Good news for recent graduates and those looking to make a job change! With unemployment rates declining and many new jobs opening, one thing is certain: there will be many more interviews happening! In this week’s, in case you missed it (ICYMI), we’ve pulled three top-notch articles covering everything you need to know about preparing for and standing out in an interview.
Four things you must convey at the end of an interview
Most of us have left an interview wishing we had discussed one more topic or asked one more question. No matter how much you prepare, predicting how the interview will unfold is impossible. To help organize your thoughts and let your best self shine, The Muse compiled a list of the 4 Things You Absolutely Must Convey by the End of an Interview.
The list includes:
- You’ll start making an impact on Day One
- You’ll fit in with the team (and not just socially)
- You’re an enthusiast about the job
- You sparkle
Check out the full article for great advice before you walk out the door.
Eight interview questions that help define your character
Tapping into and understanding a candidate’s charisma, intellect, and know-how in a 45-minute interview is no small task. To get the best hire, you need to ask the right questions. Once you’re past the normal questions about the candidate’s background, skills and career path, you’re often left wondering if you captured the full picture of their true character. To help you get closer to discovering the personality and whit of your potential candidate, Inc. put together 8 Stealth Interview Questions That Will Reveal Your True Character. The questions ranging from – “What’s your favorite restaurant?” to “What’s your spirit animal?” to “Tell me a joke” – are designed to provoke an authentic answer. Check out the article to see the full list!
The dos and don’ts of exit interviews
Exit interviews can be rough. There’s a fine line between honest, constructive comments and career-ending feedback. To help ease your mind, Forbes wrote an article on the Exit Interview Dos and Don’ts, which features five tips on handling exit interviews gracefully.
The tips include:
- Vent ahead of time, not during the interview – Agreed! HR doesn’t want to hear you complain about your boss being a complete jerk!
- Plan and prepare for the session—Yep! If you don’t prepare, you won’t sound authentic.
- Exit with grace by focusing on the positive. Coming off as abrasive and conceded isn’t going to help your career down the road.
- Provide useful facts. HR and employers want to know specific reasons why you’re leaving, such as spouse relocation, higher salary, or few growth opportunities.
- Have your own informal exit interviews – Probably my favorite tip on the list; rather than let gossip run rampant around the office, sit down and talk to your colleagues and managers about why you’re leaving.