Ready to Go Beyond the Basics? Advanced Interview Strategies to Land the Job
The interview process is here! Now’s the time to go beyond the basics to make a positive first impression. That way, you can show an employer why you deserve to join their organization. Plus, you can make it easy for your interviewer to see why they should move you through the hiring process.
Use these 10 advanced interview strategies to put your best foot forward the next time you meet with an employer and land your dream job.
1. Use LinkedIn to Gain a Competitive Edge
Grow your career by upping your LinkedIn profile. Revise your profile to ensure that the information you’re sharing with employers lines up with the roles you want to land. Account for the employer’s perspective and how they will evaluate your profile in conjunction with others in your industry. That way, you can include information that helps your profile stand out to employers, especially as they decide who to invite for job interviews.
Leading up to a job interview, take a look at your LinkedIn profile and verify that it meets your expectations. It’s also a great time to find your interviewer on LinkedIn. You can learn about this individual and search for anything you have in common with them. For instance, if you and your interviewer attended the same school, it could be worthwhile to bring this up during your interview.
After your interview, connect with your interviewer via LinkedIn. Even if you don’t land the job you want, you can reap the benefits of LinkedIn’s network effect.
2. Review the Job Posting of the Role You Are Interviewing for
Re-read the job posting of the role you want to land before your interview. Consider how your skills and experience line up with those mentioned in the posting. Think about how you will respond to interview questions you get regarding these.
In addition, look for ways to incorporate information from the job posting into your interview question responses. Remember, you may receive many popular interview questions like “Tell me about yourself.” and “Why do you want to work for this company?” when you meet with an employer. When you read through a job posting, you can plan ahead for advanced questions relating specifically to the role to which you’re applying. That way, you’ll be well-equipped to answer these questions confidently — and impress your interviewer when you do.
3. Learn About the Company You Want to Join
Go through the company’s website and social media pages. These are great resources to gain insight into the company’s history, mission, values, and goals. Meanwhile, a company’s LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram posts show you how a company engages with a global audience. They can give you a glimpse into the company’s culture.
Along with information from the company itself, find out what current and past employees are saying about the business online. Websites like Glassdoor offer employee reviews and feedback. These sites can provide insights into what it’s like to work for the company. On top of that, they may explain what to expect during an interview and help you further prepare for your upcoming meeting with the company.
4. Keep an Eye Out for Employee Referrals
Look online for employees who currently or previously worked for the company you are interested in joining who you already know. Ideally, these workers can put in a good word for you with the business’ hiring team. They can share details about how you will fit well within the company’s culture and why you would make a great addition to the company.
Ask for a referral before you apply for a job with a particular company or prior to your initial interview. If a worker is willing to speak to their employer on your behalf, you can get your foot in the door of the business early in the hiring process. This worker can help you separate yourself from other candidates. They can boost your chances of moving seamlessly from candidate to new hire.
5. Fine-Tune Your Interview Approach
Have a family member or friend assist you in your interview tune-up. For instance, you can put together a list of potential interview questions and allow a family member or friend to serve as a “mock” interviewer. If you’re preparing for a panel interviewer, get multiple family members or friends involved. This will help you build confidence as you consider how to respond to various questions. When your actual interview arrives, you should have no trouble staying calm, cool, and collected as you answer your interviewer’s questions.
Get feedback from family members and friends as you complete a mock interview. Even if you believe you have done exceptionally well during this interview, there is always room for improvement. Do your best to prepare for questions your interviewer may ask. No matter what happens during your actual interview, you can take solace in the fact that you did everything within your power to get ready for your interviewer’s questions.
6. Dress Appropriately for Your Interview
Select an interview outfit that aligns with a company’s dress code and culture. Generally, you can get information about these things from a business’ website or a company’s hiring manager. Determine what you will wear before your interview, as this gives you ample time to modify your attire to secure your dream job.
When in doubt about what to wear to an interview, don’t hesitate to reach out to the company itself for additional information. Doing so shows that you care about the job opportunity and want to make an outstanding impression on your interviewer.
7. Listen to What the Interviewer Has to Say and Respond Accordingly
Resist the urge to speak when your interviewer discusses their company and other topics relating to the job you are pursuing. Listen closely and express how you are feeling about these topics after they are done speaking. Interrupting or talking over your interviewer is unlikely to do you any favors. Alternatively, actively listening to your interviewer shows them that you are interested in what they have to say.
Jot down notes from your interviewer if you feel doing so will help you. If you intend to do so, let your interviewer know before they start asking questions. Typically, an interviewer will encourage a candidate to take notes. This allows you to gather and organize information from your interviewer. If a job requires several rounds of interviews, any notes you have can help you prepare for future meetings regarding a role.
8. Be Proactive in How You Address Your Weaknesses
Respond directly to your interviewer’s concerns about how well you will fit with their business. Giving a vague response to questions relating to these concerns is a red flag about your candidacy. On the other hand, if you focus on highlighting ways that you are addressing these weaknesses, you can show your interviewer that you want to transform these into strengths.
If you are asked about your weaknesses during a job interview, provide details about what you are currently doing to address these. For instance, you can explain how you are enrolled in classes or workshops to improve your skill set.
Ultimately, you know your strengths and weaknesses and what you need to do to be successful in a role. Tell your interviewer how you will apply your skills and experience to the job you want to land and what steps you will take to improve in any way you can. This could help you show your interviewer that you are committed to continuously learning.
9. Ask the Right Questions
Take advantage of the opportunity to ask your interviewer questions about the role you are interviewing for, their company, and similar topics. Your questions reflect your interest in a role and how serious you are about wanting to join this business.
Following your interview, reach out to your interviewer if you have any concerns or questions regarding the job. Encourage your interviewer to keep you updated about the role, too.
10. Maintain a Positive Outlook
Map out what the best-case scenario looks like relative to your job interview. Visualize what happens if your interview is successful and you receive a job offer. This can help you enter your interview feeling composed and ready to answer any questions you receive.
As your interview progresses, take deep breaths and give each question your undivided attention. Your focus on the details and answering every question thoughtfully and thoroughly can make a difference.
At the end of your interview, thank your interviewer for their time. Also, send a follow-up note via email within 24 hours of the meeting. This helps you set the foundation for a positive relationship with your interviewer, which could help you secure a job with their company.
Want Help with Your Next Job Interview?
These advanced job interview strategies can put you on the path to a rewarding career. However, when it comes to interviews, err on the side of caution. If you have the PrideStaff team on your side, you can get the help you need to ace your next interview.
PrideStaff simplifies your job search. We can connect you with employers in search of quality job candidates to fill a wide range of roles. Our team can put you in touch with these employers any time you are looking for work.
We offer tips, resources, and guidance to help you with job interviews. If you are unsure of how to prepare for an upcoming meeting with an employer, we’re here to help.
We’d love to assist you with your job search, interviews, and more. Contact your local PrideStaff office today to get started.
