Mastering the Art of Job Interviews: Essential Tips for New Professionals

Megan Rathmell was sure she had blown her job interview earlier this year. The 20-year-old, who had felt unprepared and rattled by nerves, assumed she had no chance at landing the position. However, to her surprise, Rathmell soon learned she had secured the job as a paralegal, and the reason for her success was her ability to maintain two crucial behaviors: making strong eye contact and engaging in meaningful conversation.

“My boss later told me that I stood out because of my communication skills and my ability to hold eye contact,” Rathmell, based in Virginia, recalls. “It was surprising because I thought I had done terribly.”

Her experience reflects a broader sentiment among hiring managers. Many Gen Z job candidates seem unprepared for interviews, and some even demonstrate unprofessional behavior during the process. Complaints have arisen about candidates bringing parents to interviews, refusing to turn on their cameras in virtual settings, using inappropriate language, dressing too casually, and struggling to maintain eye contact—all red flags in a professional environment.

This pattern has become increasingly noticeable in recent years. “It does seem more prevalent today,” says Dr. Nathan Mondragon, Chief Innovation Officer at the hiring platform HireVue. He points to a variety of factors that may be influencing this shift, including the rise of digital communication, which has reduced face-to-face interaction, and the impact of pandemic-related isolation measures, which exacerbated social anxiety in professional settings. Additionally, some parents, overly involved in their children’s lives, are failing to teach them how to navigate the professional world independently.

In this landscape, it’s easy to assume that one can simply “wing” a job interview, but experts like Stacie Haller, Chief Career Advisor at ResumeBuilder, stress that preparation is key. “A job interview is like anything else—success comes with practice and preparation,” Haller explains.

This advice is especially important given the competition in today’s job market. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reported a notable increase in employment, with 254,000 more people employed in September and the unemployment rate dropping to 4.1%. Yet, there are still approximately 6.8 million people seeking jobs, meaning standing out in an interview is more critical than ever.

Pre-interview Preparation: Set Yourself Apart

Before you even step into an interview, you need to differentiate yourself from the flood of applicants, and you only have about six seconds to make an impression through your resume, according to Haller. A well-organized, concise resume, tailored to the specific position, can be the deciding factor in whether or not you get that initial interview.

However, not all advice is created equal, and Haller warns against relying on outdated perspectives. While parents may offer well-meaning advice, their own experiences might not be relevant in today’s fast-evolving job market. Similarly, some college or graduate school career centers may not have staff with real-world hiring experience, so it’s essential to carefully consider where you seek guidance.

In addition to crafting a compelling resume, thorough research on the company is crucial. Dr. Nicolas Roulin, a professor of industrial/organizational psychology at Saint Mary’s University in Canada, emphasizes that many candidates miss the mark by asking questions that could have been easily answered by a quick glance at the company’s website. “Not asking any questions or asking irrelevant ones signals that you haven’t done your homework and don’t really care about the job,” he explains.

To avoid this pitfall, familiarize yourself with the company’s values, culture, and objectives. This will not only help you articulate why you want to work there but also enable you to ask thoughtful questions during the interview. Researching your interviewers, if their names are provided, can also give you an edge. It allows you to tailor your questions and perhaps even find common ground to create a memorable connection.

Practice Makes Perfect: Using the STAR Technique

A major part of interview success lies in how well you can align your skills and experience with the job description. One effective method for preparing your answers is the STAR technique, which stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. For each skill or requirement listed in the job description, write down a specific example that highlights your ability to handle similar situations. This structured approach can make your answers more compelling and demonstrate that you are results-driven.

During the Interview: Presentation and Communication Matter

When it comes to the actual interview, how you present yourself is just as important as what you say. Dressing professionally—whether for an in-person or virtual interview—sends a clear signal that you take the opportunity seriously. Even if the company’s culture is more casual, it’s safer to err on the side of business casual. Wearing jeans or overly casual attire can backfire, as interviewers may perceive it as a lack of respect or professionalism.

Equally important is the setting of your interview, especially in virtual formats. Ensure that your surroundings are quiet and free of distractions. Conducting a video interview in a noisy coffee shop or leaving your camera off can send the wrong message. “Turning the camera off can give the impression that you’re hiding something or uncomfortable with people,” says Mondragon.

If you encounter a question you can’t answer, don’t panic. Experts suggest asking the interviewer to rephrase the question or offering an example of a similar challenge you’ve faced. Demonstrating adaptability in the moment can be just as valuable as providing a perfect answer.

Post-interview Etiquette: Sealing the Deal

After the interview, your job isn’t done. Sending a thank-you email within 24 hours shows appreciation and reinforces your interest in the role. “It’s more than just politeness—it’s a subtle reminder that you’re the right person for the job,” Haller advises.

Should you receive a job offer, respond promptly—even if you’re no longer interested in the position. Respectful communication is key to maintaining a positive professional reputation, and you never know when you might cross paths with that employer again.

Lastly, patience is important. If the employer gives you a timeline for their decision, wait for it before following up. Should the process drag on without communication, take it as a sign of their lack of interest, and focus your energy elsewhere.

For further resources, platforms like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and ResumeBuilder can offer additional guidance on resume building, interview preparation, and career development.

In today’s competitive job market, thorough preparation, professionalism, and self-presentation can set you apart. Rathmell’s experience serves as a reminder that sometimes, small details—like eye contact and clear communication—can make all the difference.

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