As an entrepreneur who has interviewed thousands of people over the past 8 years, I can tell you that I have seen it all. The best of the best and the worst of the worst interviews. Today I wanted to share some insight on what really stands out for me as an entrepreneur when interviewing for any position within my company. Here are my five small things you can do that will get you to the top of any interview list.
1. Firm handshake with eye contact
I can tell you that if I am greeted by a wet noodle handshake and zero eye contact I am immediately disinterested. I won’t lie, it will often take me 10-15 min into the interview for the person to turn this around for me. First impressions are everything, a firm handshake conveys confidence and professionalism, while good eye contact shows that you are engaged and interested in the conversation.
2. Have knowledge of the company
You wouldn’t believe the amount of people who come to an interview with absolutely no knowledge of the company. To me you literally just hit the “apply” button on indeed because it’s just “another job for you”. Additionally if it is a higher paying position I can’t help but feel you are only interviewing for the money not because you feel this is a good fit for you. Before you walk into an interview, it’s crucial to do your research on the company. This shows that you are genuinely interested in the position and that you have taken the time to learn about the organization. Knowing the company’s mission, history, and recent news will also help you answer questions more effectively and tailor your responses to fit the company’s values. I recently had an interview where the candidate researched me personally before the interview and said “I see you love fashion, I do to” and “Your children are adorable, I have a son myself”. This was definitely a surprise to me but also made me feel more connected to the candidate.
3. Have a set vision of where you want to go with the company
This bleeds into #2. If you have done your research on the company you should be able to envision where you fit into the company. During the interview, it’s essential to communicate your goals and aspirations for the position and the company. Employers want to know that you are not just looking for a job but that you have a specific vision for how you can contribute to the organization’s growth and success. Be prepared to discuss your short-term and long-term goals and how they align with the company’s objectives.
4. Come with questions for the employer
We always ask our candidates “Do you have any questions for us” and the overwhelming response is no. That blows my mind. If you are serious about a position here you should absolutely have at minimum 1-2 questions about the company as a whole. Asking thoughtful questions during an interview shows that you are interested in learning more about the company and the role. It also demonstrates that you are proactive and take the initiative to seek out information. Prepare a list of questions before the interview, such as the company’s culture, growth opportunities, or potential challenges in the role. Bring the questions with you if you don’t feel you will remember them on the spot. We don’t mind if you read them right off the paper. Should your interview panel not ask “do you have any questions” feel free at the end of the interview to say “I just have a few questions for you” and proceed to ask.
5. We don’t care about your degree
While having a degree is an achievement, it’s not the only factor that employers consider when hiring. What matters most is your skills, experience, and how well you can perform the job. So instead of solely relying on your degree to impress the interviewer, focus on highlighting your relevant experience and skills that make you the right fit for the position. For me personally EXPERIENCE trumps a degree any day of the week. Honestly I would rather have someone with 5 years experience in a field than zero experience and a 4 year degree. I once had someone tell me “well I have a bachelor’s degree so I would like $25 an hour”. This is absolutely not the way to justify a wage acquisition. Focus on your skill set and experience when negotiating your wage. I can see the degree on your resume.
BONUS: Always follow up within 24 hours with a brief email to the individuals that interviewed you. In this email express your excitement for the position and outline your 30 day plan that you will implement on yourself should you have the opportunity to join the team.
Implementing the 5 tools that I have suggested, you will significantly increase your chances of standing out in an interview. Given the current trend of job market tightening, it is crucial for job seekers to be equipped with the necessary skills and strategies to set themselves apart from other applicants. Whether you are considering a career change, company transition, or pursuing a higher position within your current organization, it is imperative to seize the opportunity now and take advantage of the resources available to you.
Incorporating the 5 tips that I have provided into your interview preparation process will not only enhance your overall performance but also give you a competitive edge in a highly competitive job market. Thank me later when you receive that phone call with the good news.
