Let's be real: job interviews are a lot like dating. There can be awkward pauses, uncomfortable questions, and second-guessing yourself. Even high achieving mid-level or senior-level professionals sometimes struggle to come across well in a job interview.
There's just something about the atmosphere in those interview rooms that makes you a little more nervous than usual. There's also the added pressure of wanting to come across well and say all the right things so you can get a second interview. Yeah, it really is a lot like dating, isn't it? Turns out, approaching an interview with the same confidence you would have on a date has real financial pay-off.
I'm highlighting four ways you can walk into your next interview feeling more prepared and more poised than ever to get a second interview, using tips normally associated with the dating world.
1.Know What You’re Looking For
How are you going to know if the person sitting across from you is a good match if you don't know what it is you're looking for? Whether it's your new potential boss or your new potential dating partner, you have to know which traits are desirable and which ones are giant red flags. Much of this will depend on your past experiences and your specific emotional needs.
If you're getting a bad feeling from the person interviewing you, trust your gut and explore why you might be feeling that way. Ask pointed and direct questions about the expectations, environment, and leadership styles so you can get a sense of whether this role is right for you.
2.Do a Little Stalking
Just like you wouldn't walk into a first date without knowing anything about the person, you don't want to walk into a job interview without doing some research on the company beforehand. Check out their social media pages, watch videos they've put out recently, and check sites like Glassdoor.com to see what current and past employees have to say about working there.
Unlike dating, you don't have to be embarrassed that you stalked them online before meeting them in person. The hiring manager or recruiter will likely be impressed that you spent time preparing for the interview by finding out as much as you could about the company!
3.You Have to Have Confidence
Everyone loves a person with confidence. You radiate more positive energy and command more respect right out of the gate. Not only that, it can have a significant impact on your earning potential.
According to an article by NBC News, "Those with high self-esteem earn approximately $28,000 more annually than those who lack confidence." If you calculate this out over an average 40-year career, that can be over a million dollars in lost earnings.
4.It’s a Numbers Game (Sometimes)
Sometimes, especially in big cities with lots of competition, it's more of a numbers game than anything. Go on enough interviews (or dates) and you're going to eventually find a perfect match. According to Glassdoor, the average job opening attracts 250 resumes and 2% (or five people) will be called back for an interview.
For mid-level or senior-level positions, those numbers will be different, but you still might have to go through the process a few times before you receive an offer. Of course, you should be building your skills and growing your experience while you go through this process so you have a greater chance of being the strongest candidate each time you step into an interview.
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Featured image by Flamingo Images/Shutterstock
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