Ten Ways to Turn an Interview Into an Offer
Congratulations! You've successfully distinguished yourself from a sea of resumes and cleared the initial screening phase of the process. But hold your celebration—your job, which is getting the job, isn’t done yet.
Like anything else in the career world, interviewing well is a skill. When it comes to interviewing, two essential concepts come into play: practice and preparation. And yes, the interview is a big deal—but there’s no need to be nervous. We’ve compiled a list of valuable interviewing tips that will help professionals like you turn an interview into a job offer. By keeping these ten insights in mind, you can confidently approach interviews and increase your chances of success. Remember, you've got this!
1. Arrive early
We suggest arriving ten to fifteen minutes before your scheduled interview. Arriving early sends a positive message to the employer that you’re a responsible and reliable individual. Being punctual also prevents any stress caused by running late, allowing you to prepare yourself and walk in with a confident and composed demeanor.
2. Print several copies of your hiring documents
An interview presents you with the opportunity to communicate a lot to your employer—in more ways than one. Actions such as arriving early or bringing printed documents can speak volumes without having to say a word. These are small wins that will work to your advantage. Having printed copies of your resume and cover letter demonstrates that you’re organized, think strategically, and are proactive in staying ahead of the game.
3. Prepare specific questions
One of the best ways to stand out in an interview is to ask the right questions. Take some time the night before to research the company and the role you’re interviewing for. Learn a little bit about the company's mission, vision, and culture, to demonstrate that you understand their values and believe that you’re a good fit for them. Once you’ve learned a few specifics, you can draft some pertinent questions. Here are a few examples:
Can you give me an idea of what a typical day would look like in this position?
What characteristics do your best employees have in common?
Could you tell me a little about the history/growth of the company?
What are three main qualities you’re looking for in a candidate in this position?
4. Don’t regurgitate your resume
The employer has already looked over your resume and experience—that’s why you’re here. Of course, that information will still come up and apply to the conversation, but this is a good chance to take it a step further. It’s good practice to prepare for some common interview questions that don’t align with the contents of your resume. Some good questions to prepare for might include:
Can you tell me about a time when you adapted to a difficult situation on the fly?
How do you keep yourself motivated at work?
Have you ever had a conflict you had with a colleague, and if so, how did you handle it?
What are your five biggest accomplishments in your present or last job?
5. Do your homework on yourself
Dedicate some time to thoughtfully consider your strengths and weaknesses as an employee, as well as reflecting on the highs and lows of your career. This will enable you to be ready for any question they ask you—beyond what’s listed on your resume. Identify specific achievements and examples, for instance when you demonstrated leadership in a team project or stepped in to resolve a chaotic situation. Whether it was for a high-level position or something more informal, these examples will showcase your work ethic and character to employers.
6. Quantify your accomplishments
Many people find it difficult to be self-promotional during an interview. A great way to avoid feeling like you’re inflating your character is to prepare concrete numbers and metrics that reflect your past accomplishments. This will give you the confidence to discuss your successes and will help you stand out. Win-win.
7. Don’t speak negatively about past companies or co-workers
It’s best to steer clear of any negative discourse during the interview. This will make you seem difficult to work with—which is the last thing you want. Instead, focus on highlighting your positive attributes, accomplishments, leadership roles, and other notable highlights. By emphasizing the positives, you can maximize the time spent during the interview and make a strong impression.
8. Show enthusiasm and positivity
Walking into your interview with a positive attitude and lively demeanor can be the difference between a good interview and a great interview. Nowadays, many companies recognize that skills can be taught, thus finding the ideal personality fit has become more significant. Employers want to feel like you’re excited about their company and passionate about the role, so a polite and positive approach will make you more likable and bound for a great impression.
9. Be honest
Be honest about your experience, attributes, and qualifications during the interview process. While it may be tempting to tell the hiring manager everything they want to hear, it’s better to stay true to yourself. Employers have a keen ability to sense authenticity and will appreciate you being open and genuine.
10. Follow through by following up
Even after you’ve shaken hands and said goodbye, the interview process is not quite finished. The one last, crucial piece? The follow-up. Sending a well-crafted follow-up email enables you to reinforce your skills, address any missed points during the interview, and display your professionalism while thanking the interviewer for their time. Paying attention to these small details could ultimately be what sets you apart from the rest, and increases your chances of securing the job opportunity.