A job interview begins the moment you walk into the hiring manager’s office, prepared to crush goals. Right? If you nodded an enthusiastic yes… think again.

Your interview is underway long before that first face-to-face interaction.

Whether you’re at the start of your career or have been around the job searching block, these tips will help you prepare for an interview and land the job.

1. Use Social Media to Your Advantage 

When you’re applying for a job you’ll come across warnings regarding your online presence. It may seem like the best solution is to scrub yourself from Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and so on. But there’s a fine line to walk between showing too much and hiding everything.

By ridding yourself of an online presence you may reduce your chance at an interview. And if you have the wrong things visible, you’ll also wipe out any potential of a future job offer.

There’s a high probability that the hiring manager is going to head to google and scrutinize your online presents. The New York Post reports 54% of candidates applying for a job were dismissed based on what was found online. But, 57% were taken out of the running due to no online presence at all.

Keep your online profiles neat and tidy, but don’t block access to them completely.

2. Actions Speak Louder Than Words 

Don’t stuff your resume with statements regarding your attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and desire to be a team player then show up late. It doesn’t matter if you struggled to find the building, or if your car wouldn’t start.

Plan plenty of time the day of the interview so that your arrival doesn’t look like a hot-mess-express pulling into the station. Prior to the interview, you should:

Familiarize yourself with the office’s location

Assess nearby parking

Practice the public transportation route

Along with making sure your arrival is smooth, check ahead of time to see if there’s anything specific the hiring manager wants you to bring.

3. Plan and Prepare for an Interview 

Your online presence is PG. You know that it’ll take you 23 minutes to drive and park, then 10 minutes to walk into the office. You know what to bring to an interview. Now what?

Research the job and company that you hope to work for. Dazzle them with the fact that you don’t just want a job, you want the right job.

Spend some time before the interview putting together a few questions, so your nerves don’t leave you speechless.

4. Don’t Be Afraid To Say No 

Day-of interview nerves are normal.

Try to tune those nerves out and decide if the company you’re interviewing for is really the best fit. Can you see yourself succeeding? Are you excited about the work you’ll be doing?

If you don’t feel like the company interviewing you is a good fit, evaluate your options.

If you’re getting offers for positions that you’re overqualified for, but receiving no response from the positions you truly want it’s time to rework your resume.

Consider using a free resume builder to help you attract the right kind of career for your skillset. A strong resume is the first vital step in connecting you to your future. Give it the attention it deserves.

Crush Your Goals

You’re going to hear horror stories regarding the interview process, and you may even experience some of your own. But with every interview comes education and practice, and with every job comes the expansion of skills to add to your mental toolbox.

Build a rock-solid resume, harness your confidence, and utilize these tips to prepare for an interview.

Whether you’re part of the tech world or digital marketing arena, we have your your back. Check out our blog for more posts like this!