to show that you’re adaptable, attentive, and respectful of their process. Start by listening carefully to their questions and cues, and resist the urge to interrupt or dominate the conversation, because they can then perceive you as an impatient person. When you give them space to lead, you can better understand their priorities and areas of interest, allowing you to tailor your responses accordingly. This approach not only demonstrates your strong listening skills but also makes it easier for you to align your answers with what they care about. 

Listening is one of the lucrative skills throughout the workforce, and shows that you can be a team player. If you are taking charge of the interview and not giving the hiring manager the space to speak it could be a potential warning sign. 

Tip #3: Anchor Your Answers with Strong Results

Do your research before going into your next interview. When responding to questions, always end with a powerful result that quantifies your impact. You need to market yourself as someone who gets results, and don’t be afraid to show the proof. Go beyond describing what you did, and emphasize the measurable outcomes of your actions, like “As a result, I increased team productivity by 20% within three months” or “This led to a 15% reduction in customer complaints, boosting satisfaction scores.” This strategy not only shows that you are results-oriented but also helps interviewers visualize the value you can bring to their organization. 

Remember, hiring managers are looking for candidates who can drive tangible results, so make sure every answer leaves them with a clear understanding of how you’ve made a difference in your past roles. It might feel like you are bragging or are doing too much for an interview, but this is another way to stand out. People often say things in interviews without having proof of it, so it’s refreshing for interviewers to actually see that your words have turned into successful actions. 

The interview process might not be your favorite part about finding a new job, but following these tips will help you feel a little more comfortable and prepared before your next one. You don’t have to go into your interview blindly, because you are now ready to “wow” the interviewer and stand out amongst the crowd. The perfect interview does exist. 

Published by: Josh Tatunay