Let’s just be honest with each other. There is nothing more dreadful than job searching.
You need experience to get a job, but need a job to get experience.
You come across ads that are a perfect match for you, but don’t hear back after applying.
You thought the interview went really well, but you don’t get the job.
It’s depressing!
When you got rent, bills, or debt to take care of, not being able to land a job or get a better paying one, it can be very frustrating and scary.
But considering the theme of this site, sometimes being jobless or being stuck at a minimum wage job can prevent you from living your best life or chasing your dreams.
Everyone needs money not only to survive, but to also afford schooling, buy that instrument you want to learn, travel or help others.
So let me make the interview process a little easier for you by telling you what most people won’t tell you.
While other sites may tell you to give a firm handshake and let you know how to answer certain questions, they’re not telling you everything else that should be considered.
I want you to succeed.
A Bit About My Background
I’ve been there. After finishing college for medical office administration, I couldn’t find a job for 6 months. I was applying for anything. Medical secretary, receptionists for salons, and retail jobs. I attended many interviews, wasting my few dollars on bus fare to get there, just to be rejected. It was hard to be positive after 15+ rejections.
Since my family was on assistance due to my dad not paying child support and my mom being unable to get her previous job after having my little sister, I did qualify for a job youth program. I got some extra certifications and tips, and was informed about other jobs, but still didn’t land anything.
My first job was a summer job…cleaning during the PAN AM games. It was minimum wage and I got stuck with only night shifts. It was hard work for minimum wage, but I was thankful to have something to pay off some debts. I managed to stand out and was trusted to work alone and lead a team, even earning an extra week to clean up.
Before it ended, I was already looking for my next job. I thought about starting an eBay business at the time, so I was especially interested at a electronic accessory store that had an ad up on Kijiji. I applied and waited a month to hear back from them. They liked me so much that they called me to say I got it on the way home. Apparently, they thought I was overqualified, which was why they delayed contacting me.
Since then, I kept looking for better jobs, better paying jobs, something closer to what I studied for. It took 4 jobs to get into my field. I thought this could be my long term job. It was close to home, decent pay, small office so I got to take it easy and I really loved socializing with the elderly clients.
It was family owned, and the parents and son came by often. They had no issues with our office and we had the best ratings. Sadly, 8 months in, the daughter came in for the first time since I started to fill in, and she did not like how things were set up. She asked me why that was, but that’s how it’s always bee. She said it should be the same way as the main office…I’ve never been to the main office. I expressed that the clinician I worked with told me that, and she said SHE was the boss, I have to listen to her. Since then, she started micromanaging me remotely and talking down to me. The place got really toxic and I no longer saw a future with them.
I then decided to start over and pursue my true childhood dream. It’s a rare field with no real information, and I didn’t have a drivers license or experience, which was a requirement for every ad. I sent emails to every agency expressing my eagerness, sharing a cover letter and online courses I took, asking if I could shadow or intern. Got a chance at a startup, and after growing my networking and creating my own side project, I was recruited at a bigger, more stable agency.
So hear me out, anything is possible. Sometimes it takes time…but a lot of the time, you need to believe in yourself, take a chance, and put yourself out there. Don’t just apply to ads, find creative ways to apply and stand out.
Here’s My Personal Tips On How To Ace Your Interview, Stand Out & Increase Your Chances Of Landing A Job
1. Do Your Research
Research is #1 for so many reasons.
When looking for jobs to apply for, do you stop at job search sites like Indeed and Workopolis, or do you look anywhere and everywhere?
One place I got 2 of my jobs from was Kijiji, and I got my recent job via Linkedin. Thus, I know Craiglist, Facebook and other unusual places may also have a lot of job opportunities available.
You may have to take a bit more caution and ensure the job is authentic, but in general, there will be less competition. You also have better chances since your resume is going directly to the recruiter, instead of being filtered through programs.
Second, before you apply for the job, you should always take a few moments to look into the company and the position. If you can cater your resume to match certain points listed in the job ad, and be more specific when writing your cover letter and why you are the perfect fit for the job, your application will stand better chances.
Recruiters can tell when you are submitting a general application or if you have put in the effort to apply to them. You’ll also more likely pass the filtering process if you are applying through their site, so it’s always worth the extra time.
2. Act Fast
When a job ad is new (less than 7 days old), that is the best time to apply. I would even say it’s not worth your time applying to an ad that is 30+ days old as the company has probably interviewed and hired someone already, and just didn’t bother to take down the ad.
When an ad is posted, usually the position needs to be filled ASAP, so if they haven’t gotten back to you within 3 weeks of applying, you can pretty much assume that you aren’t getting the job. Don’t sit back waiting and hoping, you are wasting time.
But on that last point, acting fast also means you need to make an effort to stand out fast. Unless the ad specifically says not to call them about the position, you can always take that extra step, calling, dropping in person, maybe emailing, just anyway to make them notice you. You want your name to stick out among the 276 resumes.
Making contact is also a chance to show them who you are, along with your eagerness for the position, instead of being judged by your resume alone. Don’t worry about being annoying.
One time, I saw an ad, and I applied online….but over the long weekend, I wrote up a cover letter, then I went to the library to print everything out and drop it in person before going to my job. I called the next day to ensure they got it, and they asked if I could come in now for an interview, I was like YES! I’ll be there.
Got my second interview a few days later, I had a thank you letter with a hand drawn ear (hearing clinic) and things I’ve learned, along with chocolates, cause I was desperate. My current job was extremely toxic (gossip, yelling, entitled clients, constant calls), and I already told my boss I was leaving on my birthday regardless. He really wanted me to stay, but my mental health was suffering there. Luckily, they said I got the job before I left.
You got to to do what you got to do.
3. Be Nice To Everyone, Especially Front Desk
Now, whether you are acting fast and dropping in, or if you got called in for an interview, you should never underestimate the power of being kind to anyone you come across. You know how they say, ‘you can tell a lot about a date by how they treat their waiter’? Same applies here.
Once you step foot onto their territory, you never know who is watching you, or who you may come across. They may have cameras in the parking lot, so don’t go pulling out a bottle of whiskey to calm yourself. You may pretend to ignore the person who is rushing for the elevator…but that person turns out to be the CEO. I’m sure you’ve seen a few romance movies with that scenario.
And finally, I am pointing out front desk not just because I was one, but because I have seen how much the people in the business like and rely on their receptionist. When you drop in your resume, if you’re rude to them, they may just shred your application (I wouldn’t, but I know some actually have permission to do so).
After you have your interview, the recruiter may even ask them what they thought of you and act accordingly. You are applying to work with or around these people, so if they don’t like you….you may as well kiss the job goodbye. Doesn’t matter how talented you are.
So walk in, back straight, smile, be polite, be patient, and be kind to everyone.
4. Bring Positive Energy
Before you even leave your house for the interview, when you are getting dressed and ready to go, this is a good time to say some affirmations, and really hype yourself about the position. Even if you lack the skills needed, and even if you doubt you’ll get the job, you need to feel like you could potentially get it.
Even if you’ve faced 58 rejections before, this is a new day! This is a new opportunity! They liked your resume (and maybe you if you’ve taken the steps above) enough to give you an interview. You have a chance!
So when you walk in, you should be exuding confidence, happiness, and positivity. You can’t be walking in with depression, anxiety, frustration, discomfort, etc. Even if you aren’t aware of it, people can quickly pick up on other’s vibes. You can tell who is interested and who is nonchalant.
They are going to be attracted and interested in someone who is bright and cheerful, who shows enthusiasm for the opportunity to work there. They are going to be repulsed by stern looking individuals and Debby Downers. That’s just how it is.
Even if you aren’t exactly sad or angry, other negative traits can easily come off of you if you don’t make an effort to change it. For example, cockiness, laziness, or being overly sensitive. Your body expression, facial movements, and tone of voice give off more than you could ever know.
Always remember that your resume already shows off your skills and experience. They don’t need you to come in just to talk about your job experience. It would be a waste of time.
If you got an interview, that means they are aware that you have most of the skills needed for the position, but they want to see if you are a good fit for their business. They want to see if you’re likable, and if you’ll fit into the office dynamics and business culture. So always keep that in mind.
Present yourself as someone YOU would want to work with.
5. Relaaaaaaax!
I know, interviews can be intimidating. It feels like everything is riding on this moment. You not only want the position, you need the money! However, being jittery, sweaty, and just overall nervous also give off bad vibes.
It makes you seem unprepared, self-conscious, and presents a lack of confidence in yourself or social abilities. It can also make the interview awkward which would ruin your overall impression.
I like to think of interviews like a date. Not romantically of course, but an interview is simply a chance to get to know each other. Maybe you will click, maybe you aren’t a match. You’re both thinking long term, and maybe you’re just not a right fit for each other.
You’re not going to be the perfect person for every position out there because ever interviewer and every business is different and are looking for different people.
No matter how it goes, just know it’s not the end of the world. Sometimes it just wasn’t meant to be.
There will always be other job opportunities! So stop putting so much pressure on yourself.
Breathe in….Breathe out. There’s always other birds in the sky (or however the saying goes)
6. Be Geniune & Honest
You know, between the period when I couldn’t seem to land a job, and now when I’m positive I could land any job I wanted (even if I lacked experience), there was a big switch on how I approached interviews.
You wanna know what it is? It’s that I stopped preparing. I kid you not.
5 years ago, I was the kind of person who would go through common interview questions, write out answers based on suggestions, memorize as much as I could, and actually rehearse saying them.
I know I’m not the best speaker, and I have a lot on my mind, so I will stutter and go all over the place if unprepared. I may forget what I want to say or give a bad-ish answer, so I figured this was the best thing to do. Though, it would suck memorizing answers for 45+ questions, just to be asked 5 questions, and 2 are something you didn’t prepare for.
But the thing is, almost everyone is doing that. Everyone is preparing their perfect textbook answer based on research and what they think the recruiter wants to hear. You look up tips for interviews, and they tell you what you should say!
As I got older, as I realized that no job is perfect, and I realized my worth and ability to find another job if I wanted to, I just stopped putting in as much effort for interviews. Even if it was a job I was actually interested in, I would just go in as myself. When they ask a question, I answer it honestly.
I am an open book, and that may be my downfall one day, but it also allows an opportunity to connect. We are human and none of us is perfect. These recruiters, while they are looking for the right person for the job, they can tell who is answering honestly and who is just saying things they think they want to hear.
While my answers may not be the ‘right’ answer, it takes a certain character to be confident enough in themselves to tell the truth and not worry about judgement.
Now, I do have a pretty positive background, all my bosses loved me, I am a punctual person, I pitch ideas, I go above and beyond, and I get along with my coworkers, but there has been drama at jobs, I’ve been giving tasks I didn’t like and really hope I don’t have to do again.
At a second interview, I was their top choice, even though I said I didn’t know if I would stay there for over a year as I was considering changing fields. I was honest about this, and they sadly said it’s probably best I don’t take this then as they are looking for someone long term. It was a mutual agreement and it ended on a positive note.
I passed the second interview at another reception position, for a school that was in the field I wanted to work in. After they made it clear that there was no upgrading from the reception position, I did reconsider, and I rejected the job before my training date.
I didn’t want to waste their time or leave a few months later cause I know how hard it is to find a suitable candidate and to have to restart the process. Thankfully I did, cause I did find a job in my dream field a few weeks later.
So that’s just some food for thought. Not all recruiters expect you to be perfect, and they may be more attracted to an individual who is honest and genuinely wants to work there.
7. Be Vulnerable
Sounds scary, eh? Aren’t you supposed to…ya know, impress them?
Convince them that you are perfect and that you are the right candidate? Well, yes and no.
It’s okay to speak confidently or boldly if that is the truth. You should never underplay your skills if you are great at them. If you are great at something, your ability to talk in detail and show your expertise will certainly win you points.
However, chances are, you aren’t perfect at everything that position may require you to do. Some people would lie just to get it, and just try to learn quickly while on the job, but trust me, it’s better to just be upfront.
Being open about the skills you lack is another way to gain trust. You may have been taught to turn that ‘what is your weakness?’ question around, but sometimes it’s okay to be truthful about something you need to work on
Say for example, the recruiter asks “Can you do ______?”
Someone who is trying to impress will just say “yes, I can totally do that”, while someone who is being open and honest may say “I have done it a couple times before, but I’m not that confident in it yet. I hope to get more experience with this job”.
If you were the recruiter, who would you trust more?
The first comes off as cocky and doesn’t elaborate. The second is more vulnerable, but this shows the recruiter that you know where you lack, that you want to learn, and that you are willing to be taught, which is actually very attractive.
I’ve come across “Yes” people while conducting interviews and as coworkers, and while their willingness is great, their flaws and lack of abilities will show sooner or later, and it will only annoy those around you. You could even lose the job for lying. I would rather someone be honest so we could get them training or have someone assist them, but they said they were capable and confident.
Being humble, and showing why this job means something to you is better than being cocky and acting like the company needs you.
8. Always Ask Questions
This is the best point I can give you, so listen well. If you don’t apply any other points, you need to remember this one.
At the ‘end’ of the interview, it is common courtesy for the interviewer to ask ‘if YOU have any questions them’. I put ‘end’ in quotes because I don’t consider it the end. In fact, it’s usually half way for the interviews I’ve been to.
Just like a date, getting to know each other goes both ways. It’s not very attractive if you’ve been asking your date many questions, and then they don’t ask you anything. It shows a lack of interest. It’s even more concerning if you only ask about the money, vacations, or when you’ll hear back from them.
Even if you are impressed by their answers, someone who doesn’t share the same interest in you is still concerning.
It is an interview. Stop thinking of it as a chance for you to prove yourself, and start thinking of it as a way to get to know if you are the right fit for each other.
What I usually do, I like to turn it into a real conversation with the recruiter. I ask how long they’ve been working there, what they enjoy about it, what they were doing before and what attracted them to this field and business. I’ll even ask them hard questions, like why did the last person leave or how much the business has grown over the years.
When I was interviewing for a reception job at a real estate law office, I didn’t know nothing about real estate or real estate law, but I read about the boss and how his father worked and hew grew up working under him, so I asked him questions about the field and his experience. He was almost 70 years old, and I personally really love talking to and learning from old people.
Let’s just say, my interviews tend to last quite some time, and usually we’re just talking casually, sharing some jokes, and just being honest about one another. And just like people in real life, that conversation leaves an impression on them. They’re going to remember you, you’re going to stand out.
Even if I gave some honest or not as perfect answers, they’re going to remember the second half where they got to talk (for once) and as psychology says, people are more likely to like you if you ask them questions about themselves. After so many dreadful interviews of them going through the questions and people giving textbook answer, you’re going to be a breath of fresh air. You’re going to be interesting and unique.
Not only that, but if we got along and vibed well, they’re also going to imagine working with you. You guys already connected on a deeper level, right? You’re not a stranger anymore. You both got to share your experiences, and they may look forward to speaking with you more in the future.
So please, stop looking at an interview as just a place to talk about yourself and prove yourself. Ask the questions others are afraid to ask. Ask the interviewer where they started and where they see themselves in 5 or 10 years.
Maybe keep an eye out for photos and ask about their family or give them a compliment (I love your necklace/you have a beautiful smile), just make it more personal, you know what I mean?
9. Follow Up
The interview period can go on for a very long time….or it may just be a couple days
If the recruiter didn’t give you a date on when you should hear back from them, 4-10 days is a good estimate for a small or medium sized business. Any longer, and you risk them choosing and hiring someone else before you reach out to them.
For me, following up is a way to remind them that you are still interested in the position and that you are eager about the job.
While the recruiter is reviewing their top choices (which hopefully, you are a part of), making that call or sending a thank you email may be the little push needed that make them choose you over the others. It all comes back to the idea of standing out and having them remember you.
If you did follow up too late, at least you will know you didn’t get the job right away, instead of waiting around for weeks with your hopes up.
10. It’s Okay!
You’re not always going to get the job. Even if you had the most perfect interview, there is only one position, and someone else may just simply be the better fit for it. You win some, you lose some.
It’s Okay! It’s not the end of the world. Don’t be too hard on yourself.
You’re not always to blame for not getting the job. As long as there is competition, not everyone is going to win. But dust yourself off, keep looking, and keep trying. Keep you positive vibes up.
If you seem to be getting a lot of interviews but no jobs, perhaps you’re looking at something that is above your current skills or experience level.
The path isn’t always direct. Not everyone can get into the field they studied for right after they graduate. It took me 3 and some years, and 4 job changes to get into the field I studied for, and I studied medical administration!
Take whatever jobs you can and use this to gain experience and references. Always work hard so you can use people as references later. Be kind to everyone because they may be able to connect you to someone.
You will get a job eventually, so don’t give up! I believe in you!
Bonus Tip: Write On Linkedin
I was forced to create a LinkedIn account for a college course, but I don’t regret it. We all got a head start as our professor made us all add each other and endorse each other for the skills we learned in school.
I still didn’t use seriously for years. At most, I would keep my intro and job experience updated. But after changing fields and realizing how hard it is to find others, let alone jobs, I started working harder on my online presence, especially my Linkedin account.
After getting into the field, I started writing more. Writing valuable tips on my account, and also creating articles with more insight and information, since there wasn’t much on the internet when I was looking.
While I still consider myself a rookie, and I am VERY HONEST about being a rookie, at this point, I am kinda seen as a sort of expert to some. I’m a guest writer on 3 sites and was featured in Women-in-Tech, another site asked if they could republish my article in a book etc. People are adding me and asking for help or jobs or whatever. It’s weird haha.
I felt subconscious initially since I lacked experience, and there weren’t many young people, black people, or women in my field, but people have been open and welcoming. When I attended conferences, the board reached out to me a few times hoping I would join since they want more young people to take over when they retire, but I was too busy at my previous job.
Now listen, not many people are working on their online presence, but most recruiters are going to look at your social media profiles. So definitely do a Google search on yourself, get rid of photos you aren’t proud of, and start displaying your skills. Create an online portfolio, make casual connections, and just put yourself out there.
Summary
So just to recap the points above:
1. Do Your Research. Look at different job boards, and research the company/position, and cater your resume and cover letter to fit.
2. Act Fast. Apply as soon as possible, and find ways to stand out while the ad is fresh. Once they chose people to interview, it may be too late.
3. Be Nice To Everyone. From the second you walk on site, you don’t know who is watching, or who is involved in the hiring position. Leave a good impression on everyone.
4. Bring Positive Energy. As depressing as job searching can be, you need to walk in with confidence, happiness, and just general positivity towards the job and the opportunity. You want to present yourself as someone people want to work with.
5. Relax!! Don’t put so much weight on this job or much pressure on yourself. If you don’t get this job, there are many other jobs out there. It’ll be okay!
6. Be Geniune & Honest. Instead of memorizing perfect answers, speak truthfully about your skills and experience. Recruiters want to get to know you, and the more honest you are about your skills, the more you stand out as others may be holding up a perfect mask and just saying what they think recruiters want to hear.
7. Be Vulnerable. Adding on to #6, being more honest about the skills you lack, or places you want to gain experience also makes you stand out. Speak confidently if you are confident, but don’t be afraid to admit where you need improvement. They expect to teach you the ropes anyways, but it’s good to know where you stand now.
8. Always Ask Questions. If anything, this is your last chance to save your interview, and it doesn’t even require you to talk about yourself. Asking the recruiter about the business or him/herself is a great way to show your interest in this business, stand out from the others, and also make them like you more.
9. Follow Up. Most candidates will just sit back and wait, but that thank you email, or phone call to ask if a decision has been made is your last chance to stand out. They may have interviewed a lot of people after you and kinda forgot who you were among their pile, but following up will help them remember.
10. It’s OKAY! You won’t always get the job. Even if you had all the skills and had an amazing interview, sometimes someone else was just slightly better. Don’t get too down on yourself. Learn from this experience, and keep your head up. You will land a job eventually. Sometimes you’ll need to take a detour and gain skills from other jobs. But with time, you’ll get the job you truly want, I promise!
Bonus: Write On Linkedin. Linkedin is getting bigger and bigger, and it is possible to make valuable connections and even a job off of there. Recruiters as well are going to search you up and may come across that. Work on your online profile, but also write. Writing shows your knowledge and experience.
In Conclusion
Job searching isn’t easy or fun. If you’re a fresh graduate, a minority, or English isn’t your first language, it can certainly be harder to sell yourself.
I know some people look for months or even years for a job. But if you’re current approach isn’t working, it’s time to try something new.
An interview isn’t so much as test as it is a date. A date to see if you are the right fit for each other.
Being open, honest, vulnerable, but most importantly, positive, will certainly help you stand out and leave a good impression. And just like any date, it is a chance for you to learn more about the business and see if you’re even interested in the position.
Even if you are desperate, this interview is not the end of the world. There will always be other jobs, and other positions that are better suited for you.
If these tips have helped you, please consider leaving me a tip! Also check out my eJournals to help you with self-confidence and goal achievement!