Are you actively applying for jobs and want to brush up on your interviewing skills? Here are a 4 tips and tricks of techniques you can use to nail your interview:
1. Use the S.T.A.R. Interview Method
The S.T.A.R. Method is a behavioral based interviewing technique that evaluates problem solving skills, past performance, and measurable results produced in prior roles. When answering interview questions, follow the S.T.A.R. outline below:
- Situation – Describe the context in which your job duties took place. Example: School, work, or volunteer
- Task – Describe your role in completing a task and your responsibility within the group or company
- Action – Describe what steps you took to complete the task you were given
- Result – Describe the outcome and achievements generated by the work you produced
2. Articulate WHY You Are Interested in the Position
While employers do want to hear what you can bring to the table to add value to their company, they also want to hear why you are interested in working for them! Figure out why you are attracted to a position and speak to it on your interview. This well hopefully resonate with the hiring manager and set you apart from other candidates.
3. Conduct Research on the Company and the Interviewer
n order to maximize your interview time and impress the hiring manager DO YOUR HOMEWORK! You can do this by researching important statistic and milestones within the company you are interviewing for. If you are fortunate enough to know who you are interviewing with, take a little time to conduct background research on them as well by looking up their LinkedIn profile and biography on the company website. This can ultimately help you potentially connect with your interviewer and obtain the position.
4. Demonstrate Your Value
Pitch ideas or suggestions you have specific to initiatives or goals within the company. This will allow the hiring manager to draw a direct correlation about how your work fits into the bigger vision of the company.
5. Show Your Work
Provide a portfolio of previous projects you have completed with companies to demonstrate the work you have produced in the past. This includes but is not limited to: drawings, photos, diagrams, contracts, newsletters, and flyers. Showing visual representation of your work helps hiring managers draw a direct correlation of how you can apply your skill set to the position you are interviewing for.
