Earning a well-respected business degree such as Northern Kentucky University’s online Master of Business Administration (MBA) can demonstrate your qualifications for a job and your commitment to professional development. However, even though an MBA can give you a competitive edge in the hiring process, the true test of your potential as a new hire is the job interview.
Many aspects of interviewing successfully are common sense. Plan your outfit and dress appropriately. Know where the interview is taking place and get there early. If it’s a virtual interview, make sure you understand the videoconferencing software. Practice and rehearse what you want to say in the interview.
However, the interview process involves more than showing up, looking professional and practicing. Here are eight important tips for a successful job interview.
Research the Company and the Job
Conducting thorough research on the job and company will help you prepare for the interview. Moreover, careful research will help you show the interviewer that you are a good match for the job and company, both in skill set and shared goals.
It’s important to study the job requirements and responsibilities. Make sure that your education and experience match the job description.
Thoroughly research the company’s mission, vision, values, goals and history. Explore its website and social media pages. Find customer reviews and feedback on the organization’s products, services and customer relations. Strive to understand if the image the company wants to project lines up with public perception.
Study Common Interview Questions
Read over the numerous lists of common interview questions published by career and job websites. Why are you right for the job? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Where do you see yourself in five years? Be ready to answer different behavioral interview questions.
Study typical interview questions and prepare accordingly — and be ready for less common questions that pertain to the job you’re seeking. The interviewer will want to see how you respond to unexpected questions and unanticipated circumstances in real time.
Build on Your Strengths
You will need to do more than rattle off your strengths in a list. Reflect on your strengths deeply; consider how you developed them, how you have applied them to the workplace and how they will help you be effective in the role.
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Job Outlook 2019 employer survey, “critical thinking/problem solving” tops the list of competencies employers value. It helps to come prepared with specific examples of how you’ve applied your strengths and skills to solve complex problems in challenging situations.
Know Your Weaknesses
The interviewer will undoubtedly ask you about your weaknesses. This is an important opportunity to show your interviewer your commitment to personal and professional growth.
This means being clear about mistakes you’ve made and what you learned from those experiences. You can frame your weaknesses and development in a positive light, but be honest about how you still need to — and intend to — improve.
Understand 21st-Century Skills
NACE’s survey reports that employers look for job candidates with strong “soft” skills (i.e. teamwork/collaboration, professionalism/work ethic and communication) in addition to critical thinking and problem solving. As one would expect, digital technology skills also rank highly on NACE’s list of valued competencies.
This combination of critical thinking, interpersonal skills and tech knowhow is essential for success in the 21st century, regardless of industry or job type.
Use the Interview to Demonstrate Your Skills
Given the understanding of the job, the company and the skills modern employers look for, use interview questions to demonstrate these skills. Communicate your responses clearly. Carefully consider posited situational challenges to showcase your problem-solving abilities.
Describing your past experiences with tech integration initiatives, collaborative software, data analytics, and business intelligence tools can help illustrate your competency with modern technologies. Articulating how your education and experience have helped you develop as a professional can demonstrate your work ethic and commitment to growth.
Come Prepared With Questions
Many interviewers will ask you if you have any questions. This is an opportunity to learn about your potential role and showcase your deep interest in the job and company. Be specific, basing questions on research you have done about the company and the position you’re applying for.
Be Yourself
Interviewers look for honesty and authenticity in job candidates. Use the interview to show them who you are and why you fit the company and the job. Be sure your public social media pages accurately reflect you and your professionalism.
With preparation, research and the right skills, you can approach every job interview with confidence. It’s an opportunity to make a good impression and highlight your abilities. Using these tips, you can show the interviewer how you perform in challenging situations — and why you’re the right person for the job.
Learn more about Northern Kentucky University’s online MBA program.
Sources:
Indeed: 21 Job Interviewing Tips: How to Make a Great Impression
The Balance Careers: 7 Interview Tips That Will Get You Hired
National Association of Colleges and Employers: The Four Career Competencies Employers Value Most
The Muse: 30 Behavioral Interview Questions You Should Be Ready to Answer
