5 Top Tips to Interview for a New Role

Most executives and professionals know that the process of interviewing to secure a full-time position, is highly competitive. For this reason, many people choose to expand their job search to include roles outside of their current field. Pursuing positions in public and private companies come with their own set of obstacles and challenges. You must know how to tweak your resume for these positions, so your application submission can rank highly in technology filters. If your resume matches well with the job, you must ace an interview by showing your potential value to the organization. Interview help and coaching can position you to succeed. Here are five of our top tips when interviewing for a new role!

1. Give Examples of Your Transferable Skills

Transferable skills are abilities and talents, and that can be applied to a different position. These include meeting deadlines, leadership, time management, project management, and strategic planning. Regardless of what field or workplace you’re in, these abilities can help you reach your milestones and goals. Telling stories or giving specific examples about how your transferable skills helped you succeed in the past can assist an interviewer in envisioning how you would perform.

2. Highlight Valid Personal Skills

Personal skills are displayed at work and make up your unique disposition. In a professional space, personal skills such as honesty, patience, reliability, and teamwork are highly beneficial. Mentioning your special skills in response to how you or created something new overcame a challenge is ideal. This allows your interviewer to learn more about who you are and what it would be like working with you.

3. Ask Thought-Provoking Questions

Before the interview, you should research the organization and learn more about its business model, services, and products. You also want to dig deeper within your research and learn about their company values and culture. Use all of this information to come up with some thought-provoking questions. Making these inquiries shows the interviewer that you are interested and well prepared in the open role.

4. Delay Salary Requests and Negotiations

It is best to delay the salary discussion as long as possible for a few reasons. The best time to bring up salary is when a job is offered to you, or you’re sure that the organization wants to hire you within the role. Internal recruiters’ preliminary salary discussions are occasionally used to eliminate candidates (before they can interview a hiring manager). Once you’re positive that it’s appropriate to discuss salary, always propose a salary range based on research that you’ve done.

5. End on a Strong Note

Throughout the interview, you should be positive and engaging. Nodding, appearing energetic, and smiling will help to leave a positive, lasting impression. At the close of the interview, you can ask follow-up questions inquiring about the process moving forward and the time frame for them to make their choice. Thank the interviewer for their time, and don’t forget to follow up with an email or thank you note.

The interviewing process can be a cause of stress and anxiety for many executives and professionals. While interview help and coaching can assist with developing confidence, there are five things you can do to ensure a successful interview. It is possible to set yourself apart as a strong candidate, even if your background varies from the field you are interested in. Focusing on your transferable and personal skills will show an interviewer that you can transition to a role in their business. Asking thought-provoking questions and delaying the salary conversation will help you ensure that the organization is a good fit for you. Finally, ending on a solid note will leave a memorable impression on the interviewer. What is your favorite way to leave an impression during an interview?

Fly High Coaching can help you soar to your full potential and find your dream job! We offer executive & professional development coach services, interview preparation, and resume makeovers to support your success. Contact us today to get started with our expert career coaches. Need job interview coaching? I’ve helped clients develop high converting resumes and LinkedIn profiles that get people reaching out to them for interviews in less than 24 hours! Check out our Ace the Interview course!