Tips for a job interview that actually work
Many things in life are out of our control when it comes to finding and maintaining employment, however, there are some things you can do to make a good first impression with a potential employer. As a great interview doesn’t happen by luck; it’s the outcome of clear research, tight stories, and disciplined follow-through. These job interview tips can help people find a job with living wage, which is critical to paying bills for your family. Here is a list of things to keep in mind while looking for a job and landing an interview.
While the process continues to rapidly evolve due to changing technology, many/most employers are still screening with applicant-tracking systems (ATS) and skills tests, even for some of the best entry level jobs out there. In addition many have added at least one in-person round again to verify skills and identity. Expect structure in the interview and prepare to show exactly how you create value. The steps listed below you can do yourself.
Before even applying for the job
Have someone (or even a professional case manager) review your resume prior to sending it out for employment. Spelling and grammatical errors, poor sentence structure along with accuracy and honesty are supremely important when an employer is considering a candidate.
- Start with the job posting. List the role’s top 6-8 responsibilities and map each one to a short “proof” story from your experience. Use the STAR method, which is used to describe the Situation, Task, Action, and Result, be sure to keep answers concrete and measurable and your resume and application reflect those. Add a brief takeaway that links the story to the new role. Practice these out loud until each story fits in 60- 90 seconds. Behavioral and situational questions are common, so prepare examples that show how you solve problems, work with stakeholders, and adapt under pressure.
Free and low-cost job interview prep help is an option. No matter your income, you still have access to strong coaching. American Job Centers (via the U.S. Department of Labor’s CareerOneStop) offer free mock interviews and workshops. There are government funded centers in most communities that provide free advice to the unemployed as well as people looking for new skills. Professional case managers from job sites including the One Stop Centers may be able to assist
- Another option is many public libraries provide interview practice tools and one-on-one coaching and Goodwill career centers can help with interview prep and, in some communities, professional attire. These services can sharpen answers, reduce nerves, and improve your odds.
Read about the company applying too and doing some research online before the interview. It’s always a good idea to know more about where you may be working in the future. During the interview, you may be asked questions about the company so having a general knowledge base is a great idea.
If you have an email address that is humorous, inappropriate or nonsensical/silly, consider creating a brand new account with just your name or an abbreviation of your name instead. Potential employers may find seemingly harmless email addresses a red flag for a lack of professionalism, especially those that are hiring for high skilled/paying positions. If you must keep your email address, create a new one just for future employment that is plainly stated.
Calibrate your salary expectations for the job with real data before you discuss pay. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics provides current wages by role and metro with details here https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oessrcst.htm.
- Check your target job and location to set a realistic range. If asked early, pivot to value: “I’m focused on scope and impact; based on OEWS ranges for this market, I expect compensation aligned with (this number)."
Make sure your phone bill has been paid and the ring tone is a neutral one when you are waiting for callbacks from a potential employer. There is nothing worse than someone call a phone that has been shut off.
If you engage in any social media (Facebook for example), consider setting it to private for just friends and family. Future employers look at many, many things when they are considering a candidate and one seemingly harmless post may change their minds about you. You can never be 100% certain of how you may be perceived online so make things neutral or private. Be thoughtful about what you put online for all aspects of your life.
Review your credit ratings. Many employers now look at credit scores as part of a background check, and a low one can prevent you from getting a job. If they have not paid debts or bills on time in the past, and your scores may be low, then touch base with a non-profit credit counselor ASAP. Find a list of assistance programs from credit counseling agencies.
Touch up on computer skills. If they are lacking in today's high tech workplace, there are job training centers that offer free workshops. The latest software and technology will be covered. There are even non-profits as well as assistance programs from companies that provide low cost Internet access or free home computers to low income families. Take the initiative and sign up for classes.
After an interview has been set up - Prepare for the interview
Confirm the format (video, phone, or in-person), who you’ll meet, and the agenda. If you’ll interview on video, test your camera, mic, and lighting, and have a printed resume and notes just off screen.
If you do happen to land an interview, do your best to appear professional and polished. Things like clean fingernails, clean clothes, minimal jewelry and a neat appearance are some of the best ways to make a strong first impression, whether it is in person or a video interview. Lay out all of your clothes the night before, plan which route you will take to the job site beforehand to ensure you know exactly where you are going, eat a good breakfast and check traffic before you leave your home
- As part of this step, if you can't afford to pay for professional clothing, there are clothing closets to turn to for free professional attire. You should not be embarrassed to use these charity programs as many people turn to them from time to time. The clothing closets also fully support those people who are trying to become self-sufficiency with the paying their bills and expenses by getting a new or better job.
Be prepared for any tests to “prove” your skillset. Because more employers now use pre-employment assessments to filter large applicant pools, don’t be surprised if you’re asked to complete a brief skills or aptitude test before or between interviews.
If an in-person round is required, plan the route, parking, and building access. Dress one notch above day-to-day norms for that workplace, keep your phone off (or at minimal on silent and double check this!), and carry a simple folder with extra resumes and a concise portfolio or work samples if applicable. Some organizations reintroduced face-to-face rounds to reduce AI-assisted “cheating” and impersonation in remote interviews - be ready to demonstrate skills live or take a test.
- Arrive on time or early. In fact, be sure to arrive 10 - 15 minutes early. Expect to deal with traffic regardless of where you live and leave even earlier than necessary. Give yourself a huge window of time to ensure you show up calm and ready to engage in the interview. Showing up late to a job interview is setting yourself up to fail. This is probably the easiest step to get right for a job interview.
- If you need help in paying for transportation to the interview, charities have free gas vouchers including places such as the Salvation Army and others may have free transportation or bus passes. More on where to get free gasoline vouchers.
In the interview - show impact and judgment.
Open answers with the result or insight first, then backfill the context and actions. Tie every example to the business outcome to accomplishments such as cost reduced, quality improved, time saved, revenue gained, risk mitigated. When you don’t know an answer, show your thinking and how you’d test options.
Ask several (at minimal) targeted questions that prove you’ve done the homework. This should be based on research you did previiously about the employer or position. “You’re shifting to skills-based hiring this year—how will this team measure success in the first two quarters?”
Be available and flexible. Answer emails in a timely manner from a potential employer. If you are unsure of how you may manage work hours, a commute, or the culture of the company, tell yourself you will figure it out in the future. Keep yourself open and you’d be surprised at how obstacles may end up being eliminated if you maintain a flexible attitude with an employer.
Approach the interview with a positive and enthusiastic attitude. Attitude is everything and even if the job does not seem like the right one for you, leaving a good impression is still important. You may be considered for another job or remembered in the future if another position comes up at the company.
Post interview actions
After the interview follow through like a pro. Send personalized thank-you emails to each interviewer within 24 hours. Reference something specific you discussed, restate the business problem you can solve, and offer one crisp proof point or resource that adds value.
Send a follow-up thank you email after the interview. It not only is a thoughtful gesture, it shows you care, are professional and may leave an even better impression on your interviewer. Surveys from companies like Robert Half show hiring managers do notice thoughtful thank-you notes, even though many candidates skip them - an easy edge for you. Robert Half, one of the largest contracting agencies in the world, also has tips on writing the letter https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/insights/landing-job/how-to-write-thank-you-emails-after-interviews.
- If you were given a timeline, respect it; otherwise, a polite check-in about a week later is reasonable. Keep momentum by logging what went well, where you stumbled, and which examples landed; update your stories before the next round. Small things can add up to big returns.
Keep trying. You may have to go on several interviews before you land one that fits your needs and is the right match. Remember landing a job will lead you to independence, financial security, a higher income and gained confidence knowing you can support yourself and your family with your household expenses in the future.
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