Secure the job: tips to ace your next interview.
Posted on Apr. 25, 2024 / Subscribe 0
On average, around 118 people will apply for any given job and only 20% will get an interview, according to Forbes. In today's competitive job market, PR professionals must set themselves apart from other candidates during interviews to increase their chances of securing a position.
In 2023, I underwent over 50 interviews with various companies. Through this extensive experience, I've gained valuable insights into what employers look for when filling a position. With that in mind, below are some key tips to help you stand out during your next interview.
- Provide thought-provoking responses
- Share valuable stories
- Generate new ideas
Provide thought-provoking responses that’ll keep the interviewers engaged.
Before your interview, take the time to research common questions and craft thoughtful responses. Avoid giving generic answers, as they can bore interviewers (and yourself). Below, I've included a sample question and a well-crafted response to illustrate how to approach it effectively.
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- Question: “Why do you want to work here?”
- Generic response: "I've heard great things about this company."
- What to actually say: "Through thorough research and conversations with peers in my network, I've learned that this company is leading the industry in [mention specific achievements or initiatives]. I'm particularly drawn to this environment, which fosters growth and innovation. I'm eager to contribute my skills and expertise to help further the company's success."
Consider your motivations for wanting to work for a company, and weave them into your response. By offering a genuine and carefully considered answer, you'll establish a connection with the interviewers and keep them engaged throughout the conversation.
Share valuable stories that showcase the skills they’re looking for in a candidate.
Potential employers want to understand how you approach projects, handle issues that may arise and better understand who you are as an employee. Sharing stories during conversations helps showcase your relevant experiences, demonstrating the value you could bring to the company.
During interviews, a common question is often 'Tell me about a time you made a mistake and how you approached or fixed it.' This question offers you the chance to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers are interested in understanding your past approach to challenges, so it's important to structure your response with real-life examples to showcase your problem-solving abilities.
Be proactive - provide new ideas for consideration.
To truly distinguish yourself from other candidates, adopt a proactive mindset and approach the interview as if you've already secured the position. During a panel interview, you can demonstrate your initiative by presenting an idea you've formulated for consideration, and walk the panel through your thought process. While this may require additional preparation, showcasing your readiness to tackle the role with a fresh perspective can leave a lasting impression on the interviewers.
Overall, when preparing for your next interview invest thought and effort into your responses; share valuable stories that highlight your talent; take notes and prepare questions to demonstrate your engagement, and be proactive by presenting new ideas to the panel. This comprehensive approach will help you stand out and leave a lasting impression.
Bianca Kashat is a communications contractor with Stellantis and PRSA Detroit board member, blog chair and internship co-chair.
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