February 23, 2023

An Interview Guide for Millennials

Matthew Dickey

Are you a millennial job seeker feeling anxious about your upcoming interview? Don’t worry, we have got you covered! In this blog post, we will be discussing the most important elements of acing an interview. We will provide tips and tricks on how to sell yourself and make a lasting impression on your interviewer. Let’s get started!

How to Show Off Your Best Self in an Interview


          The most important thing you can do when preparing for an interview is to SELL yourself. You want to separate yourself from the competition in any way that you can. Think about what makes YOU unique and special compared to all the other applicants for the position. Now I know you technically don't know who you are going up against, but bear with me. When your practicing for your interview, and going over potential answers for hypothetical questions, ask yourself "would someone else say the same thing." Thing that sets you apart could be something as small as having a specific knowledge base or skill set, or as large as having highly regarded experience in a specific field or industry. Whatever it is, bring it up during the interview so that your interviewer can see why you are the best fit for the available position.

          It is also essential that you come into an interview with high energy. This does not necessarily mean being loud and boisterous; it means coming in with an air of enthusiasm and excitement about the role that you are applying for. Make sure to smile often and make good eye contact with your interviewer so they know that you are engaged in the conversation. This can be difficult now since many interviews are done virtually. It's Imperative that your camera is on for the virtual Interview. Make sure to look at the camera (not the screen) and most importantly smile. Think about how you look from their perspective. The way they see you is all that matters. Although these are small features in the process, they can make or break your Interview.

          Another way to stand out is by speaking clearly. It's better to have a short pause than to say "umm" and "like...". Filler words are interview killer words. Have an idea of where you are going with your answer, and try not to mumble or stumble over your tongue. Hiring Managers are looking for competent speakers that can adequately convey their knowledge and expertise. Depending on the role, many times Hiring Managers will choose a person with higher communication skills over the person with better work experience.

          Being prepared with 3-5 written down questions can make a huge difference as well. These pre prepared interview questions should show how much research you have done on the company beforehand (i.e., “What do you think sets this company apart from its competitors?”). Also, ask questions about your interviewers experience with the company and what her favorite parts about her job have been. You want to ask positive questions that elicit "good vibes." Why is this so important? Because naturally, they are going to associate those "good vibes" with you, even if you had nothing to do with the Hiring Manager's favorite memory. The point is that she thought of it, and it was positive thought that happened during your interview. Having these questions ready will show your interviewer just how interested and invested in their organization that you are and will give you an edge against other prospects!

          During interviews, it is also very important that you can connect the dots between your experience and qualifications off what this job requires from its employees or from the role itself. Talk about where YOU see YOUR growth path within this organization, if hired, and explain why YOU would be a great asset for them moving forward. This shows initiative and drive—two qualities which employers look for when hiring new employees but most importantly makes them see you as a loyal prospect! With new and exciting companies springing up like wildfire, it is becoming increasingly more difficult for companies to retain their employees, meaning having someone stay in a role for a long period of time is very valuable.

          Interviews can often feel intimidating but they don't have to be! A great way to start tackling them head-on is by being prepared ahead of time - researching the company beforehand, having 3-5 written down questions ready, connecting the dots between YOUR experience and qualifications - so that when push comes to shove, YOU can confidently answer whatever questions come YOUR way while still maintaining high energy throughout! Remember: think outside of the box when selling yourself during an interview —separate yourself in any way possible so that employers understand why YOU are uniquely qualified for their open position! Good luck millennials – may all of YOUR interviews go smoothly!

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