How to Land and Nail a Job Interview

With more and more jobs being shipped overseas and human jobs being replaced by robots, the job market is becoming more and more competitive. If you’ve been job hunting but can’t get an interview, you may need a little help. Here are some tips on how to land and nail a job interview – and avoid common job-hunting mistakes

How to land and nail a job interview and avoid these common job-hunting mistakes.

Why I’m an expert

Ok, I’m not.

But I have been through a wide range of jobs throughout my life and have had my fair share of job interviews over the years. Plus I’ve also done the hiring and gained a whole new perspective.

In my tenure, I read through hundreds of cover letters and resumes and have interviewed dozens upon dozens of candidates.

Proper interview etiquette is an important skill to acquire.

But some of these resumes make me scratch my head and wonder how some of these people have EVER gotten a job (or even get through daily life).

While most of these tips should be common sense, you would be surprised at how many candidates just don’t know the proper etiquette for getting a job interview.

Here is what I look for when conducting interviews – hopefully, now you can land and nail a job interview and avoid making these common job-hunting mistakes.

Update Your Resume

If it’s been years since you’ve had to look for work, the first thing you will need to do is freshen up your resume.

Here are some tips to get your resume noticed and shine above the rest!

Yawn. I would expect a much more creative resume from freaking James Bond!

1. Please, please, use spellcheck!

With the invention of computers and spell check, there is no excuse for poor spelling. But sometimes a spell checker can miss words that might be correct but out of context.

Even if you think it is perfect, have another set of eyes look at it to be sure. This is especially important if you are applying for an office job where attention to detail is of utmost importance.

If you can’t spell properly or write poorly, then your ability to perform the job could be questioned and your resume may go straight in the trash.

I highly recommend Grammarly – a free online application that checks your spelling and your grammar while you type. You will probably find it helpful even after you land that job.

2. Keep it current but relevant.

Make sure your resume is up to date when applying for a job. But also make sure to include job information that pertains to the position.

It’s okay to have a different resume for each industry you are applying for.

For example, if you are applying for a receptionist job, but all of the experience listed on your resume shows that you were a cook in a restaurant, you will have a very difficult time.

But if you have ever worked as a receptionist, even if it was 10 years ago, make sure that is prominently listed on your resume.

We want to see what skills you have that will apply to the position we are trying to fill.

Just make sure you study your resume well and don’t get them mixed up!

3. Be creative.

Flipping through hundreds of resumes is time-consuming and boring. So if you want to make an impression, make yours stand out!

When a potential employer flips through stacks of resumes, graphics are a great touch and will catch their eye.

There are loads of free templates out there to help you get started.

And make sure to use bullet points and consistent formatting. They make your resume easier to read and more effective at drawing attention to things you want to highlight.

It also looks cool, right?

Graphics, Icons, Bullet Points – Oh My! This is a great example of a well-formatted resume.

4. Add dates.

You don’t have to list actual dates; month & year is fine. Be prepared to explain any time gaps during your interview.

Keep in mind, an employer likes to see longevity and loyalty. 

We want to know that if we are going to take the time and resources to train you, that it will not be a waste of our time or yours.

5. Keep it condensed and concise.

You don’t have to relegate your resume to just one page, but try to make sure it is not longer than two. They don’t want to read a novel.

Print it out to see how it will look when a potential employer is going to look at it and to make sure it is formatted properly.

6. Check your email.

ILuvPuppies@xmail.com might be cute, but it isn’t really professional.

Have a professional email address with your name or initials specifically for job hunting (and potentially other business endeavors).

7. Employers do check references.

Have a separate hardcopy list of personal references available upon request.

Friends and family members are fine, but also make sure you add former employers or co-workers. Just remember to give them a heads up so they can be prepared to give you a glowing review at a moment’s notice.

This is why it is so important not to burn bridges!

The Cover Letter

This is how we looked for jobs before the internet.

Yes, you need one.

Once you find a job posting that interests you, make sure you read the description and send a really great cover letter. This is so important!

If I get a resume without a cover letter, I usually skip it and won’t even look at the resume.

I want to know who you are and why you think you would be a good fit. This is the first impression you are going to make on a potential employer so make it count.

Remember, it’s not all about you.

You can brag a tiny bit, but also make sure you let the company know what you can do for THEM! Bonus points if you actually use the company’s name in the letter.

You can have more than one cover letter for different industries you are applying to, just make sure the one you send is relevant to the position.

A cover letter is a great opportunity to tell the employer a little bit about yourself, how you came to this point in your life, explain any gaps in employment, and why you are the right candidate for the job.

It’s definitely worth it!

Great cover letter examples.

Social Presence

Your friends might think your duckface butthole lips are cute, but it’s not professional.

Enough with the duck face!

I’m going to be honest. When I find a candidate I like, I’m going to check them out online on them before I call them in for an interview.

If you have an active social media account like Facebook and are currently looking for a job, I don’t want to find photos of you smoking a joint or see posts about how bad your hangover is.

If you want to get drunk on your own time, that’s fine and dandy, but if you are looking for a job, either make your personal profile private or be mindful of what you post.

The same can be said for after you get the job. Just be careful who may be checking you out. And they will be checking you out.

Be Professional.

On the flip side, your social presence can also be used to sell yourself too.

Even if you don’t use social media, a current LinkedIn profile is extremely beneficial.

LinkedIn is a free site for networking and showing off your skills and recognition (more on this below).

Your colleagues can even endorse you in certain skills and also create personal recommendations for you.

Where to Find a Job

The best place to search for a job these days are online

Before the internet, the only way to find a job was by either looking at the help wanted ads in the local newspaper, filling out an application in person, or by enlisting the help of a head hunter.

And while you can still do this, most companies (and job-hunters) prefer to do everything online these days.

The best job posting sites are sophisticated, free, and user friendly.

You just need to create a profile, upload your sparkly new resume and fabulous cover letter, and get to searching!

Best Free Job Search Websites

The best and most common way to job-hunt is online with these top free job search websites.

There are tons of free job sites, but these are my personal favorites:

Indeed 

Indeed is a great resource for all experience levels and skillsets. Great for both blue or white-collar jobs.

Glass Door

Not only can you search job postings, but on Glass Door, you can do extensive research on the companies that suit your interest. It even has employee reviews and interview questions, so you can quickly learn if it’s a good fit or not.

Linked In 

Geared more towards white-collar careers, Linked In is a great site you can use to showcase your professional online presence. They have a job search feature that you can also set up to allow recruiters to search your profile and contact you directly. Its main purpose is for networking with other professionals.

You can also check out this impressive job posting resource list from Google. I can not vouch for all of these – use at your discretion.

Your target company’s website

Is there a company you have always dreamed of working for? Start there! Many companies have an online job bank with openings available to the general public.

And if they don’t have a link or aren’t advertising at the moment, you can always give them a call to find out who the hiring manager is, get their email, and send them a personal cover letter and resume.

At the very least, you have made a valuable contact should something ever come up in the future.

Department of Economic Security (DES) job banks

If you have been let go, your first stop is likely your local unemployment office.

But what you might not realize is, they actually have some great resources to fit your experience and salary requirements. Don’t overlook them!

Watch out for scams!

It is really unfortunate that there are several places that will kick you while you are down on your luck.

Any place that asks for your photo is something to be wary of.  Unless you are interviewing for a modeling or acting job, there is no reason why you should have to send in your picture.

Also, any place that asks for any sort of fee or payment is obviously something to stay far away from. You are trying to make money, not spend it!

If you want to know if a company is legit, do a little research and look them up online. If the ad does not have the company name on there but lists a phone number, you can try calling and find out for yourself.

Then head over to Glass Door to do your homework.

Nail The Interview

Congratulations, you landed a job interview! Now you can just sit back and wait until your appointment time right? Wrong.

Now’s your chance to make a great first impression

Do some research

Now is the time you need to do your homework and research the company you are interviewing with.

Almost all companies have a website nowadays. It’s not that hard to look them up online and see what they do. Give ’em a Google or scope them out on GlassDoor.

Plus it gives you the chance to decide if this is a place you really want to work.

Study the job posting you applied for – before your meeting

We get that you have probably applied to hundreds of jobs and you may not remember which one it is that called you.

But you got the interview, so make sure you check back and see which one it is.

One of the first interview questions I ask is “What do you know about the position?”

I don’t want to hear that you applied all over town and don’t remember which one this is.

I also don’t want to hear you say “I just saw Customer Service and I love people so I knew I would be perfect” blah blah blah.

If I hear that you know absolutely nothing about the position or the company, it’s a deal-breaker.

Show up

It really sucks when a candidate we really like does not show up to their interview.

If you are not interested in the job, then that’s fine, but don’t bother scheduling an appointment. Remember what I said about burning bridges?

If you are serious about the job (and we hope you are) make sure you note your interview time and confirm it before you hang up. The employer has specifically planned time out of their busy day to meet with you.

It may sound silly, but you would be surprised at how many times candidates get the date or time wrong. Don’t blow it.

Getting a candidate to show up is half the battle.

Arrive on time

Better yet, show up 5-10 mins early – even if it’s a virtual interview.

But be warned, if you can’t even make it to your interview on time, you may already have a strike against you.

We understand that some things are beyond your control like traffic or having a hard time finding the place. Map your route out ahead of time and give yourself plenty of travel leeway.

And if you are running late or need to reschedule, please call and let them know.

Just make sure you have a REALLY good excuse!

Dress appropriately

It is always better to be a tad overdressed than under-dressed. Save the jeans and flip flops for another time.

We want to see that you at least made an effort. This applies to Zoom interviews too!

Be prepared

There are many websites that show you common interview questions and how to answer them.

Read up on them before your interview. Try to anticipate what some of these questions will be so that you have a great answer at the ready.

Here is a great resource on how to answer tough interview questions.

And if you don’t know something, that’s okay too. Just answer honestly and express your desire to learn. You have to start somewhere.

Prepare for interview questions

Ask questions

But don’t be overbearing.

Let them lead the interview but make sure you have some questions for them too.

Examples of questions you can ask: “What is a typical day on the job like? What are you looking for in an employee?”

Not only does it show that you are interested in the job, but it also gives you a chance to explain how your experience matches what they are looking for.

It’s an important way to learn if the job is a good fit for you too!

It’s not a good sign when the interviewer looks at you like THIS.

Make eye contact and sit up straight

Your body language tells a lot about you and you’re probably not even aware of it. We get that you are nervous and that’s okay.

If you have a problem with fidgeting, try clasping your hands together during the interview or keep them under the table.

On the other end, you should watch the body language of your interviewers as well. If their eyes are drifting or they are crossing their arms, you may be losing them.

Now’s the time to reel them back in.

Hint: A long interview is a REALLY good sign.

Don’t be afraid to smile

Give them a peek at your personality and show a positive attitude.

Even if you don’t have all the necessary skills or experience, a potential employer is more likely to give you a shot if you’re someone they would enjoy training and working with.

Plus they also want to make sure you mesh well with your colleagues.

* You’re making extra points if they introduce you to them.

A smile and a good attitude can make a great impression!

Show (or fake) confidence

We understand that interviews are nerve-wracking. It’s only natural.

But keep in mind, we liked what we saw when we read your cover letter and resume. Now we want to meet YOU!

Remember, we are going to be spending a lot of time together. We want to like you and we want you to like us too!

By now, you should have all the tools needed to land and nail that job interview. The rest is up to you. Good luck!

What’s the most awkward interview question you were ever asked?

Leave me a comment and let me know!