5 Surprising Interview Tips

There is plenty of classic interview advice out there regarding your demeanor and presentation. However, there are a few tips you might not be aware of.

There is plenty of classic interview advice out there regarding your demeanor and presentation. There’s how to give a firm handshake or how to make eye contact often. However, there are a few tips you might not be aware of. These interview tips are just as valid, but often fly under the radar. Consider these five surprising interview suggestions to help you get ahead.

 

1. Use Social Sweepster
   to edit your social media Meet your new best friend: Its name is Social Sweepster.¹ This application will thoroughly scan through your Facebook and Twitter to detect any incriminating evidence, such as that time you wore a beer box on your head. It also picks up beer bottles, solo cups and even profanity. Look professional on social media, even if you weren’t three years ago.
2. Develop a story statement One of the most common interview questions involves explaining your interest in the field or about your resume and experience. Most people will begin this explanation with “I picked this major because..” or “I wanted to make a difference in nursing.” These statements are incredibly dry. Most people forget the true reason why they developed a passion for the field the first place. Usually that answer is much more genuine and unique. Recalling a faint childhood memory that inspired you to be a nurse is more captivating than noting you picked this major in college.
3. Try out Google Alerts One of the most important aspects of preparing for an interview is doing your research. Most applicants may look over the company website or get to know the position better. Though these actions are useful, inch ahead of the competition by doing more than that. Gather information on news related to the current field and bring it up in the interview. Since no one has time to scour the Internet, that’s where Google Alerts comes in. All you have to do is select a topic for stories you’re interested in. This app will send you emails on any story related to that topic.
4. Take note of timing Certain instances work better than others for an interview.² There are times that may be more inconvenient for your interviewer or when he or she might be more distracted. Most applicants don’t think about the literal interview time, they just say yes. Instead, aim to avoid scheduling around lunch, a weekend or too early or too late in the day. All of these parts of the day could affect your interview because the interviewer’s mind is somewhere else, regardless of how much you prepared.
5. Make yourself memorable Many applicants hope their enthusiasm will help them stand out, but a physical reminder can always help, too. Consider wearing a subtle statement piece that makes you stand out. Though it may seem pointless, even the little details matter and could help get you started on the right foot.

These are just a few unexpected interview tips that may not cross your mind while you prepare. Use these tips to help you get the edge on other applicants and stand out among the crowd.

 

¹ http://www.forbes.com/sites/jonyoushaei/2014/10/20/12-surprising-job-interview-tips/

² http://www.glassdoor.com/blog/5-tips-times-schedule-interview/