If you have been working for the same company for the past three or more years, it’s only natural to have some ‘interview rust’. While you may be interviewing for a new position within your current company or looking for a new job all together, this article will freshen up your interviewing skills.
Interviewing has changed over the years. It’s always good to stay up-to-date on modern interviewing practices. Here are 4 tips to dust off the cobwebs and be ready for your next interview after a few years in the same role.
Update yourself
Updating everything about yourself will help to build confidence within the interview. Start with your attire, continue to your resume, your online presence, and of course your personal appearance. If you have landed an interview within your current organization, it’s time to update your resume and LinkedIn Profile. If you’re interviewing at a separate company, you may have already updated the resume. Double check your LinkedIn for accuracy as well.
Practice
According to Sales Talent Inc. “If your 1st interview is with a position you dearly want (they) strongly suggest getting in some reps before the main event. Best case would be a real interview. Second best (and still a very, very good idea) is a mock interview. Do you have peers or a former manager that can put you through the paces? Are there holes in your resume that you just know you’re going to be asked about? Practice that question even more”.
Keep it simple
You don’t need to hit a home run on every question. Bloop a few singles and get on base. Keeping your early answers simple will allow you to build momentum. Most of the early questions are about you and your life outside of work. It helps lower your guard and become more relaxed, which is a good thing!
To this point, the most common mistake is trying too hard through over-explanation. Candidates want to get every question right that they over answer. There’s a lot to be said for quiet confidence. If you know that you struggle with over-explaining, use check-ins. Give tight, 10k foot level answers and check-in to see if you’re giving the interviewer what they want or whether they’d like more detail.
Be engaging
Have a little bit of fun. It will show your personality and it will help the interviewer relax as well. Don’t be over confident, instead, be friendly. Ask personalized questions (while remaining professional) like, where did you start your career? Can you explain your company culture? If there is any indication in the room of sports or family photos, use those as well. Something like, “I see you have a dog, what breed?” These questions will show that you’re engaged and interested in the person as well as the position.
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