5 Tips to Ace Your Job Interview

A new job can unlock an entire world of possibilities in life. If you’re like most people, the thought of a job interview can be a bit intimidating.  Failing to properly prepare for an interview could result in you not landing your dream job. As recruiters, we see this all the time.

Success in job interviews comes down to being well prepared, likeable and confident in your abilities – that’s how you prove that you’re the best candidate.

After successfully placing over 1000 candidates in management and executive roles, I’ve compiled the best 5 tips for you to learn how to ace your next interview.

1. LIST YOUR PROJECTS

Your projects set you apart — the most hireable construction professionals have worked across diverse projects and have handled multi-million dollar budgets. Make a list of the top 5-10 construction projects you have worked on. Add this list to your resume and bring it to your interview.

When creating your project list, be sure to:

• List the name of each project.
• Write 1-2 sentences on the scope of each project.
• Describe your role on the project (Superintendent, Project Manager, Coordinator, etc.).
• Include the value of each project.

Prepare to discuss your scope of work in detail during your interview.

2. KNOW YOUR WORTH

For the most desirable opportunities, there could be upwards of one hundred people applying for the same job you are. For this reason, it is important that you stand out. The best way to do so is to determine your competitive edge and sell it (AKA your value proposition). Ask yourself the following question: What skills, experience, and strengths do I have that others don’t? For example: Are you a concrete specialist? Have you worked on a landmark project that others haven’t? Have the projects you’ve worked on been challenging in unique ways that have required out-of-the-box problem solving on your end?

After you’ve answered this question, you can compile a list or summary of what makes you the best candidate for the job. Ensure that you use examples to support your claims. You can input this information on your resume and discuss it in-person if given the opportunity to speak with a hiring manager, whether via phone call or during an interview. Knowing and highlighting your competitive advantage when applying for jobs is necessary if you want to avoid being pushed aside and forgotten about.

3. USE POSITIVE BODY LANGUAGE

Body language accounts for 55% of the way people see us. In contrast, the spoken word accounts for only 7%. This means that you can say all the right things in an interview, but if your body language is telling the employer a different story, your chances of getting the job are slim.

Here are some tips you can use to send the right message:

• Make a solid first impression with a friendly smile and firm handshake.
• Make eye contact.
• Sit with an upright posture, open arms, and ensure your hands are always visible.
• Mirror the interviewer’s body language.
• Smile.

Not only will you appear more confident and trustworthy by implementing these tips, but research shows that intentionally using positive body language can trick your brain into feeling more positive when you’re feeling anxious, nervous, or stressed.  The better you feel in an interview, the better your chances of getting the job!

4. DO YOUR RESEARCH

When interviewing for a job, it’s important to go prepared to discuss the organization and role. Research the company and projects they have completed. To cover your bases, be prepared for the following questions:

• Why are you interested in this position?
• What do you know about our organization?
• What value can you bring to the team?

Interviews are a two-way street, so you should have your own list of questions about the company and position. Preparing this way will show that you’re truly invested in the company and its vision, which is what every employer is looking for in a new employee.

5. DON’T WASTE TIME

Be transparent about why you’re interested in the position and what your needs are in an employer. Be prepared to share salary expectations. Consider your current/previous compensation package, including salary, bonuses, benefits, etc., then determine what you need to accept an offer.

Be sure to consider other perks aside from salary, such as vacation time, RRSP matching, and the type of benefits package. One of the most important factors is growth potential within the organization.

Ask yourself: What does my future look like within this organization?

If you’re interviewing for a company structured differently from your previous/ current employer, you should be able to communicate what you’re gaining or losing; a job interview is a two-way street.

There you have it! The tips listed above should provide you with a good understanding of where to start when preparing for an interview. I highly recommend you do additional research to ensure you are as prepared for the interview as you can be. Better yet, reach out to myself to learn more interviewing and job search tips. I am always happy to connect!