A Step-by-Step Guide on How To Land Your Dream Job

Unleash your confidence and master the art of making a lasting impression

I recently posted an article on LinkedIn about the do’s and don’ts of salary negotiations, and one of the commenters reminded me that practicing for the negotiation situation is a strategy that’s also very useful for job interviews. This is absolutely true. Many of the tips for salary negotiation also apply to job interviews. For example, you should do your homework on the job and the company.

Let’s dive into the world of job interviews. A successful job interview can completely change your career path. In this article, you’ll find advice and tips and book suggestions to help you prepare and make a lasting impression.

Do Your Homework (The Company Way)

Research the company you’re interviewing with. Go and stalk them like you would a prospective date. Find their website, social media profiles, and recent news articles. It helps you understand their values, culture, and goals and refer to them during the interview. It’s a great way to show your genuine interest in the company during the interview.

Michelle Tillis Lederman said in her book, “The 11 Laws of Likability,”: people like people who show genuine interest in them. This is also true for HR people. They love it if you’re interested in their company!

Know the Role (Be the Perfect Fit)

Show the interviewer that you understand what they’re looking for. Match your skills, experience, and accomplishments to the role by using the STAR technique (situation, task, action, outcome) to connect your relevant past experiences to the role.

Here’s a quick reminder of how the STAR method works:

Situation (20%): Give a brief overview of a situation that is relevant to the job you’re applying for, and give your interviewer enough context to understand your example. It’s not necessary to give all the little details. Keep it at a high level!

Task (10%): Talk about the responsibility or goal you had in the situation. Make it clear what you wanted to accomplish, and then go into detail about the actions you took to achieve that goal.

Action (60%): Describe the steps you took to complete the task or achieve your goal. Be sure to highlight the skills that relate to the job you’re applying for.

Outcome (10%): Explain the positive results and outcomes you achieved. If possible, focus on quantifiable results, such as a deal closed, a project completed, or a schedule met. Also mention valuable lessons or important insights you were able to take away from your experience!

In “Great Answers to Tough Interview Questions,” Martin John Yate shows how the STAR technique helps you give concise and impactful answers.

Practice, Practice, Practice (Get Ready to Shine)

Rehearsing common interview questions is very helpful. Even if you might be tempted to answer the question, “Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?” with “On a beach in the Caribbean,” it might make sense to have one or two more “corporate-friendly” options up your sleeve.

There are a lot of resources with lists of common questions on the internet. A quick search will give you loads of material, or take a look at Alison Doyle’s article, “Top 50 Popular Job Interview Questions.”

Practice your answers out loud, and if possible, do a couple of mock interviews with a friend. This will boost your confidence and help you fine-tune your responses.

Dress for Success (Power Outfits Unleashed)

Your appearance matters. According to a study by Dr. Karen Pine, author of “Mind What You Wear,” our clothing affects how we feel and perform.

Choose a comfortable outfit that also makes you feel confident and reflects the company culture. Go on LinkedIn and take a look at some of the pictures the company has posted from events and get-togethers. They’ll give you a good idea of what look to aim for.

When in doubt, go for a polished and professional look.

Plan Your Journey (No Room for Tardiness)

I can’t overemphasize the importance of being punctual. Barring a major pile-up on the highway, there is no good reason to keep the interviewer waiting. Know where you’re going, where you’ll park and who you need to contact when you arrive.

Plan your route ahead of time, and consider factors like traffic and parking. Google Maps or Waze can be your best friends here. Aim to arrive at least 15 minutes early. There’s nothing worse than arriving at an important conversation out of breath and completely stressed out — believe me, I know. Give yourself time to relax and gather your thoughts.

And if you’re really stuck somewhere out of your control, send a short message illustrating what has happened, apologize and let them know when to expect you.

Bring the Essentials (Your Interview Toolkit)

It feels retro, but prepare a folder with copies of your resume, a list of references, and any relevant certificates or work samples, just in case. It’s highly unlikely you will need to show anything, but it’s always good to have them on hand in case you stumble across an old-fashioned interviewer — or their systems are down.

Also, bring a notepad and pen for note-taking. This shows you’re organized and ready for action.

Master the Art of Body Language (Confidence Speaks Volumes)

Your body language speaks louder than your words. 80% of human communication is nonverbal.

Stand and sit upright, maintain eye contact, and offer a firm handshake. Don’t slouch down or make yourself smaller. Try not to sit in a protective or submissive pose (crossing your arms, hanging your shoulders, clasping your hands in your lap). Try to show confidence from the start.

In her book “Presence,” Amy Cuddy suggests striking a power pose before the interview to boost confidence. Don’t forget to practice; nonverbal cues can make or break an impression!

Engage in Meaningful Conversation (It’s a Two-Way Street)

Treat the interview as a conversation, not an interrogation. Listen, answer politely but not too extensively and try to engage with the interviewer at the end of the answer by, i.e., asking them their thoughts on the point you just made.

Ask questions about the company and role that show you’ve done your research, and ask them for their input. Turning the interview from an interrogation into a conversation makes your counterpart view you as an equal!

Wrap It Up with Gratitude (Thank You Notes Matter)

After the interview, send a thank-you email to each interviewer individually. Thank them for their time and emphasize your interest in the role. In “Knock ’em Dead Job Interview,” Martin Yate explains how this can significantly impact the hiring decision.

Reflect and Learn (Every Interview Is a Lesson)

Even if you don’t land this job, you can use this as an opportunity to grow and enhance your interview skills for the future.

Take time to reflect on the conversation. Identify areas where you did well and areas that need improvement. Think about what would do differently next time.

By following these steps, I know you’ll be well-prepared to make a great impression in your next job interview.

Embrace these tips but remain true to your unique qualities to maximize your chances of landing your dream job. Remember, confidence, preparation, and authenticity are key ingredients to a successful interview experience.

Download my free 10-step cheat sheet to prepare for your next interview here, and do subscribe to my newsletter if you found this article helpful and want more career tips, advice, and inspiration!