Page 52 - Skills - 2024

GETTING A JOB
How to Stand Out During Your Next Job Interview
BY CLOEY CALLAHAN
Preparing for a job interview can be nerve-wracking. It’s a time where change and new opportunities are right on the horizon, but you know you need to wow the employer first. It’s the
moment where qualifications meet personality, and first impressions are everything.
Sherry Bruck, a brand strategist and creative director at White Plains-based Harquin, shares her insights on what stands out to her when she interviews candidates. Working across multiple sectors including education, nonprofit, government, and healthcare, Bruck has a solid understanding of how to ace an interview.
Here are five tried-and-tested tips to help you navigate your job interview with confidence
and finesse.
1. Research, research, research
Bruck says that while there used to be the old adage
that “there are no stupid questions,” it’s not always true, especially in a job interview. Thanks to the internet, the interviewee should have a good sense of the company they are interviewing for. That’s the very first step of the process. The candidate should read up on the company, go through its bio and “about us” pages, look for any recent press releases or social media posts, and get a good sense of how he or she will fit in the organization.
“That’s 101,” says Bruck. “I interviewed people where they said, ‘Tell me about your company.’ I’m not going to sit there and do that. You have to look it up and be prepared.”
If possible, find out exactly who is interviewing you so that you can do additional research about that person. It’s best to understand the full picture, including the company’s mission, values, recent projects, and even its culture.
This will help candidates to then tailor their answers to reflect how their skills align with the company’s goals and demonstrate a genuine interest in being part of the journey.
2. Practice makes perfect
“Prep is the name of the game,” notes Bruck. “Google typical interview questions you might be asked. If you don’t prepare, it will be easy to trip up.”
Anticipate common interview questions and rehearse your responses. Practice with a friend, record yourself, or even try mock interviews. This will help you articulate your thoughts more confidently and effectively during the actual interview.
There are also online tools that can help, like
Google’s Interview Warmup feature (found at grow.google/ certificates/interview-warmup) that helps you prepare for any upcoming interviews.
3. Dress the part and arrive early
First impressions matter. Dress appropriately for the role and company culture.
“Check out the culture of the company,” Bruck recommends. “If it’s a creative agency that has casual attire and you walk in with a suit, that might make you feel foolish or uncomfortable if the other person is more casual.”
Bruck says an interview isn’t the time to take any fashion chances. Wear something you feel comfortable and good in. She suggests looking at the company’s photo gallery on its website to see how workers usually dress.
Plan your journey to the interview location in advance, aiming to arrive at least 10-15 minutes early. Punctuality demonstrates reliability and respect for the interviewer’s time.
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