Top 6 Interview Hacks to Land The Job of Your Dreams

Did you know that you can still be in control of an interview, even if you are the interviewee? You can (and should be) an active participant in an interview. Think of an interview as a sales negotiation. Not only are you trying to sell your skills to the employer, but the employer is also trying to buy your skills to improve their company. You can subtly manipulate the conversation and increase your chances of getting hired by using some of the following tips.

Make a great first impression

While in the waiting room, turn off your phone and put it away. First impressions are everything, and the last thing you want is your interviewer to come out to meet you only to see you hunched over playing Candy Crush. Sit up straight, smile at the receptionist, and be ready to meet your interviewer at any moment.

Establish trust before the real interview even begins

There are a few golden seconds you have before the interview actally starts and settling into your chair. These seconds can alter the entire course of the interview if you handle them correctly. Take this time to compliment the company or make a light joke about your commute or the weather. Scan the office for something you can relate to use that to get on a personal level with your interviewer. Once you establish this trust and find connections with the interviewer, you will both relax and be able to carry out a successful interview. Don’t be stressed if you couldn’t find anything in these few seconds, there are still plenty of other ways to make the interview yours.

Use their name

Everyone loves to hear their own name, especially your interviewer who is most likely a CEO or manager. Their name holds power in their place of work, and it's likely they like to hear it. Whenever appropriate, address them by name before asking a question. This shows the respect you have for the employer. By using their name, it lets your interviewer know: “this interview is important to me, and I respect your superiority.” It’s sort of like giving a compliment without actually giving one!

Mirror the interviewer

People in management positions have the sort of confidence that gets them into the position they earned. You can listen to their tone of voice and mirror the phrases they use when they talk about the position and company. If you mirror their actions, they will take an interest in what you are saying. Use this skill with caution, you never want to imply that you are mocking the interviewer. A few practice runs with a friend would help you be most efficient in this skill.

Be honest

This advice is dated, but there’s a reason why you hear it so often! Your interviewer will appreciate if you are upfront and honest. Giving typical, robotic answers they have already heard while they explain the position’s details will only bore them. If you are confused why the company has been doing something a certain way for x amount of time, ask. If they bring up a topic or company practice you disagree with, respectfully start a discussion. Don’t be a pushover, but do your best to be present and make this interview a fluid and memorable conversation.

Show Gratitude

End the interview on a good note by making a big deal of your thank you. Let the interviewer know how much you appreciate the time they took out of their day to talk with you. Thank them for the opportunity you had to talk about the company with them. They might not remember what you said, but they will remember how you made them feel! That will help you by making a lasting impression on the interviewer.

Remember: it’s possible to have too much of a good thing! These tips can be very helpful, but only use the ones you are comfortable with, or the ones you have practiced and know you can use to your advantage. Interviews are the perfect way to get to know the employer, so be sure to use the skills that will help you show off who you are!


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