As someone who has worked with many people looking for new jobs or careers, I have been asked if I could recommend a “magic bullet” strategy, a job interview technique that would secure the job for my client. I have also helped many people learn how to survive a job interview without throwing up (yes, some people get really nervous about that job interview!).
The answer, of course, is: “No, there is no magic wand.” But you already knew! Let’s face it, we all hope that there is something, somehow, that, if we know what it is, will help us get the job so we can stop worrying and get back to work.
With that being said, there are certain things you can do to improve your chances of getting that job offer. Let’s start with a review of what MOST people do when they’re honing their technical job interview skills.
Some people think that if they just practice answering the tough interview questions they think they’ll be asked, that’s enough to know how to survive a job interview. They make sure to have a clean suit for the interview. They make sure they know exactly how long it will take to get to the office for the interview, and allow time for traffic or other unforeseen circumstances.
They make sure to brush their teeth before the interview and bring copies of their resumes, references and portfolio if they have it. They make sure to write a thank you note and mail it shortly after the interview.
Ahem… At least I HOPE that’s what everyone is doing!
But that’s not what makes the most eager and prepared job seeker. And in fact, none of the aforementioned things will teach you how to survive a job interview. But, there is something that will. Something that will really make you very excited for the job interview! Here it is. Ready? (drumroll please)
The best job interview technique is to bring something to the interview, something to give your interviewer. I’m not talking about bringing a gift or flowers. I’m not talking about bringing a fragment.
I’m not talking about bringing pictures of your children who will surely starve if you don’t get this job.
I’m talking about bringing something relevant to the job you’re looking for. Bring an article you found in the newspaper about the company (make sure it’s a favorable article!). If you’re looking for a public relations position, bring an article you’ve written about the company they could use. Bring an idea of how you intend to specifically meet the company’s needs – needs you already discovered when you researched the company before applying!
Does this sound too simple? Well, it takes time and effort on your part to put in the effort you intend to show at work to begin with, doesn’t it? So why not show your potential employer early on that he has what he needs? Don’t just talk about it, show them!
Think about it: If you want to know how to survive a job interview and need outstanding job interview technique, doesn’t it make sense to prepare for something THEY don’t expect to see? How powerful! And think about the confidence you’ll feel walking into the room.
And you probably won’t throw up after all!