Jobs tips
Don't Lie in a Job Interview
Importance: [⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐] Being caught lying about something destroys even the best first impression (the same rule applies to your resume, too!). Best tips for job interviews? Avoid the mistakes mentioned above! Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like: See more cover letter templates and start writing.
Remember You Speak With Your Body, Too
Importance: [⭐⭐⭐⭐] Employers don’t like candidates:
- Failing to make eye contact
- Failing to smile
- Playing with something on the table
- Fidgeting too much in their seats
- Crossing their arms over their chests
- Having bad posture
- Playing with their hair or touching their faces
- Having a weak handshake
- Using too many hand gestures
- Having a handshake that was too strong
Avoid Being Impolite
Importance: [⭐⭐⭐⭐] CareerBuilder reports that the following mistakes will kill your chances of landing a job:
- Candidate answers a cell phone or text during the interview
- Candidate appears arrogant or entitled
- Candidate dresses inappropriately
- Candidate appears to have a lack of accountability
Give Them Some Space
Importance: [⭐⭐⭐] Don’t go all stalker-like obsessive on them. After following up and still not receiving an answer, just consider it a loss and move on. How much follow up is too much? Find out: Following Up on a Job Interview: Full How-to Guide
Show Your Appreciation
Importance: [⭐⭐⭐⭐] Send a thank you note after the interview within 24 hours. Not only is this a cordial gesture, but it also serves to remind them that you are waiting for their response. Craft your perfect letter of thanks—express appreciation and reiterate your interest in the position. Read more here: How to Write a Thank You Email After an Interview (+10 Examples)
Just Breathe
Importance: [⭐⭐⭐⭐] When all else fails, and you still feel nervous, try deep breathing. Taking slow, deep lungfuls of air often helps reduce nervousness and stress, whether you are interviewing or in another anxiety-inducing situation. Try this 4-Square technique:
- Breathe in slowly while counting to 4
- Hold that breath in while counting to 4
- Release slowly, counting to 4
- Count to 4 with lungs deflated before repeating Navy Seals use some version of this breathing technique, and it’s worked quite well for me, as well. It’s one of my favorite last-minute interview tips out there. Hey! Where do you think you’re going? Just because you’ve made it through the interview doesn’t mean the fun has ended. Don’t worry—our interview tips don’t stop there either. This is what you need to do after the interview:
Focus on One
Importance: [⭐⭐⭐] If you’re already dreading your interview, facing a group interview may feel like more than you can handle. First, keep your focus on one person of the group, and tell yourself that it is just you and they. Later on, you should feel more comfortable, so switch your focus to the other(s). Don’t leave anyone out not to offend your future colleagues and seniors!
Get More Interviews!
Importance: [⭐⭐⭐] At first, this may sound counterintuitive—how would being given more stressful situations help lower your anxiety? Well, interviews are stressful not just because it’s a formal meeting where you’re in the spotlight, but also because it plays a life-changing role. If you have more interviews lined up, at least you’ll reduce the stress which comes from feeling like you only have one shot to get it right.
Skip the Alcohol
Importance: [⭐⭐⭐⭐] Yes, interviewers are mean, scary monsters, but don’t take a shot of vodka right before to help steel your nerves—potential employers will smell it on your breath, most likely, and that could ruin any chances you may have had. If you really fear a panic attack at your upcoming interview, consider consulting your doctor about taking a prescription such as Xanax.
Avoid Coffee
Importance: [⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐] You’ll likely be nervous and jittery enough as it is, and that’s before arriving at your interview. Don’t let your daily caffeine ritual cause you more suffering. Skip the coffee until after the interview. However, if you need it to feel alert, or if, like me, you need it to avoid a withdrawal migraine, opt for a tea. Tea has a lower caffeine content (usually), and a cuppa has even been shown to reduce stress after consumption.