5 Interview Secrets To Land Your Next Job

Getting an interview takes work. But when you do, follow these five secrets to make a lasting good … [+] impression.

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Most people don’t put “job interviews” at the top of their list of fun things to do. But if you’re job hunting, it’s inevitable. The good news about getting an interview is that your resume passed the applicant tracking software (ATS) and caught the eye of the person who will likely be hiring for the position.

While there are resume hacks to pass ATS and guidelines for writing a compelling cover letter, these are still mostly out of your control. But the interview is your time to shine — it’s your opportunity to show hiring managers and recruiters that you can add value to their team. Considering that most corporate positions receive 250 resumes and only four to six are selected for an interview, it’s not easy. But statistics are in your favor of receiving a job offer after at least one interview.

Preparation is the key to nailing an interview. You’ll need a great elevator speech, and you’ll need to be prepared to answer the seven most commonly asked interview questions. But there are some secrets to “wow” recruiters beyond what you say.

Here are five interview secrets to move you closer to hearing you’re hired:

1. Skip the morning coffee.

If you’re like 74% of Americans, your morning coffee is the jolt you need to get going. However, caffeine has a physiological effect on the brain. It acts as a stimulant on the central nervous system. Caffeine is a fast-acting stimulant that peaks about 30 to 60 minutes after drinking. Aside from giving you a boost of energy, it also increases your heart rate and can give you the jitters.

If you’re a regular coffee drinker, don’t skip the coffee. Missing one cup of coffee for dedicated consumers can lead to headaches or temporary caffeine withdrawal. If your interview is first thing in the morning, set your alarm earlier to ensure you have enough time to have your morning cup of joe without the jitters during your interview.

2. Choose what you wear wisely.

Research the company culture for which you’re interviewing and be sure to match their style — dress one step up from what you will wear day-to-day on the job. Fun fact: you can get intel on how people dress in the company by looking at their company events on their public Facebook or LinkedIn pages… How does their team look? Take note. But most importantly, wear an outfit that makes you feel comfortable and confident.

Here are a few more tips for choosing what to wear:

Match your clothing to the climate. If you’re interviewing during the summer months, skip the blazer. It might be part of your power suit, but sweating during the interview will not make you feel confident.
Check for defects. Remove pet fur, thread, or other lint-like things clinging to your clothing. Check for stains under bright lights. Make sure your outfit doesn’t have any holes. Even the tiniest imperfection can send the wrong message during your interview.
Choose the right color. The color you wear influences how you are perceived. Blues, blacks, and grays are excellent choices for business-like roles such as consultants, lawyers, and bankers. Show your personality and color using accessories. For creative roles, you can consider brighter colors, like green, purple, or yellow. Always avoid red and brown. Red implies you’re too confident or feisty, and brown conveys that you’re boring, simple, or stuck in your ways.

3. Select the best time slot.

Often, you will select between a few time slots for your interview, or you may get to choose entirely. And while it’s tempting to choose first thing in the morning to get it “done and over with,” that’s not the best timeslot.

Avoid firsts and lasts. First thing in the morning, last meeting before going home, just before or just after lunch, Monday morning, and Friday afternoon are less than ideal. Your interviewer may have other things on their mind during these times, such as what’s for lunch. Even worse, they might be hungry, ready to go home for the weekend, or get on with their week and rush through your interview.
Avoid pre- and post-holidays and vacations. If possible, don’t select Thanksgiving week for your interview. By that same token, avoid the day after or before a three-day holiday and a few days before a major holiday. If your interview is following a holiday, avoid asking religious-oriented questions, like how was your Christmas. Just because the holiday is religious-based does not imply that your interviewer celebrates that holiday. Instead, ask how was your long weekend or did you enjoy your time off.

If you have an inside connection, ask them how the day is going. If you don’t have someone on the inside, you can still get the inside scoop by asking the assistant how the day is going. Pick up on subtle hints that can clue you into your interviewer’s mood before your interview. Match their energy level.

4. Understand the role of each person interviewing you.

Seldom are candidates offered a position on the spot. You will likely interview with more than one person or multiple people simultaneously. Understand what role each of your interviewers has and tailor your responses and questions. For example, colleagues want to know if you will fit into their team without slacking. Managers want to see if they have to hold your hand or whether you can work with some autonomy.

Likewise, ensure you have two to three career stories or elevator pitches. Use the different stories during subsequent interviews or with different team members to weave together how you fit the role. The hiring team will communicate with each other. If you only have one career story, that could undermine your chances of moving forward.

5. Treat everyone at the table the same.

Show mutual and equal respect for everyone sitting at the table. When responding to questions, make eye contact with the person asking the question first, but don’t speak only to them. Use active listening skills, including body language. Show you’re listening by repeating what is said (not verbatim!) and using facial expressions.

Securing the interview is a significant feat. Leave a lasting impression by understanding the nuances of how to interview. And while this process can be daunting, these five tips can improve your chances of receiving an offer letter — and ending your job search!