Your interview cheat sheet

Welcome to Career Insider. You're getting ready for an interview. It's your dream job, and you don't want to screw this up. This is your one chance to level up your career. You can't blow it.

Here's your interview cheat sheet that you need to memorize.

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INTERVIEWS
Your interview cheat sheet

We’ve all been there. Interviews can be nerve-racking. But after years of interviewing hundreds of candidates, the best candidates all did a few things exactly right. Here are 9 tips that’ll instantly set you apart from everyone else.

1: Carry a notebook.

Believe it or not, this actually works. Carry a notebook with you even if you don't use it. It makes you look professional and shows you're prepared to jot down notes or anything important.

It implies you're organized, and companies like organized workers.

2: Smile.

I cannot count the number of candidates who looked like they wanted to kill themselves in the interview.

- They were tired

- They never smiled

- They looked angry

Smiling immediately gives you the upper hand in a sea of normal candidates.

3: Dress to impress.

It's stupid how often I've seen job candidates walk in with jeans or a T-shirt.

Many hiring managers have moved on before the interview begins. Remember that dressing up doesn’t necessarily require wearing a full suit. But when in doubt, take the extra time to dress nicer.

4: Focus on requirements.

Know the specific demands of the job. Then speak to those.

If the job requires particular skills, confidently talk about your experience with those things.

- Microsoft Office

- Agile Dev Process

- Cisco Telephones

Use the words.

5: Do research.

- Know the company's leaders

- Understand its business model

- Memorize its mission statement

Even the slightest bit of research will help you answer questions correctly.

Tailor your answers based on the company's mission.

This works.

6: Ask a question at the end.

Most interviews end with: "Do you have any questions for us?"

Have a question prepared. Never say "Nope" or, "I think you already answered all my questions" Those are bullshit answers.

Ask a good question (more on this in the next section).

7: Answer "Why us"?

I asked this question a lot. The answer told me all I needed to know.

Why did you apply for the job?

Why do you want to work here?

Specific answers are best. Generic answers mean you didn't prepare.

Know your answer.

8: Talk about real weaknesses.

I've had candidates say, "I'm equally strong in all areas," Or, "I care too much," yada yada.

Wrong answer. It's B.S., and your interviewers know it.

We all have weaknesses.

I've hired people based on their answers to this question alone.

9: Conserve the cologne/perfume.

I remember one candidate who bathed in clove oil before the interview. You could smell it down the hall.

Be conservative when it comes to smells, jewelry or other distractions.

Keep it simple.

INTERVIEWS (Part 2)
Great questions to ask at the end of the interview

Asking questions at the end of an interview is always a good idea. It means you care and you’ve given this job opportunity your full attention. If you’re stumped for what to ask, here are some suggestions.

1. Can you describe the day-to-day responsibilities of this job?

   • This helps you understand what a typical day might look like and if it aligns with your expectations.
     

2. What are the most important skills and qualities needed to succeed in this role?

   • This gives insight into what the company values and expects from its employees.
     

3. How do you measure success in this position?

   • Understanding the metrics for success can help you gauge how your performance will be evaluated.
     

4. Can you tell me more about the team I would be working with?

   • This question lets you learn about the team dynamics and the people you will collaborate with.
     

5. What are the biggest challenges facing the team/department right now?

   • This can provide insight into potential obstacles and how the company addresses them.
     

6. How does this role contribute to the company’s goals and objectives?

   • Understanding the role's impact can help you see how you fit into the larger picture.
     

7. What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the company?

   • This shows your interest in long-term growth and development.
     

8. Can you describe the company culture?

   • Learning about the company culture can help determine if it fits your work style and values well.
     

9. What do you enjoy most about working here?

   • This can provide a personal perspective on the company’s work environment.
     

10. Can I address any concerns about my qualifications before we conclude?

    • This gives you a chance to clarify any doubts the interviewer might have.
      

11. What are the next steps in the interview process?

    • This shows your eagerness to move forward and helps you understand the timeline.
      

12. How has the company evolved over the past few years, and where do you see it going?

    • This question can give insight into the company’s stability and growth prospects.

Remember to tailor your questions based on the conversation during the interview and the specific role you are applying for.

NEWS
Is your career ready for 2025?

This week in employment news, the job market is buzzing like a beehive on a sunny day! Let's dive into the highlights with a sprinkle of humor and a dash of drama.

Job Growth Surges Like a Rocket: The U.S. economy added a whopping 254,000 jobs in September, far exceeding economists' expectations. The job market decided to throw a surprise party, and everyone was invited! The unemployment rate dipped to 4.1%, making it a double whammy of good news. Sectors like food services, healthcare, and construction were the life of the party, adding the most jobs. CBS News

Retailers Gear Up for the Holiday Rush: As the holiday season approaches, Amazon and other retailers are on a hiring spree, looking to add 520,000 workers. It's like Santa's workshop is expanding, and they're looking for elves! However, this number is slightly down from last year, marking the second-lowest total since 2009. Newsweek

Hurricane Helene's Unwanted Job Impact: Not all news is jolly, as Hurricane Helene caused jobless claims to jump to 258,000. It's as if the storm decided to play a not-so-funny prank on the job market, affecting states like Florida and the Carolinas. Newsweek

Gen Z's Workplace Drama: Meanwhile, Gen Z is making waves in the workplace, with some trashing their employers online and others watching nearly an hour of TV during work hours. It's like a reality show where the younger generation is both the star and the critic! Newsweek

Toxic Positivity in the Office: Discussions around "toxic positivity" are heating up in a twist of workplace wellness. It's the idea that being overly optimistic can be a downer, like being forced to smile through a root canal. CBS News

So, whether you're celebrating job gains or navigating the quirks of modern work culture, this week's employment news has something for everyone. Just remember, in the job market, as in life, it's all about finding the right balance between work and play!