Interview Like a Pro: Top Tips for Locking Down the job in today’s brutal market
In a sea of hungry applicants all with star-studded resumes and hours of rehearsed responses, how are you going to stand out & snag the one offer? Not only that, but the art of the interview is a growing requirement in all aspects of life: from colleges to extracurriculars, to internships, to jobs, mastering the interview has the power to propel YOU. But no need to fear, Prospher is here! Too corny? On a serious note, we are here to provide you with essential tips that we’ve gathered from industry insiders on what will wow your interviewer for every kind of interview. (Guaranteed 100% success rate)
In today’s world, achieving financial stability often hinges on the ability to secure steady employment, and this is especially true for women. Access to meaningful and well-paying jobs is crucial for women to ensure economic independence, support their families, and build a secure future. In this day and age, every workforce is becoming incredibly competitive. Competitors often have the same profile, so one of the ways companies choose who to hire is through the interview. The interview is one of the main hurdles you will undergo while vying for a job. Composed of a series of questions, the interview allows the company to get to know you and your work ethic better to help make the determining decision on whether or not to hire you. The interview is a way for you to stand out and gain financial stability, making it an essential part of the job application process. Prosper Finance has compiled a list of crucial interview skills that will allow you to ace your interview and gain financial security so that you can help support yourself!
First Impressions: While interviews are often your first direct interaction with potential employers, the real test starts BEFORE the interview. If you know the name of your interviewer or their job title, do your homework! Whether it be “stalking” them on Linkedin or gathering more information on their specific role, it will help you familiarize yourself with them and give you more substance to talk about that's relevant to THEM. In addition, make a positive first impression, don’t forget that they too are people. Showcase your enthusiasm for the role & your personality and charm while simultaneously displaying your professionalism.
Communication: Always be mindful of how you're communicating and articulating yourself in an interview to curate a favorable perception of yourself. Being well versed in the more technical questions of whatever position and having done mock interviews will help you communicate with more ease in a calmer demeanor. But at the same time, don’t get too caught up in giving the quintessential “perfect” answer. Oftentimes, interviewers long to see the humanity and individuality in responses, so when asked a personal question, be genuine! In addition, avoid filler words, engage in appropriate eye contact, and be mindful of the pace of your voice. Give yourself a moment to process a question before jumping into an answer.
Confidence: Before people hear you or get to know you, they sense an “aura” that you exude. Be wary of giving off a desperate or overly anxious “vibe.” A vibe is essentially a compilation of micro aspects of your appearance. For example, your body language, the speed at which you talk, how much you fidget, are all parts of it.
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Get good at being in the hot seat! Many interviews include scenario-based or behavioral questions to assess your problem-solving and critical thinking skills so be prepared to discuss to effectively highlight your ability to handle spontaneous challenges. Don’t let these catch you off guard, you’ve been warned! Traditionally for bigger corporations or firms, a deep dive into a Reddit thread or a comment section will reveal some of these wacky difficult questions that you may be asked. Even beforehand, try to connect with someone who currently works in the position you are interviewing for and ask them for tips or what they were asked in their interview.
Building Relationships: Interviews are not just a one-way street; they’re a chance to build a relationship with the interviewer. Strong interpersonal skills can make the interaction more engaging and pleasant, creating a positive impression. In the case you don’t get the position (you most obviously will though because you read this), take the extra mile to reach out to your interviewer, thank them for their time and the opportunity, and ask them if they can provide any valuable input as to what you can work on or what areas you were lacking in. Not only will this help you for next time, but it will make you stand out and demonstrate your commitment to improving yourself and learning.
Handling Pressure: Interviews can be stressful, so being able to stay calm, focused, and articulate under stress helps manage pressure effectively.
Preparation: Preparing for an interview can include asking someone to ask you typical interview questions, researching the company in advance, and learning their mission statement or other points that are essential to the company. As previously mentioned, a sneaky and underutilized way to get ahead is to go straight to the source, those who’ve worked in that position! Consider finding these people via Linkedin and using this template as a baseline message: “Hi (NAME)! I saw your profile and wanted to reach out as I am very interested in the (X) position at (COMPANY). I was wondering if you have some advice on landing the role! I’d greatly appreciate hearing from you.” In the case that they are alumni from your high school or college you may also add: “As a fellow (insert school name), I’d greatly appreciate hearing from you.
Negotiation: Being well-prepared allows you to negotiate confidently and assertively, ensuring you're able to discuss fair salary and other benefits. Don’t be afraid to get down to the nitty-gritty.
Ask Questions: By far the worst thing you can do at the end of an interview is not ask any questions. The end of the interview is the perfect time to differentiate yourself from the rest of the candidate pool through questions. Here are some impressive questions to ask them
Why did you choose to work at X company? What do you like about X company specifically?
What project(s)are you currently working on and how would I be able to help?
Why did you choose to make the switch from Y company to X company?
Professionalism: Demonstrating professionalism throughout the interview process reflects your overall work ethic and attitude impacting how you’re perceived by potential employers. Maintain a professional decorum and be sure to be polite.
