It's no secret that job-hopping has become commonplace. In fact, 28% of employees today aim to find a new job this year, according to recent data from the University of Phoenix.
To snag a new job, you'll need a solid resume, a strong cover letter, and the ability to ace even the toughest interview. So if you're unsure about that last one, here are some tips to increase your chances of nailing those in-person meetings and getting your share of offers.
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1. Prepare to discuss your resume
You're probably familiar with what's on your resume. After all, you wrote it. But how prepared are you to delve further into your resume? Memorizing its contents isn't enough if you want to rock your way through interviews. You'll need to be prepared to get into the details of what you do at your current job, what you did previously, and how you've managed to continuously grow as an employee and develop your skills along the way.
2. Do your research
One of the best ways to send the message that you're serious about landing a job offer is to come in with a ton of knowledge about the company you're looking to work for. Before showing up for an interview, read up on the employer and make sure you thoroughly understand its product line or services. Dig into that company's history as well, so you can ask insightful questions about the business's evolution, challenges, and goals.
Furthermore, it never hurts to do a little digging on the people who will be interviewing you. If you get their names ahead of time, spend a few minutes reading their LinkedIn profiles to learn their backgrounds. Knowing about the folks interviewing you will give you an edge during that conversation, and will help you identify areas of common ground you may want to focus on.
3. Anticipate the toughest questions you might get
There are certain questions you can pretty much expect during an interview, regardless of the company or industry at hand. Preparing answers ahead of time will help you keep your cool. So study the most common interview questions and think about how you'll address the toughest ones, like: What are your salary requirements? What tactics do you employ for dealing with conflict? And what makes you the right candidate for this job?
4. Do a practice run
The fact that you're currently working and looking for a new job means you've clearly gone on at least one interview in the past. But how long has it been since you've sat down for a face-to-face meeting that could determine the direction your career takes? If it's been a year or longer, you may find that you're out of practice, even after taking the above steps. If so, get a friend, family member, or trusted associate (not one who works at your current company, though), and run through a mock interview. Practice discussing your resume and answer some of the questions on the aforementioned list. That trial run will put you at ease, which could make a world of a difference when you're interviewing for real.
The benefit of interviewing for a job when you already have one is that if things don't work out, you have a job to fall back on. Still, that doesn't mean you shouldn't make an effort to nail those interviews and increase your chances of success. You never know what positive changes a new role might bring, whether it's a higher salary, better benefits, or the ability to get promoted quickly. Do a great job interviewing, and a new offer might land in your lap.
