We’ve all been there – frantically Googling “how to prepare for a job interview” the night before the big day, with sweaty palms and shaky hands, only to be greeted by obvious observations like “dress well” and “be on time.” Beyond the common sense suggestions, there are several insider secrets that will raise your confidence and help you stand out among the crowd. We’ve narrowed the list down to five that are sure to help you seal the deal.
1) The Elevator Speech
It’s difficult for an employer to get a good sense of who you are when you’re stumbling through something as simple as “tell me about yourself.” Stay cool and confident by creating an elevator speech. It’s a quick summary of what you’re all about that should take the length of an elevator ride to deliver (about 30-60 seconds). As a basic rule, start with schooling, then past experiences, and finish with what you’re looking for next.
Let’s say that Jane, a recent grad, is looking for a job in broadcasting. Her elevator speech would sound something like “I just earned my degree in journalism from _________ University. I’ve spent the past two years interning for a local news station and love the fast pace and pressure that comes with the job. Now I’m looking to keep that hustle and stay challenged as an on-screen reporter.”
Keep your speech simple, easy to remember, and free of any tongue twisters. Run through it with a friend a few times to prevent stage fright during your interview.
2) Bring The Buzzwords
Every company has their own language and you’ve got to learn the lingo to leave a mark in your interview. You can get a good idea of what these words and phrases are from the company’s about us page, mission statement, or manifesto. Carefully choose the words and values that align with who you are and brainstorm ways to weave them into the conversation organically.
If a brand is dedicated to providing a unique, out-of-the-box experience, mention your eagerness to do the same. Talk about your dedication to living an active lifestyle if the company’s culture is centered around healthy living. Bring up your successes in working with a team if collaboration is a crucial job requirement. Never force it or overdo it with this one – it can easily come off as cheesy.
3) Drop The Jargon
Specifically at larger companies, the person you’ll interview with is rarely the person you’ll be reporting to on a daily basis. More often than not, an HR pro or an office manager will be handling the hiring process. Tone down the technical talk when you’re chatting with someone who isn’t directly in your field. This is not to say “dumb it down,” but keep it simple for the sake of easy understanding. Your interviewer knows you’re qualified – it’s what got you the interview in the first place. Your character is what will give you the cutting edge.
4) Prep A Proposal
In any position that requires creative thinking, what you can bring to the table is your most valuable asset. Before you interview, plan out a few quick proposals that reflect the kind of work you want to be doing at the company. It could be a pitch for a front page feature, a project that would streamline an out-of-date system, or a campaign for a well-known client. Even if they’re not interested in implementing your ideas, your suggestions will show that you’re well prepared and ready to jump right in.
5) Send A Thank You Card
A touch of gratitude goes a long way. Shortly after interviewing, send a handwritten card to your interviewer. Thank them for their time and interest, while keeping it short and sweet. This is not a space to plead your case, but to simply say thanks. Because positions can be filled quickly, it’s best to get the card in the mail the same day as your interview. With letters becoming a lost art, you’re certain to stick out with this act of kindness.