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4 Ways to Get the Job Interview

It’s noon on a Tuesday. You’re daydreaming about being anywhere but stuck at this desk. Dare you even think about your dream job? Newsflash: with the right tools and a few tricks, you can land the interview that could lead to your dream job. But first you need the courage to go after it. And then you need to shine brightly as the skilled, likable person you are.

To land (and crush!) the interview for your dream job, you’ll need:

An airtight resume

Most job-seekers know that landing the interview begins with presenting a solid resume. The best resumes are easy to read, lay out your relevant career journey, and show your achievements and results. Do it in bullet points, not paragraphs, and you’ll give your interviewers plenty to discuss when you’re in the hot seat.

Topics to talk about

Your brain is primed from your resume’s trip down memory lane. Now it’s time to run through all your key projects and achievements so you’ll have those talking points ready. Too bad you never know what you’ll be asked during an interview. You might hear technical, personal, abstract, or pop culture questions. You might even get weird ones like “How many rulers would fit end-to-end along the Golden Gate Bridge?” Think through your angle on typical questions: past mistakes, project leadership, working relationships, where you see yourself in five years…

Company knowledge

Anyone can read the About Us section of the company’s website. The candidate who really wants this job will know about the company’s mission, the kind of work it has done, and the latest press about products, finances, or new hires. Use this information to prepare thoughtful questions or to tie in how the information fits with your skills and objectives. Really think about how you can connect with the company’s goals and values.

A shining personality

From the words in your resume, to the initial phone screening, to the interview itself, be yourself! You might even be able to bond over the movie posters on the conference room wall or the cat figurine on the manager’s desk. You were called in for a reason. Show the YOU these people want to work with. And be consistent! A conversational cover letter will contrast with staccato interview answers.

So now you have the tools you need to land the interview for your dream job. Good luck!

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