The year 2023 wraps up in a few days and this brings us to the new year 2024. There is no need to beat yourself up for not getting past an interview even with all of the interview tips you’ve gotten. Well, it is necessary to know that with each day, comes a “newness”. So, if the former interview tips are no longer enough, then you need to find the ones that will work going forward which is why we have come up with these.
Blow Your own Trumpet during the introduction
Almost every time during the interview, you are asked to introduce yourself, so you go ahead to say your name and talk about your role. If this is just what you do each time you are called for an interview, you need to switch to something more interesting; Talk about you, sell yourself a little at this point, your little background and experiences. So, don’t wait for the interviewer to say “Tell me something that is not in your CV” – take charge early enough.
Take enough time to gather all the information that you need
The more information you get, the better for you because access to important data can help you ace the interview. This includes checking through to see what the company does, the platforms it uses, and what are their workers like. What solution are they looking to solve with their product? Are they planning to start any new initiatives? Look through their Linkedin, X, and Instagram, then make sure you work with every Information you have obtained.
Talk about your work-life balance in place of hobbies
When a recruiter asks you to discuss the things you love to do outside of work, see it as an opportunity to demonstrate to the employer that you have a work-life balance and also tie your hobby(ies) to the job/role. These hobbies can showcase creativity, problem-solving, and out-of-the-box thinking, which are valuable in various roles, especially in creative industries or roles requiring innovation.
Screen your social media before attending any interview
Changes in the job market have caused a couple of shifts to happen and because of this, while applying for jobs, some organisations may ask you to include your social links. Most likely, recruiters must have gone through the pages in these links before the day of the interview, so you want to be sure about what’s on your social media, especially if you are a creative.
Read Also: How do walk-in interviews work?
Regardless of the interview stage, prepare harder
Modern interviewers/recruiters often provide interview invitations that outline a structured roadmap, detailing the various stages an applicant will navigate during the interview process. Even though they subtly imply a casual nature for the initial stage, it’s best not to underestimate its importance. Ignore phrases like “it’s a chat” or “it’s just a phone call,” and maintain the same level of preparation and seriousness as you would for the final stage. Failing to excel in this initial stage may result in no opportunity to progress to subsequent stages.
Read your CV before an Interview
Yes. The CV is yours and you already know the content or not. But, if you take a bit of time to go through your CV even before the interview, it gives you more points to speak about just in case you don’t remember some of the achievements you’ve made. Also, it helps you to answer any type of question the interviewers ask from the CV. And, in the long run, it ensures you are leaving no stone unturned.
Don’t Just talk about your Soft Skills, Prove them
This might be what sets you apart! Remember that almost all of you gunning for that position will claim to possess the same skills, so, rather than saying, you’re demonstrating them. For instance, rather than keep saying you are an excellent communicator, show it by communicating super well. Also, instead of repeating how good of a listener you are, make sure that you are listening, thinking, and responding accordingly.
It may be just an interview but remember that it is what will get you the job that you seek. So, you want to put your all into it.
