10 Things to Know Before Your Next Interview

John Krautzel
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New college graduates looking for a job face a few uphill challenges. Unemployment among this demographic is higher than normal, and a highly competitive job market may lead to companies hiring more experienced workers. One thing millennials can do is try to perform better during the job interview. Here are 10 things to keep in mind if you want to turn your next face time into "You're hired."

1. Video Interview Etiquette

Many employers turn to technology to help expedite the hiring process, and video interviews are becoming more common thanks to advances in software technology. If you get a video interview, prepare for it as you would for a regular job interview, but take the extra steps to practice with the technology ahead of time. Dress professionally, find a quiet place and see if the wall behind you is visually neutral as opposed to having some gaudy posters of rock bands or celebrities on it.

2. Conquer the Phone Interview

Even if you may be tempted to sit or even lounge on the bed during a telephone interview, standing helps make you sound more confident. Speak slowly and clearly, pause for a moment before responding, and remember to smile while you speak to lift your tone of voice.

3. Research

Thoroughly research the employer before your job interview. Search the news, peruse the company's website and find the names of the people responsible for hiring you on LinkedIn. Knowing about the business shows your enthusiasm and gives you several talking points during an interview.

4. Cellphones

Leave your cellphone in the car during an in-person interview. This prevents distractions, fidgeting and any accidental text alerts that may sound during the job interview.

5. Punctuality

Arrive on time to the interview. Showing up 10 minutes early is considered a good rule of thumb, but make sure you leave time for any traffic snafus. You can always wait in your car if you get there extremely early.

6. Your Resume

Know the contents of your resume as best as possible. Bring copies with you to the interview to serve as a reference point for interviewers. Your resume also leads to conversational points during your face time.

7. Your Story

A job interview is a chance to tell your story in more detail beyond what's stated in your resume. Personal anecdotes about your professional experiences help you stand out and show off your personality.

8. Your ROI

What do you have to offer an employer? The more value you bring, the better an employer's return on investment. Make sure every word you say relates in some way to what you bring to the table.

9. Positives

Remain as positive as possible throughout the interview. Chances are that a few questions may come up that may seem like you should be negative. These behavioral questions are designed to gauge your attitude rather than getting a correct answer.

10. Nonverbals

Eye contact and firm handshakes are a must when you interact with your interviewers. This bespeaks your confidence, attentiveness and engagement in the situation.

Practice and preparation are the keys to mastering all of these aspects of a job interview. College graduates who get past these challenges have a better chance of landing a job and get their careers started on the right foot.


Photo courtesy of Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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  • paulette h.
    paulette h.

    Very informative I will add.

  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    @Conya that is basically true. However, that degree will still hold up if you are competing against someone who does not have a degree. It is up to us to keep current on new technologies. There are many sites that offer refresher courses or where you can just take one course that you need -maybe for a new certification or to update one you may already have. The way everything is on the Internet now, there is no excuse for keeping current and competitive when it comes to securing your next job.

  • Conya McPherson
    Conya McPherson

    degree you just got may no longer be valid in a few years because technology is changing so quickly.

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