The job interview tips no one told you about

But is there something more you could be doing to land your dream job? Chances are, you’ve already heard the all the tried-and-true tips about how to prep for a job interview:

• Arrive 10 minutes early.
• Dress for the job.
• Do your research.
• Offer a strong handshake.
• Make appropriate eye contact, and so on.

It’s all great advice. But you need something more to assure you stand apart from the competition. Something that makes you rise to the top.

We’ve put together five lesser-known factoids that you can use to your advantage—when it comes to preparing for your interview:

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1. It’s a fine line between cocky and confident.

So, you’re a Harvard grad, a tech genius and you have a pretty impressive resume. That’s definitely going to work in your favor. But be sure to check your ego at the door. Being confident and being arrogant are two different things. A recent survey found that 70% of employers think a good personality is a major factor in choosing a job candidate. Yes, confidence is great, but cockiness is definitely not. In fact, according to the same study, nearly three-quarters said arrogance is a downright turnoff. So, what can you do to make sure you come across in a good light? Here are some hints:

• Show don’t tell: Instead of saying “I’m the best graphic designer in the entire city”, let your work speak for itself. Rather than talking a big game, show them the evidence (e.g. a recent project you completed, an award, or large account you helped win) or have others you’ve worked with in the past “toot your horn” for you via personal and professional recommendations.
• Don’t lie: Few people achieve anything entirely on their own. Be sure, if you do point out your successes, to also mention the person or the team that helped you along the way. It shows that you’re skilled, a team player and humble—all rolled into one.
• Know your weaknesses: It’s hard to talk about what makes you weak when you’re applying for your dream job. But it’s important to be honest. Quickly point out an area that needs improving (preferably in a way that’s unrelated to your everyday activities) and focus most of your time talking about specific things you’re doing to improve yourself.

2. Your interview begins in the parking lot.

Being a jerk to the doorman/woman, the guy who took your parking space, the folks in the elevator or the receptionist probably won’t fly. Not only is it an unkind thing to do, word will spread VERY quickly. Think of your interview as starting the second you arrive. Otherwise, your chances of landing this job will be over before your interview even begins. What if your interview is online? Same deal. Your interview also begins long before the call. Here are a few musts:

• Get there early: Just like a real interview, you should be prepped and ready to go about 10 minutes ahead of your virtual interview.
• Wear appropriate clothes from the waist down, not just the waist up.
• Assume someone’s always listening/watching, even if the call hasn’t started. (Be sure to leave the meeting as soon as it has ended, too.)
• Check your settings, visuals and documents: Now’s the time to prep your camera, experiment with the angle and lighting, clean the lens (if needed), get any important docs ready to share, check audio/video settings by doing a test call, and make sure the video link and call-in number work.
• Set the tone: Quickly present a more professional setting by choosing the right background. Most meeting software lets you choose from a variety of predesigned background images. You can also blur your background to cut down on distractions.

3. The person interviewing you probably doesn’t want to be there.

Being interviewed is a stressful event that puts you under the microscope. But it’s important to remember this: it’s not all about you. Don’t overlook the fact that the interviewer may feel a little stressed-out themselves. Between the endless resumes, screenings and interviews (not to mention all the duds they encounter) interviewing can feel like a huge time-sucking burden to anyone tasked with finding a new candidate. Certainly not your problem—so why should you care? Because, if you can find a way to make the interview somewhat pleasant, relaxed or—gasp—enjoyable, it’s safe to say you’re more likely to win them over. Smiling, engaging in conversation, asking questions to show you’re listening, and just taking the pressure off the interviewer can go a long way to making you both memorable and likeable—two attributes that are sure to work in your favor.

4. Don’t talk smack about old employers and coworkers.

It’s shocking this still needs to be said. (After all, even on a date you wouldn’t waste your time badmouthing your ex, right?) Maybe some people think ripping others apart somehow makes them appear superior, skilled or stronger than the rest. Or maybe people simply don’t realize they’re doing it. But remember what mom said: If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all. When discussing past experiences, it’s best to focus solely on your accomplishments and learning experiences, rather than the negatives. Even if the interviewer seems to lead you in that direction, don’t go there. If pressed, be very vague (e.g. the potential for growth wasn’t there; job wasn’t challenging enough) but quickly turn the tables and discuss how this job your applying for now offers a path to success for everyone involved.

5. Get cultured.

Beyond poking around the corporate website, do you really know the culture of the company you’re about to interview with? What’s the vibe? Do people work at traditional desks or on beanbags with laptops? Do they have work-at-home flexibility or rigid hours? Are they old school or more progressive? Not only is it good to know this in order to find the perfect fit—it also shows you took the time to do your research. For example, is a suit and tie appropriate for the interview? Or is it a shorts-and-flip-flops kind of place? Here are some ways to gain some inside info about the company:

• Use your connections: If you know someone who works (or worked) there, reach out to them. Or if you’re working through a recruiter, don’t be shy about asking what kind of culture to expect. They want you to be successful, too.
• Check out social media: If you know the name of the CEO or your future supervisor, do a little sleuthing on their social media pages, including LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and beyond (just make sure to do it on the downlow). This can give you some insight into their personalities.
• Read employee reviews: There are quite a few employer review/rating sites that may offer insight (Indeed, Glassdoor, etc.). But just like any review, take it with a grain of salt. People tend to take the time to post complaints, but rarely do they post well-deserved compliments. Still, if you notice an underlying theme among the reviews, it may be good to take note.

By keeping these job interview tips in mind, you’ll not only increase your chances of acing the interview, you’ll also be one step closer to the job of your dreams.