Insider's Tips for Landing Your Next Job in Today's Market
You're Hired! A Guide & Workbook for Real-World Job Hunting
Intro.
As a former tech recruiter (I ran hundreds of interviews in the 16+ years I worked in tech), I want to give you the "behind the scenes" info so you can know what to prep for, show up more confident, and get more job offers. I know the interview process can be a daunting and even humbling experience, filled with uncertainty and stress. That's why I've put together this guide, which covers 6 key sections to strengthen your skills. Whether you're just starting out in your career or you're a seasoned professional looking to make a change, these tips will give you the tools you need to nail your next interview.
1. Finding your why: Understand your motivation beyond the paycheck
First things first: It’s important to think about what drives you beyond getting a paycheck (which is, on its own, very important). Choosing a job that aligns with your values, interests, and goals will help you stay there longer and out of the job-searching cycle. Our career doesn’t define us, but we do spend many hours at work, and we should find a position that fits our values (work-life balance, growth, meeting people, travel opportunities, etc.) So let's get to the root of your motivation.
To help you determine whether a job is the right fit for you, here are some questions you can ask yourself:
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What excites and inspires me in my work?
What am I looking for in a job, beyond the salary?
How does this job fit into my overall career goals?
Does this job make sense for me at this stage of my career?
How will this job impact my work-life balance and overall well-being? This could mean working hours and responsibilities, commuting time, etc.
Do the company's culture and values align with my own? (This one is tricky: Don't be fooled by what the company writes on their careers page; instead, look on Glassdoor or other websites for actual employee reviews.)
Do the job responsibilities and expectations align with my skills, experience, and interests?
If the job responsibilities and expectations don't perfectly align with my skills, experience, and interests, could I learn on the job? Am I setting myself up for success here?
What potential is there for growth and advancement in this role? (If you're looking for growth and advancement. Not everyone is, and that's ok!)
How do I feel about the work environment and the team I'd be working with?
2. Researching the company and the interviewer
When I ran interviews, I always asked, "What do you know about the company?" You can't imagine the answers I would get (or maybe you could). Applicants messing up the company's name, my name, and the role title and have no idea what we do or what the role is about... it was a hot mess, and it was a waste of time for everyone involved. So, the first thing is to do basic research. You don't need to memorize the entire board of directors' names, when the company was founded, or how much they raised in their first round, but you should have a solid idea about their products, leadership team, services, etc. Here’s what you should look up before your interview:
Products and Services: What They Offer and How They're Different
Develop a clear understanding of the company's products and/or services, as well as their target market and customer base. Consider how the company differentiates itself from its competitors and how it addresses the needs of its customers in unique or innovative ways.
Here is the one question you must find an answer to before the interview:
What product or service does this company offer? What are the main products or services this company offers?
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Who leads the company?
What is their pricing structure?
Who are their top 3 competitors, and what is the biggest differentiator between this company and its competitors?
How does this company differ in their pricing structure? Does it seem fair or off to you? Comparing pricing and services might help you better understand the company’s business model and potential workload. For example, if they are charging half of their competition, it’s worth finding out why. In my experience, this means the company has one person doing 3 jobs, and you’ll be stretched very thin.
Has the company raised money recently, or is it privately funded?
Employee Perspectives: Reviews and Ratings
Check out reviews on sites like Glassdoor or other websites to gain insight into the company's work environment, culture, and interview process. Hopefully, this is something you’ve already done before applying to the job. If not, here’s your chance to learn about the company and possibly the interviewing process. If the interviewing process is convoluted, unorganized, and ends in ghosting, the company is probably not treating its current employees right. Consider both positive and negative reviews, and look for patterns or recurring themes that may be important to consider.
A quick note on reading the interviewing process reviews: Read through reviews logically instead of with emotion – for example, focus on what questions were asked, not necessarily the tone in which they were asked.
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What is the overall review score from people who worked at the company?
Do any of the reviews mention things do not want to deal with at your next job? For example:
Are employees micromanaged?
Is the leadership team way too hands-off?
Are employees required to work unpaid overtime frequently?
Are their salaries significantly lower than industry averages?
What are some positive things you're seeing from the reviews? For example:
Do the employees feel like their voice is heard?
Do the employees feel they can make a positive difference in the organization?
Do they have strong, supportive leadership?
Does the company's communication policy (e.g. open and honest feedback) align with what you're looking for?
When reading reviews of people who were interviewed (on Glassdoor, for example), does it seem that the recruiting process was structured and clear to the applicant?
Were the interviewers present and engaged during the interview?
Were the interviewers on time, and did they respect the interviewee's time?
Were applicants ghosted after an interview (or even multiple interviews)?
Interviewer Insights
Learn a bit about your interviewer. Check them out on LinkedIn, paying attention to their location, background, education, and interests. Take note of how long they've been with the company, and consider how their experience might inform their perspective during the interview.
You can also Google your interviewer to uncover any additional information about them, such as articles written about them. This can provide insights into their expertise and industry reputation. I personally wouldn’t go into their Instagram or any non-professional spaces. Research, don’t stalk.
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What is their professional background and experience?
Do they hold a senior leadership position within the company?
How long has this person been with the company?
Do they share any posts about the company’s successes, culture, etc.?
Do you share any interests with the interviewer? Can you identify any potential points of connection or topics for small talk during the interview? If you do, don’t be a creep. Here’s an example:
Tell them you saw on LinkedIn that you are both members of the same group. You can use this as small talk and a point of connection.
3. Showing up: Preparing for virtual interviews
Landed an interview? Congratulations!
Now let's get you camera-ready so you can feel confident and calm.
Dress professionally from head to toe, even if you don't expect to stand up during the interview. No need to put on shoes if you don't want to, but definitely no pajama pants. Why? Because a) you never know if you'll suddenly need to get up for some reason (we've all seen those embarassing videos online) and b) because staying in your pajamas can impact your energy, mood, or the vibe you give. Another thing I'd recommend is to avoid wearing distracting patterns or colors and opt for clothing that fits well and looks polished on camera. The focus should be on your face, hand gestures, etc., not what you wear.
Create an appropriate background. I don't know your living situation, but if possible, avoid using a blurry or distracting background and opt for a plain wall, a bookshelf, or a well-lit room with neutral decor. The blurry or fake backgrounds always make me wonder what's really happening in the room. And worse, it makes them seem like they are floating in space. Connecting online can be easier if we show a little more of our personality (in a professional way).
Invest in a ring light or other lighting equipment to ensure your face is well-lit and shadows-free.
If you tend to fidget during interviews, consider having a small, quiet object nearby to keep your hands occupied. Or better yet, have a pen and paper handy (or your iPad) to take notes. Generally, try to stay in front of the camera without causing motion sickness.
Choose a quiet location for your interview, away from heavy foot traffic or other distractions. If you have family or roommates at home, ask them to be mindful of your interview and avoid interrupting you. Also, have a serious conversation with your dog(s) beforehand, and make sure they stay quiet so you can earn cash for kibbles.
“Sorry I’m late, I had to update Zoom.”
No recruiter wants to wait for you to join the call. Those minutes it takes you to get the tech working are long minutes wasted. So, 30 minutes before your interview, ensure that:
Your microphone, camera, and internet connection are all working properly.
If you're invited to join by an app you've never used, make sure it's installed and you know how to use it.
Make sure you've updated the app and that it's ready to go.
I also recommend you have a backup plan in case of technical difficulties and communicate any issues to your interviewer as soon as possible.
Shit happens:
Finally, remember that shit happens. If something breaks, you get disconnected, your computer shuts down, or aliens suddenly attack, don't sweat it too much. Just email the recruiter to let them know what happened, apologize, and ask for a do-over.
Remember - unless you actually work at the ER, you don't work at the ER. What I mean by that is that whatever you're interviewing for is probably not a matter of life and death.
Take a breath, put things in perspective, and try and let the small things go.
4. Staying flexible
"I prepared for dozens of possible interview questions, but the interviewer didn't even ask me one of the ones I prepared!"
I often hear this from my coachees and mentees, and it's the best way to summarize this section.
As an interviewee, you can prepare for hours and be ready for many interview questions, but your interviewer may have a different interview approach. That's ok! You learn a lot through the prep process, which you can use for any interview and when meeting your future team. Showing up prepared will give you confidence.
Interviewers may ask unexpected questions or take a more conversational approach, so it's important to stay calm, listen carefully, and think on your feet. This requires a balance of preparation and adaptability, as you want to showcase your best qualities while remaining open to the natural flow of the conversation.
To build confidence, focus on your strengths, accomplishments, and unique qualities that make you a great fit for the role. As a recruiter, I always wanted the applicants to be successful. Remember that you were selected for the interview because the hiring manager saw potential in you, so trust in your abilities and don't be afraid to showcase your personality and enthusiasm for the job.
5. Answering interview questions naturally
In the last section, I mentioned that the interview questions you prepare may not be asked, but this shouldn't be a point of worry. Instead, you'll focus on building your confidence, identifying your strengths, discussing and highlighting your accomplishments, and pinpointing the unique qualities that make you a great fit for the role.
When giving an example of a situation, I recommend always using the STAR Method:
Situation: Set the scene and give the necessary details of your example.
Task: Describe what your responsibility was in that situation.
Action: Explain exactly what steps you took to address it.
Result: Share what outcomes your actions achieved.
The questions listed below aren't "the holy grail" of interview questions but are there to help you get started. By familiarizing yourself with these questions and crafting thoughtful responses, you'll be well-equipped to showcase why you're the perfect fit for the role and make a lasting impression on your potential employer.
Tell me about yourself...
The self-intro is by far the most complex piece for many people. They ramble, mumble, get confused, and generally sell themselves short. So here’s what you do:
For the love of all that's good and green on this earth, please don't go through your entire CV - you will make the recruiter fall asleep. Instead, choose a few highlights that will catch their attention and make you memorable.
The self-intro should not take more than 2-3 minutes max.
You can write down a script and memorize it. But then get rid of the script. You can write down some bullet points for yourself but don’t read aloud from a script.
Create an intro for yourself that you will use not only during the interview but also when being introduced to your future team.
Be confident but not arrogant.
Remember that the recruiter is probably interviewing many people, so try to stand out with special details, big achievements, and personal connections.
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Hi, I'm Maya. I've been living in Berlin for 4 years and am originally from New Zealand. When I'm not working, I'm really into interior design and cycling.
Analysis: Maya is interviewing for a hybrid job in Berlin, so it's important that she mentions her location. From her accent, it's clear that she's not German, so it's nice to open up with where she's from. Easy. For her interest, she included 2 examples that show she's creative, organized, and disciplined.
I've been in tech for 6 years and Project Management for 4 years.
Analysis: Maya is framing her experience and reminding the recruiter of her level.
In my most recent role, I led a team of PMs, bridged between various departments and stakeholders, and owned the entire lifecycle of my projects. All my projects were within budget, and my team achieved our KPIs. I'm happy to dive into some details later!
Analysis: Shortly mention a few highlights and successes. For example, if you're applying for a customer support role, you can say, "My CSAT was always above x%." For sales, you can say, "I achieved all my sales goals and was ahead of the rest of the team by x%."
I applied for this role because I really like your product, and it seems like your customers also like it from what I see online [smile]. [here you can say you believe in their mission, if you do, used their product, if it's true, etc.]
I'd love to learn more about the role and the day-to-day, what some goals and challenges would be, and, of course, answer any questions you might have for me. [smile]
Analysis: Maya shows that she researched the company and the product and then threw the ball back to the recruiter. This shows assertiveness and the ability to set the agenda. Please only use facts and your actual opinions. For example, if the company has terrible reviews but you still want to apply for the job (why?), then consider finding something else to say - you like the challenge, for example, without mentioning you saw the bad reviews unless asked.
Why are you interested in the role and the company?
Tip: You might start with the company (e.g. great reviews from clients, it’s in the industry you’re targeting or have experience in, you believe in their product/service). You then move on to talking about the role (e.g. it’s the right step in your career direction, you are interested in this role, and you have valuable experience).
Can you describe a time when you encountered a challenging conflict in a professional setting? / Describe a time when you faced a challenge and how you overcame it.
Tip: Use the STAR Method (check out the tips at the end of these interview questions for more information). Make sure to keep your answer professional and relevant to this new role (e.g. if interviewing for a marketing-focused role, you may want to give an example of a conflict that was marketing-related).
What are your greatest strengths?
Tip: Choose 3-5 strengths that align with the job description. Prepare some examples of how you’ve used those strengths in the past.
What is your greatest weakness?
Tip: Choose a weakness that wouldn’t significantly affect your ability to perform the job. Make sure to explain how you’re improving this weakness! Please don't go for the "I'm a perfectionist" answer.
Note: This is an outdated question, but it’s still important to understand this about yourself and be able to show self-awareness should the question come up.
Why are you interested in the role and the company?
Tip: Ideally, you would have already answered this question throughout the interview. Yes, you need the money but try to find other reasons why you are interested in this specific role (hopefully cause you’re great at it) and the company (product, great customer reviews, etc.)
What motivates you?
Tip: Describe a past project or goal that inspired you. How did this motivation drive your success? You could also discuss aspects of the role and/or company that align with your personal values or career aspirations.
How do you stay organized and manage your time?
Tip: Discuss your time management techniques (e.g., prioritization, scheduling, or using productivity tools). Give an example of a time when your organizational skills helped you succeed in a past role.
Why are you the right fit for this role?
Tip: Ideally, you would have already answered this question throughout the interview, but you can give an overview here of your experience and your strengths and how they relate to this role.
What are your career goals?
Tip: Discuss your short-term and long-term professional goals. How do those align with the role and the company? Emphasize your desire to grow within the company – you’re there for the long haul. Tip: Be realistic and humble. While consulting as a recruiter, I once interviewed someone for a small family-owned business. I asked the Project Manager what their career goals were for the next year, and they answered: “I want to run the company.” It was aggressive and irrelevant, and they didn’t get hired.
Using AI to prepare for job interviews:
I recommend using a chatbot by entering the main responsibilities and asking what questions could be asked in an interview and how to answer them. Generally, this works great.
Here are some general tips on answering interview questions:
Don’t air out dirty laundry: If you need to talk about negative situations (a project that failed, an issue you had with a colleague, etc.), don’t mention the company’s name. Say, “In one of my previous roles”. Generally, don’t mention anything sensitive or that makes your former company look bad. Think about an interview like a date: You wouldn’t want to badmouth your ex on a first date (I hope), and you wouldn’t want to speak badly about your former boss, company, etc.
Don’t be afraid to say you were laid off! Unfortunately, in these difficult times, the new normal is. If you were laid off (I’m sorry to hear that; I know it’s tough), just say it. “Unfortunately, like many other companies, company X also had cutbacks and I was part of a big layoff”. You did nothing wrong. You’re not in trouble.
Use numbers and data whenever possible (without giving away private/sensitive info). Note for later once you land a job: Always gather data on your achievements and plug it on LinkedIn. It’s really hard to remember what we achieved once we leave a job.
Come prepared with a salary range. Learn more about the dreaded question here.
Turn negatives into positives. When asked certain questions (e.g., tell me about a time when you failed), be sure to end positively: what you learned, what you would have done differently, etc.
Here’s a bad example: “I was working as a Project Manager and completely misunderstood the project requirements. I set up the project based on my understanding and didn’t reach out to clarify any questions I had, so I let down the team.”
Here’s a good example: “I was starting out as a Project Manager and needed to set up a new project in our PM tool, Asana. After setting up the project, I realized that I had misunderstood the project requirements. To rectify the situation, I reached out to other internal stakeholders to gain clarity on the project, and I started over with the project setup. Although there was a delay in getting this project off the ground, I was able to begin it successfully. From this mistake, I learned to ask clarifying questions, ensure I understand all of the project’s requirements, and reach out to my team members for guidance. Since this happened, I have had no setbacks in setting up projects and have successfully set up and executed 20 projects.”
6. Be an explorer
By developing a curiosity mindset, you can teach yourself to be an explorer.
When you get hired, remember that the company is not your home. Your boss is not your parent. Your team is not your family.
You are an explorer, a traveler, a visitor. You’re there to learn and contribute. You’re there to make a living and grow.
If you show up with an Attenborough-like curiosity, you'll gain more insights into the role, company culture, expectations, and future opportunities, and you will not take each interview so much to heart.
In this section, you can find some general questions that are good to ask and show genuine curiosity. You should also have specific questions about the role, company, and industry – note those down!
Remember: An interview isn't just about you answering questions; it's also a chance to gain deeper insights into the company and ultimately decide if this opportunity is a good fit and aligns with your career and life goals.
What would a typical day or week look like in this role?
What are the current challenges that you're looking to solve with this role?
How is success and performance measured for this position?
How would you describe the ideal candidate for this role?
How is the team structured at the moment, and what is the team's future goal?
During an interview, you will want to ask more specific questions regarding the role, company, and industry. Here are some prompts to help you develop these questions:
Company-specific question prompts:
What aspects of the company culture, mission, or values would you like to know more about?
What recent developments, news, or events involving the company caught your attention?
Role-specific question prompts:
Do you know what the primary responsibilities and expectations are in this role?
Do you know how this role contributes to the overall success or growth of the company?
Industry-specific question prompts:
How does the company differentiate itself from its competitors within the industry?
What trends or innovations are currently shaping the industry?
Final points:
1. I see many clients who feel almost claustrophobic when thinking about taking a job, even a good job. So please let me remind you: Whatever company you're interviewing for, you're not getting married or moving in together. It isn't forever. It's just a job. It's not your family (don't get me started on companies calling themselves families - RUN). It's not your home. At the end of each workday, you'll go back to your actual home—to your life—to your chosen family.
2. The hiring manager isn't your parent. You don't need to seek their approval or validation, and they don't define your worth. Meet your interviewers as equal adults.
3. Don't bring your inner child to the interview. This concept requires work (and I'm happy to help you with that), but here's an exercise: close your eyes and imagine "little you" staying at home playing games while the "adult you" goes to the interview to take care of the adult stuff. Tell "little you" that they don't need to go on Zoom or whatever. Tell them, "I've got this, little one; you can stay home and be a kid."
4. Take the space that's given to you. The interview is about you (specifically, how you can contribute to the company). Introduce yourself coherently and clearly, and don't minimize yourself.
5. Try this: Think about the company as a potential client, and you're selling a product (yourself). That takes out the personal side. As one of my brilliant coachees recently told me before an interview, "I'm gonna close this deal!"
So go out there and close the deal, but remember: your "performance" in the interview and the potential title or role don't define you. You are not your job. You are a whole human being comprised of many things like your values, your choices, your part in your community, etc., not your job.
One day, when you get a job (and you will) and need to recruit, please remember your job application experience so you may have compassion for your applicants and show them kindness. And so, the circle will continue, and we will create better hiring processes, strategies, and so on.