How do I ace my next job interview?

<div class="user-question">I need help... I"ve been looking for a job for more than half a year now and I'm still unemployed. I feel like I'm doing all the right things but I can't get past the first interview stages. What am I doing wrong??? I'm starting to lose hope😭</div>

Hey there! I'm so sorry you're feeling this way, but please remember - don't lose your confidence! The way you present yourself in job interviews is incredibly important. Interviewers can sense if you come across a bit desperate & that's definitely not going to help you get your dream job offer.

Navigating job interviews can feel like stepping into a minefield, right? But don't worry, I've been there, and I've got some insider tips that should help you out. From AI screenings to technical challenges, here’s how you can ace those daunting interviews.

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Understanding AI and First Round Screenings

First things first, many companies are now using AI tools for the initial screening of applications. So, when you're applying, make sure to personalize your resume and cover letter with key buzzwords from the job description.

For example, if you are applying for a role in marketing and the role specifies it prefers applicants who have blog and video experience, try to think if you have that experience and add the words “blog”, “video”, “editing”, “content creation” and other related keywords to your resume. Make sure to mention them in the screening as well.

These keywords are your secret weapon—they help ensure that your application passes through the AI filters and catches the eye of human recruiters.

We've partnered up with Forward to put together a few guides specifically for you! 💚

For 30 days, they'll send you a daily task, tool, or template to help you build a strong job search strategy. They cover everything from cover letter best practices to networking to salary negotiations. It's totally free, and you can unsubscribe at any time. Sign up here!

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Practice Makes Perfect for Technical Roles

If you're gunning for a technical role, get into the habit of tackling one technical problem a day. Sites like LeetCode or HackerRank are great for this. It’s like training for a marathon; the daily practice builds up your muscle memory, so when the big day comes, you’re ready to ace those technical challenges without breaking a sweat.

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Stay Informed About Your Industry

Staying updated on industry trends is crucial and can give you a real edge in interviews.

When you can casually drop some knowledge about the latest trends or news, it shows you’re engaged and proactive. I personally love reading The Morning Brew and The Street for quick, digestible updates. They're great for grabbing important headlines without spending hours sifting through the news.

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Mock Interviews with Friends

One of the best ways to prep is by conducting mock interviews with friends. It’s a safe space to mess up, get comfortable with your answers, and hone your delivery. Plus, practicing with someone who can give you honest feedback is invaluable. They might catch things you didn’t even realize you were doing, like talking too fast or fidgeting.

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Feedback Is Your Friend

Always, always ask for feedback at the end of an interview. You can learn so much this way, whether it’s a quirk you need to fix or just affirming that you’re on the right track. And yes, this might feel a bit awkward at first, but trust me, it’s worth it.

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The Power of Gratitude

Lastly, never forget to send a thank-you email after your interview. It’s not just polite; it also reinforces your interest in the position and keeps you fresh in the interviewer’s mind. A simple note thanking them for their time and reiterating your interest in the role can make a big difference.

Navigating job interviews doesn't have to be a nerve-wracking process. With the right preparation and mindset, you can turn each interview into an opportunity. Remember, acing an interview is more than just showing up; it's about demonstrating your knowledge, enthusiasm, and fit for the role.

Use the tips outlined above—from optimizing your resume for AI screenings, to practicing with mock interviews and expressing gratitude. Each step prepares you to present the best version of yourself. So, take a deep breath, embrace the challenge, and show them what you've got. Your dream job might just be an interview (or a few more) away. Good luck—you've got this!

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Btw - here's how others are doing👀

We get it -- when you're in the trenches, it can feel like you're the only one struggling to get through the job search process. But remember, you're far from the only one finding yourself in this position. It's never been harder for young people to enter the job market than it is today.

So, we went through our archive of Questions of the Day to give you some perspective on how everyone else is doing!

Have you ever been laid off?

😓 19% Yes

👏 81% No

How many jobs / internships have you applied to this year?

💼 Average answer: 64

We hope this helped! Let us know when you get your job offer so we can do a virtual cheers to your success! 🥂

xx, Kristina