18 Unspoken Job Interview Rules People Should Know
Job interviews can be daunting, with seemingly endless unspoken rules and expectations. However, with preparation and the right strategies, you can confidently navigate the process from application to follow-up. To help you succeed, we’ve compiled 18 essential job interview rules that will guide you in making a lasting impression, showcasing your professionalism, and ultimately increasing your chances of landing your dream job.
By reading on, you’ll gain valuable insights and tips to impress your interviewer and take control of your next job interview.
Arrive Early, But Not Too Early
Timing is everything when it comes to an interview. Aim to arrive 10-15 minutes beforehand, striking a delicate balance between punctuality and consideration. Avoid showing up too early, as this may cause inconvenience to your interviewer, or worse, show up late, which can set a negative tone for the entire conversation. Instead, use these extra minutes to collect your thoughts, review your notes, and mentally prepare yourself for the discussion ahead.
This brief window of time allows you to compose yourself, ensuring you’re in the best possible state to tackle the interview with confidence.
Dress Appropriately for the Company Culture
To show respect and make an effort, understand your company’s dress code and aim to dress just above it. Conduct research beforehand to get a sense of what employees typically wear, then strive for a slightly more polished look. It’s always better to err on the side of being overdressed than underdressed, ensuring you’re making a positive impression from the start.
Bring Multiple Copies of Your Resume
In today’s digital landscape, it’s still essential to have a physical copy of your resume readily available for both yourself and any interviewer(s) involved. This thoughtful approach demonstrates a proactive mindset, as it not only ensures a backup plan in case technology fails but also enables you to effortlessly reference your experiences and achievements during the conversation.
Having this physical copy at hand can significantly enhance the overall job interview experience, showcasing your attention to detail and ability to think ahead.
Prepare Your Strengths and Weaknesses Creatively
When exploring your personal brand, it’s essential to move beyond generic phrases and instead focus on authentic qualities and imperfections. This means sharing specific instances where your strengths have been assets or liabilities, highlighting your ability to recognize and adapt to your own limitations. By doing so, you’ll showcase your self-awareness, professional growth, and capacity for continuous improvement.
Practice Your Handshake
Kickstarting an interview on a high note is crucial, and it all begins with a strong foundation – literally. A firm handshake, complemented by sincere eye contact and a warm smile, sends a powerful signal to the interviewer that you’re confident and poised from the get-go. To ensure this initial impression sets the right tone, it’s essential to rehearse your handshake until it becomes second nature.
Turn Your Phone Off
To minimize distractions, it’s essential to power down your phone entirely, conveying a sense of professionalism and respect for the interviewer’s time. By doing so, you’re able to focus on the conversation without any interruptions, ensuring a more meaningful exchange.
Be Mindful of Your Body Language
When it comes to making a positive impression, your nonverbal cues are just as important as your spoken words. A simple yet effective way to boost your confidence and engagement is to master your body language. Start by maintaining good posture, whether you’re standing or sitting. This helps you appear more self-assured and open to the conversation. Additionally, make sure to establish eye contact with the person you’re interacting with.
Not only does this show that you’re genuinely interested in what they have to say, but it also fosters a sense of connection and trust. Finally, nod your head occasionally to indicate that you’re actively listening and paying attention. By combining these three elements, you can project a confident and engaged demeanor that will help you build stronger relationships and achieve greater success.
Prepare Your Own Questions
Closing an interview with thoughtful questions not only demonstrates your genuine interest in the position and organization but also provides a valuable opportunity to gauge whether the company aligns with your goals and values. This deliberate inquiry showcases your level of enthusiasm and intellectual curiosity, leaving a lasting impression on the interviewer.
Listen Before You Speak
When engaging with an interviewer, it’s crucial to cultivate a culture of respect and active listening. This means refraining from interrupting them at any point during the conversation. By carefully listening before responding, you demonstrate good manners while also ensuring that you thoroughly comprehend the questions or comments being presented. As a result, you’re better equipped to provide thoughtful and relevant responses that showcase your expertise.
Take Your Time to Answer
When responding to questions, it’s perfectly acceptable to take a brief pause to collect your thoughts before providing an answer. This approach not only reflects your thoughtful and considerate nature but also allows you to provide more informed and well-thought-out responses. If needed, don’t hesitate to request a moment to think, ensuring that your answer is as thorough and accurate as possible.
Keep Your Answers Relevant and Concise
When crafting your response, maintain a laser-like focus on the job’s specifications. Ensure each answer is tightly linked to the relevant requirements, avoiding unnecessary tangents and personal stories that fail to demonstrate your relevance to the role.
Use the STAR Method
When faced with competency-based questions that require a well-crafted response, utilizing the STAR method can be a game-changer. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result, and it’s a tried-and-true framework for presenting clear, concise answers that effectively showcase your problem-solving skills and achievements.
By breaking down your response into these four key components, you’re able to provide a comprehensive overview of the situation, the challenge you faced, the actions you took to address it, and the positive outcomes that resulted from your efforts.
Avoid Negative Comments About Past Employers
When crafting your story, focus on highlighting the valuable lessons, skills, and accomplishments gained in previous roles, rather than dwelling on perceived shortcomings or criticisms of former employers. This strategic approach showcases your maturity, adaptability, and growth-oriented perspective, ultimately contributing to a more compelling narrative that resonates with hiring managers.
Know Your Resume Inside Out
When engaging with potential employers, be ready to delve into specific aspects of your resume, such as employment gaps or career transitions. This demonstrates a willingness to be open and self-assured about the path your career has taken and how it aligns with the requirements of the role you’re targeting. By being transparent and confident in your narrative, you can effectively showcase your professional journey’s relevance to the position.
Don’t Discuss Salary or Benefits First
When engaging with an interviewer, it’s essential to wait for them to bring up discussions surrounding salary and benefits. Initiating these conversations prematurely can give the impression that your primary motivation is financial gain, rather than a genuine interest in the position or organization itself.
Use the Interviewer’s Name
When conversing with an interviewer, taking the time to address them by name can significantly enhance the tone of the conversation. This subtle yet effective approach not only demonstrates your ability to be attentive but also adds a layer of personability, making it more likely that you’ll stand out from other job applicants.
Follow Up with a Thank-You Note
In the first 24 hours following an interview, sending a thoughtful thank-you email is crucial for several reasons. Not only does it demonstrate genuine gratitude for the opportunity, but it also serves as a chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the position and highlight the key qualifications that make you an ideal candidate.
Be Authentic
Authenticity plays a vital role in professional development, as it enables individuals to build trust and rapport with others. A genuine and authentic approach can make a lasting positive impression, setting you apart from the competition during the hiring process. In contrast, attempting to present oneself as someone else is likely to be met with skepticism, as the subtle inconsistencies in behavior and demeanor can be detected through eye contact, tone of voice, and body language.
