There’s nothing more important in an interview than showing an employer that you are competent in a professional environment. According to economists that study employment issues, such as Warren Mosler, many employers are reluctant to take people who have been unemployed for a long time, which is partly due to the fact that there isn’t enough evidence that the prospective employee is fit for the professional working world. That’s why doing your best to demonstrate your professionalism can help your job interview efforts significantly. Here are some tips to help you achieve just that.
Practice Rigorously
Try to find some relevant frequently asked questions and practice your answers in the mirror. You should get to the stage where you appear calm, clear, and brief with your answers. It’s okay to stutter, but if you try to speak slowly you will find you come across as more confident and more professional.
Do a Lot of Research
Research everything you can — the organization, the industry, and any trends that might impact how you will perform your job. Being well informed will show the employer that you are serious about this position and are not afraid to dedicate time towards improvement. Trends are good to research because you should get an opportunity to ask questions about the job. Asking a question about how a trend might affect your work will demonstrate knowledge and professionalism. If you’re applying to be an administrative assistant, this might be a good question:
“I am aware that for administration roles, the rise of AI is promising to majorly increase efficiency; will your company be implementing any AI technology and will I get a chance to work with it?”
Have a Business Card
You can have a business card even if you’re unemployed. Many employers are impressed by custom business cards that feature some key points like experience and key skills. You don’t have to make it very flashy, but if it is professional and memorable, you may be remembered more than other candidates. It shows employers that you are familiar with working in the professional realm or you are prepared to do so.
Do Introductions Right
A lot of people will be nervous when they enter the interview. This is to be expected, but it’s also an area where you can demonstrate your professionalism. Try to take the lead with the introduction, being purposeful with your words (e.g. “Good Morning, my name is _____, thank you for inviting me in for interview).
Make sure you have a good handshake (even if you might be social distancing currently, it’s good for future interviews and meetings), and make sure it’s firm but not too strong. Also, if you’re very nervous, make sure you dry your hands beforehand.
Throughout the interview, smile, but don’t overdo it. The best way to put yourself in this frame of mind is just to think positive and allow that positivity to make you smile naturally at times. Remember that even though you want to come across as professional, you should still show your enthusiasm. Just do so in a controlled and deliberate way (e.g. with your words not with the way that you deliver them).
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- 5 Things Employers Wish You Knew Before Applying For a Job
