{"id":4245,"date":"2024-08-22T09:20:30","date_gmt":"2024-08-22T13:20:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kellymeerbott.com\/?p=4245"},"modified":"2024-08-22T09:20:30","modified_gmt":"2024-08-22T13:20:30","slug":"dominate-your-next-job-interview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.kellymeerbott.com\/home\/dominate-your-next-job-interview\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Dominate Your Next Job Interview"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"4245\" class=\"elementor elementor-4245\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-5a7fa73 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"5a7fa73\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-c2fd9ac\" data-id=\"c2fd9ac\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a61ed8e elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a61ed8e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>When you\u2019re interviewing for a new role, preparation is key. Respect the interviewer\u2019s time by preparing in advance, and ensure you can offer thoughtful, well-structured answers that demonstrate why you\u2019re a perfect fit for both the role and the company culture.\u00a0<span style=\"font-family: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-family ), Sans-serif; font-size: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-size ); font-weight: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-weight ); letter-spacing: var( --e-global-typography-text-letter-spacing );\">Here\u2019s how to do it right.<\/span><\/p><h3><span style=\"color: #609553;\"><b>Before The Interview<\/b><\/span><\/h3><ul><li><p><strong style=\"background-color: transparent; font-size: 18px; color: var( --e-global-color-text ); font-family: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-family ), Sans-serif; letter-spacing: var( --e-global-typography-text-letter-spacing );\">Rehearse Your Story.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Before stepping into the interview, determine the key highlights of your professional story. Identify your best selling points, test different versions, and rearrange elements until they flow naturally. Practice with friends or colleagues to refine your delivery. Your goal is to make your story clear, compelling, and concise.<\/p><\/li><\/ul><ul><li><p><strong>Be Concise.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><span style=\"font-family: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-family ), Sans-serif; font-size: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-size ); font-weight: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-weight ); letter-spacing: var( --e-global-typography-text-letter-spacing ); background-color: transparent;\">When it comes to interviews, less is often more. People typically remember the first and last things they hear, so prioritize your points accordingly. Aim for responses that are between 30 to 60 seconds long. This keeps your answers impactful and memorable.<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ul><ul><li><p><strong>Research the Company.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><span style=\"font-family: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-family ), Sans-serif; font-size: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-size ); font-weight: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-weight ); letter-spacing: var( --e-global-typography-text-letter-spacing );\">Tailor your responses to align with the company\u2019s needs and values. Dive deep into the company\u2019s culture, mission, and current challenges. The more you know, the better you can position yourself as the solution they\u2019ve been searching for.<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ul><ul><li><p><strong>Know the Job Description.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><span style=\"font-family: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-family ), Sans-serif; font-size: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-size ); font-weight: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-weight ); letter-spacing: var( --e-global-typography-text-letter-spacing );\">Familiarize yourself with the job description and relate your answers to the specific requirements of the role. Show the interviewer that you understand what the position entails and that your skills are a perfect match.<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ul><ul><li><p><strong>Prepare Thoughtful Answers.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><span style=\"font-family: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-family ), Sans-serif; font-size: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-size ); font-weight: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-weight ); letter-spacing: var( --e-global-typography-text-letter-spacing );\">An interview is a two-way street. Prepare insightful questions to ask the interviewer. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you. Use this opportunity to clarify any doubts you might have about the job or the company culture.<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ul><ul><li><p><strong>Stay Calm, Confident, and Composed,\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><span style=\"font-family: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-family ), Sans-serif; font-size: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-size ); font-weight: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-weight ); letter-spacing: var( --e-global-typography-text-letter-spacing );\">Even if faced with a tough question, maintain your composure. A calm demeanor projects strength and confidence. Remember, the interviewer is not just assessing your qualifications but also your ability to handle pressure.<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ul><ul><li><p><strong>Be Professional, Yet Humble.<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0<span style=\"font-family: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-family ), Sans-serif; font-size: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-size ); font-weight: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-weight ); letter-spacing: var( --e-global-typography-text-letter-spacing );\">Confidence is key, but so is humility. Show that you\u2019re a professional who knows their worth but is also open to learning and growth.<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ul><ul><li><p><strong>Be Specific.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><span style=\"font-family: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-family ), Sans-serif; font-size: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-size ); font-weight: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-weight ); letter-spacing: var( --e-global-typography-text-letter-spacing );\">Generic answers won\u2019t cut it. Use specific examples from your past experiences to make your answers relatable and credible. Whenever possible, quantify your achievements with numbers, percentages, or other measurable outcomes.<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ul><h3><span style=\"color: #609553;\"><strong>Prepare For Job Interview Questions<\/strong><\/span><\/h3><p>It starts with your story.<span style=\"background-color: transparent; font-size: 18px; font-family: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-family ), Sans-serif; font-weight: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-weight ); letter-spacing: var( --e-global-typography-text-letter-spacing );\">\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"background-color: transparent; font-size: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-size ); font-family: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-family ), Sans-serif; font-weight: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-weight ); letter-spacing: var( --e-global-typography-text-letter-spacing );\">Your story is your foundation, but it must be relevant to the role. Research the company and the interviewers to determine which skills and experiences to highlight. <\/span><\/p><ul><li><strong><span style=\"background-color: transparent; font-size: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-size ); font-family: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-family ), Sans-serif; letter-spacing: var( --e-global-typography-text-letter-spacing );\">Structure your answer using this simple outline:<\/span>\u00a0<\/strong><ul><li><strong style=\"background-color: transparent; font-family: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-family ), Sans-serif; letter-spacing: var( --e-global-typography-text-letter-spacing );\">Beginning:<\/strong><span style=\"background-color: transparent; font-family: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-family ), Sans-serif; font-weight: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-weight ); letter-spacing: var( --e-global-typography-text-letter-spacing );\"> Your current role, what you enjoy, and what you\u2019ve learned.<\/span><\/li><li><strong style=\"background-color: transparent; font-family: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-family ), Sans-serif; letter-spacing: var( --e-global-typography-text-letter-spacing );\">Middle: <\/strong><span style=\"background-color: transparent; font-family: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-family ), Sans-serif; font-weight: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-weight ); letter-spacing: var( --e-global-typography-text-letter-spacing );\">Your career and past job, and why you want a new role.<\/span><\/li><li><strong style=\"background-color: transparent; font-family: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-family ), Sans-serif; letter-spacing: var( --e-global-typography-text-letter-spacing );\">End:<\/strong><span style=\"background-color: transparent; font-family: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-family ), Sans-serif; font-weight: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-weight ); letter-spacing: var( --e-global-typography-text-letter-spacing );\"> Where you want to go next, and why this role is the right step.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><ul><li><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><strong>\u00a0 Create Answers With the STAR Method.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ol><li style=\"list-style-type: none;\"><ol><li style=\"list-style-type: none;\"><ol><li><strong>Situation: <\/strong>Describe a relevant task or challenge you faced.<\/li><li><strong>Task: <\/strong>Explain what the task or challenge entailed.<\/li><li><strong>Action:<\/strong> Detail the specific actions you took to address it.<\/li><li><strong>Result: <\/strong>Share the outcome of your actions, focusing on what you learned.<\/li><\/ol><\/li><\/ol><\/li><\/ol><ul><li><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><strong>Build Your Answers To Meet Their Needs. <\/strong><\/span><\/li><\/ul><p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Every interview is unique, so tailor your responses to reflect the company\u2019s values and needs. Show the interviewer that you\u2019ve done your homework and that you\u2019re not just interested in any job, but in this job.<\/p><h3><span style=\"color: #609553;\"><b>During The Interview<\/b><\/span><\/h3><p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong>1. Stay Calm and Confident<\/strong><\/p><p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Maintain your composure throughout the interview. If you face a challenging question, take a deep breath and gather your thoughts before answering. Confidence is crucial, but remember to avoid sounding arrogant\u2014be humble and professional in your responses.<\/p><p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong>2. Use Specific Examples From Your Experience<\/strong><\/p><p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Whenever possible, back up your answers with concrete examples from your work history. Specific examples make your answers more credible and relatable. Don\u2019t just say you\u2019re a great leader\u2014prove it with a story about a time when you successfully led a team.<\/p><p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong>3. Listen Carefully\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p><p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Pay attention to the questions being asked and don\u2019t hesitate to ask for clarification if needed. This shows that you\u2019re engaged and thoughtful in your responses.<\/p><p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong>4. Pause Before Answering\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p><p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">It\u2019s okay to take a moment to think about your answer. A brief pause can help you gather your thoughts and respond more effectively.<\/p><p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong>5. Be Honest\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p><p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">If you don\u2019t know the answer to a question, it\u2019s better to admit it honestly than to try and bluff your way through. Honesty builds trust, and a good interviewer will appreciate your candor.<\/p><p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong>6. Highlight What You\u2019ve Learned From Past Challenges\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p><p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Don\u2019t shy away from discussing past failures or challenges, but frame them as learning experiences. Highlight what you\u2019ve learned and how you\u2019ve grown as a result.<\/p><p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong>7. Keep It Positive\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p><p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Focus on your achievements and strengths. Even when discussing challenges, maintain a positive tone and show how you\u2019ve overcome obstacles.<\/p><h3><strong><span style=\"color: #609553;\">After the Interview<\/span><\/strong><\/h3><p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong>1. Reflect on the Interview\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p><p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">As soon as you can, jot down what you remember from the interview. Review what you learned about the company and the job, noting both positive elements and potential red flags.<\/p><p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong>2. Send a Thank You Note or Email\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p><p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Follow up with a thank-you note or email to express your appreciation for the opportunity and to reiterate your interest in the role. This small gesture can leave a lasting impression.<\/p><p>By incorporating these strategies, you\u2019ll be well-prepared to tackle difficult interview questions with confidence and ease.<\/p><p><strong>You&#8217;ve got this!<\/strong><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><hr \/><p style=\"text-align: center;\">\u00a0<\/p><p class=\"article-editor-content__paragraph\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><a class=\"article-editor-content__link article-editor-content__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/kellyameerbott\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><em>Kelly Meerbott, PCC<\/em><\/a>\u00a0<em>is a renowned expert in executive leadership. 90% of Kelly\u2019s clients achieve their goals, underscoring the effectiveness of her methods. As a keynote speaker, author, and podcast host, Kelly continues to influence the field of executive leadership. C<\/em><em>urrently accepting new clients for 2025.<\/em><\/p><p class=\"article-editor-content__paragraph\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><a class=\"article-editor-content__link article-editor-content__link\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.kellymeerbott.com\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><em>Discover how her coaching can transform your leadership journey<\/em><\/a><em>.<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When you\u2019re interviewing for a new role, preparation is key. Respect the interviewer\u2019s time by preparing in advance, and ensure you can offer thoughtful, well-structured answers that demonstrate why you\u2019re a perfect fit for both the role and the company culture.\u00a0Here\u2019s how to do it right. Before The Interview Rehearse Your Story.\u00a0\u00a0Before stepping into the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":4261,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[178,234,126,158,290,291,288,292],"class_list":["post-4245","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-career-development","tag-emotional-intelligence","tag-executive-coach","tag-executive-leadership","tag-how-to-prepare-for-interview","tag-job","tag-job-interview","tag-role"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.kellymeerbott.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4245","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.kellymeerbott.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.kellymeerbott.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.kellymeerbott.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.kellymeerbott.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4245"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/blog.kellymeerbott.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4245\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4262,"href":"https:\/\/blog.kellymeerbott.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4245\/revisions\/4262"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.kellymeerbott.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4261"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.kellymeerbott.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4245"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.kellymeerbott.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4245"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.kellymeerbott.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4245"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}