Whether you are interviewing for an entry-level or senior leadership position, making a good first impression is one of the most important parts of the interview process. In this article, William Vanderbloemen shares four insightful tips on how to ace your next interview.
Tip 1 - Be On Time
This might seem like a common sense tip, but I am always surprised to witness candidates show up late to an interview with a Starbucks cup in hand. When you are late, you are sending the wrong message. Being on time is a testament to the type of person and employee you are. Being on time is also a test of your integrity. Were you where you said you'd be at the time you said you'd be there? In the long run, will you do what you said you would do?
It is important to mention that showing up early doesn’t always play to your advantage either. Showing up early interrupts the schedule of the person you are interviewing with. My suggestion is to get to the interview early, but don't check in any earlier than you need to. Be punctual because it will start your interview off on the right foot.
Tip 2 - Be Prepared
Prepare ahead of time and study both the organization and the person you are interviewing with.
If you take some time to learn what that organization is working on, you will show an exceptional level of preparedness in the interview. For instance, if you are interviewing with a church, listen to their current message series and be ready to discuss key ideas that you found valuable.
Respect boundaries, but be intentional in your preparation. This will give you an advantage in the interview, and the outcome will be more successful. Simple things matter, and being prepared with knowledge of the organization’s core values and leadership members will make you a memorable candidate.
Tip 3 - Be Humble
Even though you are supposed to talk about yourself and your capabilities during an interview, don’t be the hero. Contrary to popular belief, you are not supposed to be the main character in the dialogue. Promising interview candidates can showcase what they are capable of without sounding arrogant. In an interview, you should be able to talk about your accomplishments without making yourself the hero. Talk about how your work adds value to your clients, parishioners, and students. Highlight your achievements in a way that shows that you were there to serve others and to ultimately point to the true hero, Jesus.
Tip 4 - Be Intentional
A classic hire versus a trendy hire is someone who keeps it simple. Don’t try to discuss too many topics. The interview is a conversation, not an interrogation. When you prepare, think of 3-5 things that you can talk about in the interview that are conversational.
Talk about fruitful work you have done in the past, or how your personality type will help you be successful in the role you are interviewing for. Think about how you can humbly share personal accomplishments that benefited those around you. Shift the focus from yourself to the organization, and discuss the amazing work they have accomplished in the past. Ask for suggestions from the interviewer, and pose questions that think forward. Interviewers appreciate questions like, “How can I start learning to grow with the company?” or “How can I help address challenges in this field?” Choose your questions wisely, as they are very telling on whether or not you are a good fit for the role.
Following these 4 tips is guaranteed to improve your chances of making a lasting first impression. For more ideas on how to win the interview for your dream job, read Interviewing Do’s and Don’ts, and if you are currently looking for a new job, our Job Board is a great place to start your search!
