Thanks to xInterview, you now know 'how' to answer potential interview questions and 'what' the interviewer is looking for. To further improve your odds; here are the top three HR lessons to secure that job!

Interviews are nerve-wrecking, even to an interview-experienced expert. It is an extensive screening process that comparatively matches you to the expectations of a future employer, and also against the pressure and competition of hundreds’ vying for the same opportunity.

The Bureau of Labor reported in September 2008 that unemployment rates have reached a sky-high of 9.5 million unemployed persons in the U.S. Job opportunities are growingly becoming scarce, even if you embody all the well-met qualifications!

Before falling into the deep hole of disparity, there are secrets of the trade that will immensely increase your chances of being hired as outlined by xInterview’s top three lessons:

Impression and Presentation

Did you know that 90% of a conversation is non-verbal, but exchanged through body language and other non-verbal communications?

This means that beyond the well-rehearsed and thoughtfully-framed interview answers, lays a 90% discrepancy in non-verbal communication that you may not notice as being harmful or negative in affecting your performance.

For example, just by looking at the direction of a person’s feet when sitting down, you can tell if he or she is an extrovert or introvert. If the toes are pointing outward, you are an extrovert but if your toes are pointing inward, you are an introvert.

Clearly, there are varying factors beyond credentials that are equally as important (i.e.: our unconscious habits aren’t always ‘conducive’ to a professional appearance). To help smooth out those wrinkles, these are the three key impressions one should leave upon an interviewer at the end of a successful meeting.

Confidence: There’s nothing like a well-qualified candidate than one that radiates confidence. Like the saying, ‘Look good, feel better’- make efforts to dress appropriately and professionally, keep a nice straight posture, firm handshake, friendly smile, and answer questions with self-assurance. This ‘calm, cool, and collected’ demeanor will magnetize the interviewer for the reason that even interviewers become anxious during the hiring process. To instill your self-belief in the interviewer, in turn will have the interviewer believing that you are a fit (and a no-risk shoo-in) for the position.

Enthusiasm:  Interviewers look for a candidate who exudes enthusiasm for the position and industry. In HR, you learn that there exists a connection between those naturally passionate about their work are also less hesitant to quit at the next-best-offer, practicing long-term dedication and self-motivation to the employer. Demonstrate this in your replies and body language.

Appreciation:  By thanking the interviewer for the opportunity to speak and review your resume, shows mannerism and appreciation. Appreciation is a great selling point since personal characteristics are left unaddressed, polite and professional behavior is the next best thing to relay to the employer that you would make for a great addition to the team due to your great mannerisms and cordial attitude.  

Remember, these are integrated attitudes- one without the other may boast arrogance (confidence without appreciation), submissive/passive (appreciation without confidence), unprepared naïvete (enthusiasm without confidence), etc.

Above all, conduct yourself professionally. Smile genuinely, and if something beyond your control occurs, hold a sense of humor. Many employers would rather hire a candidate who presents themselves well in an interview over those with equal or better qualifications.

Me, myself, and I
An average interview lasts from 30 to 60 minutes. In that given limited time, you need to clearly articulate your personal skills and how it pertains to the opportunity on hand. The problem exists in the fact that most candidates do not know how to adequately define their skills, knowledge, and abilities.

By recognizing and expressing the skills you embody, demonstrates to the employer that you hold skillful practices and that you seek opportunities to strengthen them in new contexts.
These are some of the different types of skills you should outline and stress during an interview:

-Adaptive skills: these are problem-solving skills that mainly results from miscommunication between people

-Transferable skills: these are skills acquired in any activity, also known as ‘general skills’

-Employability skills: these vary from job-specific skills to general understanding of what skills are conducive to a healthy work environment

Communicate examples of when these skills were practiced. By drawing a picture using previous experiences, it will help convey capabilities and competencies to the interviewer. It will also shine a light on your more personal attributes, such as knowledge, understanding, and personality.   

Investment in Research

‘Knowledge is power’. But it seldom comes without the roll of a sleeve and the sweat of a brow. By investing time in research of the company and industry’s’ background, you’ll never be caught short when the interviewer inevitably brings up the question, “Why do you want to work for our company?” Just as how you wouldn’t negotiate for a salary without knowing the average, research is a vital and invaluable aspect for a successful interview.

The point isn’t to regurgitate to the employer the functions of the company (we assume they know), but how you can add to the company and to communicate the idea that you care enough to take the time to prepare. Another incentive is that you’ll formulate strong questions to ask during the interview, which will demonstrate the priority candidate that you are.

Now, where does one begin in this land of “research”?

First, begin with the company website. Read up on as much information that will explain the purpose of the company, philosophy, work environment, etc. Use internet or paper resource to find recent reports or articles on the potential growth (or direction) of the company. This rule applies to industry research as well.

Second, talk to people. Use existing social networks to derive information; this is particularly helpful if you know of current or former employees of the company.    

Third, utilize national resources. The Occupational Outlook Handbook by the U.S. Department of Labor provides a wide-range of information, from descriptions of jobs, to estimates on wage, needed skills, growth projections, etc.

Remember, practice makes perfect! Let these three essential lessons flow cohesively, and exemplify what a great candidate (and asset) you would be to the company.

Good luck on all your endeavors,

xInterview Team