Interview tips for common Interview

It’s safe to say, that we’ve all been there, in one capacity or another. Having searched long and hard to find that ideal job. A job that will meet our financial needs, further our career on the career path we’ve chosen, and hopefully, enriches our lives in more ways than just monetary gains.
But it’s a competitive market out there. And depending on the industry of your chosen career path, landing a job within it or even getting an interview has become exceedingly challenging.
Then, one morning, you open your email and see that an employer you’ve had your eye on and applied for a position, requests a time to schedule an interview with you. If you’re like me, your initial excitement at the prospect of an opportunity with this employer will have you bursting at the seams with elation.

1. Prepare for common interview questions. Come up with answers to the classic interview questions ahead of time so you’re not caught off guard if they come up during your interview. Your answers don’t have to be planned out to the tee, but you should have a general idea of what you want to say. After all, you don’t want to sound like you’re reading a script. The interviewer wants to see your personality, so let it shine!

2. Be honest. You want to be truthful without going into unnecessary detail. A basic template for your answer could be: “I [reason you were not employed]. During that time, [what you did during the gap]. Returning to work was top of mind during that period and I’m ready to do that now.”

3. Practice, practice, practice. Thinking about what you want to say is a great start, but why not go a step further? Get together with a friend and have a mock interview. Speaking your answers out loud to another person adds a new level of authenticity. By the time you get to the actual interview, you’ll feel like a pro. You’ll be much better fielding those questions the 100th time you hear them than the first.

4. If you were fired. The company and I had different expectations. In reflecting on that experience, I realize there are some things I could have done differently. I learned a great deal, and I’m excited about the opportunity to bring that maturity to my next job.”

5. Keep it brief and exit if you need to. Many people take time off for one reason or another. Sometimes, these reasons are personal and something you prefer to keep private.

6. Once you’ve addressed the gap and explained what you did during that time, steer the conversation back to your desire and ability to do the job you’re interviewing for. You can do this by asking a question of your interviewer once you’ve answered their question.

7. Clean up your online image. Your interviewer WILL search your name on social media. No matter how well your interview goes, you will not get hired if your social media accounts reflect poorly on your character. A good rule of thumb is to delete anything online that you wouldn’t want your family to see. Don’t give your interviewer any reason to doubt you!

8. Dress appropriately. Appropriate attire can mean different things depending on the position you’re interviewing for. Just be sure to look professional. Arriving at an interview in an inappropriate dress can signal to your interviewer that you aren’t serious about the position, and that’s certainly not the case!

9. Have all of your paperwork ready to go. You’ll definitely want to bring a few extra copies of your resume as well as anything else you might need, like professional references or copies of any certifications you may have. Make sure to carry all of your papers neatly in a folder to prevent wrinkles and tears. Plus, you’ll look much more professional and organized than you would if your resume was buried in your purse or briefcase under old candy wrappers, trash or other papers.

10. How to Explain Employment Gaps in an Interview

If you have a gap in your employment history, the first thing to know is that you are not alone. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the vast majority of people have been unemployed at some point in their working-age lives. How should you explain a gap in your employment history during an interview? In this quick video below, Indeed recruiter Leslie explains how you can customize your answer based on your situation and how you spent the time you were not employed.

11. Can a recent student interview for a job?

One of the industry’s most highly-regarded job search and career experts. Interviewing as a student or recent student is unique because you don’t often have as much work experience as other job seekers. However, you still have a lot to offer.