The idea of going through job interview after job interview can be stressful. You are confident in your abilities to perform your job well but the interview process feels like a mystery. Sometimes they ask these cryptic questions that you don’t quite understand. You may have difficulty framing what you want to say and thinking quickly enough on your feet. Let’s not forget the added pressure you put on yourself to interview well and find a job that achieves your career goals. 

Preparation is Key To Find A Job 

Give considerable thought to what you want to convey during the job interview process. Even if you don’t think you know the exact questions, you can still be very prepared. Carefully review the job posting to make sure you know the skills they are seeking in a candidate. It will help you to focus your answers to examples that relate to those skills and abilities. Take the time to truly evaluate yourself in order to determine the accomplishments you are most proud of and your results. For example, if it is a managerial role think about your results, examples of how you have inspired your team and managed conflict. Think about what sets you apart from the competition. Focus on the technical skills in the role and think about how you can demonstrate your competence in those areas. 

Modesty Will Not Win You the Job

You may feel uncomfortable talking about your accomplishments or out of practice going on job interviews. Perhaps you have been on several interviews and it is affecting your confidence. 

Now is the time to showcase your skills, share your achievements and place a strong focus on your results. 

Practice 

Practicing will help you think through your answers, see how they sound and refine them. You want to be focused and concise with your responses. If you practice, it will allow you to speak with confidence and really nail what you want to say. Start with some frequently asked questions. 

Why are you leaving or have you left your last position?

Tell me about a process that wasn’t work and how you improved it. 

What do you see as your strengths? Your weaknesses? 

Tell me about your greatest accomplishment. 

What makes you a good fit for this role? 

Thinking through and practicing the answer to these frequently asked interview questions is a great start. Practice with a family member or trusted friend until you feel confident in your answers. 

Schedule A Job Interview Session with a Professional

You should consider working with a professional with expertise in the job interview process. It is a great opportunity to practice your answers in a safe space where it is ok to fumble. Working with someone who will simply give you honest and helpful tips is invaluable. This way they can help you craft your “Tell me about yourself” pitch. It is one of the most frequently asked questions and the one that trip most job candidates. 

The job interview process can be tricky and you may be already stressed from your job search. You may put too much pressure on yourself to do well and find a job quickly. Following these 4 job interview tips will help you feel more confident, concise and focused in your responses.