We all have that “Dream Job.” Maybe yours is astronaut or basketball coach. Maybe it’s designing clothing or reporting for the national news. No matter what your dream job consists of, the right interview techniques can help take you from interview to hired.
The following 7 tips will help you turn your dream job interview into your ultimate dream job:
Practice, practice, practice. No matter how enthusiastic you are about the position or industry and no matter how much you already know, practicing potential answers ahead of time will help you rise to the top of the pack. You will alleviate any nerves and learn how to best phrase your interests and experience in order to make an impact.
Do your research. The more you know, the more you will shine. Make sure you dedicate ample time ahead of the interview to research the latest news on the industry and job position itself so you can impress the interviewer with your knowledge and preparation. Have a few statistics or case studies in your back pocket to share when the time is right.
Update your online presence. If your social media shows a lot of party pictures, it’s time for a refresh. Update your online accounts and any personal websites or blogs; you can also adjust your privacy settings. Share your educated thoughts on LinkedIn or appropriate quotes on Twitter that showcase your personality and talents in a positive light.
Show up. This means everything from “show up on time” to “make sure you are dressed appropriately and organized” to “be engaged mentally.” Plan to arrive a few minutes earlier so you aren’t rushed and make sure you have copies of your resume/any appropriate work samples with you.
Share your best and brightest examples. Part of preparing for interview questions is coming up with examples that best highlight your previous experience, skills and interest. When responding to an interview question, make sure your answers include specific examples whenever possible. Instead of “I am great at building teams,” try “I grew our team by 30% and increased sales by $3 million per year,” for example. Let the person interviewing you know how you can contribute to that dream job.
Don’t just answer, ask. Come with a list of questions about the job, the industry and anything else you are interested in, and don’t be afraid to jump in with questions as they arise. This shows your preparation and interest level.
Say thank you – then write it. Follow up within a day with a thoughtful thank you note that reiterates your interest and qualification for the job. Remind the interviewer why you are definitely the best person for the job!