Earlier this year, Megan Rathmell believed she had ruined her job interview, thinking her nervousness and lack of preparation had cost her the opportunity.
To her surprise, the 20-year-old later discovered she landed the paralegal position. What made her stand out were two key qualities: her ability to maintain eye contact and engage in conversation.
“My boss told me I was a strong communicator and made good eye contact, which he said was rare among my peers,” Rathmell, based in Virginia, explained. “That really surprised me.”
Her experience aligns with what many hiring managers observe: Some Gen Z graduates seem unprepared for job interviews or exhibit unprofessional behavior.
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Reports have surfaced of candidates bringing parents to in-person interviews, refusing to turn on cameras during virtual ones, using inappropriate language, dressing poorly, and struggling with eye contact.
While poor interview performances have always existed, Dr. Nathan Mondragon, chief innovation officer at the hiring platform HireVue, believes it is more prevalent today.
He suggests that the digital age, which has limited in-person interactions, and pandemic safety measures have worsened the problem. In some cases, overinvolved parents aren’t teaching their children how to navigate professional environments without handholding.
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Many people believe they can “wing” a job interview, says Stacie Haller, chief career advisor at ResumeBuilder, but like any other important task, landing a job requires preparation.
With employment data showing an increase of 254,000 jobs in September and unemployment down to 4.1%, competition is fierce. Around 6.8 million people are currently seeking jobs, so here’s how to stand out before, during, and after an interview.
Preparing for the Interview
Before securing an interview, you must catch the recruiter’s eye within six seconds, according to Haller. To do this, your resume should be concise, clear, and tailored to the position.
It’s crucial to seek advice from those with relevant experience. Friends working in the company or industry are ideal sources, while advice from well-meaning parents or those unfamiliar with the current job market may not be as useful.
Doing thorough research on the company and interviewers is essential. Not knowing basic information about the company, or failing to ask questions, signals a lack of preparation. Interviewers expect you to know why you want the job and how you’ll contribute to the company’s goals and culture.
Writing Down Your Answers
When preparing for the interview, write down examples of your achievements using the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, and Result.
This technique allows you to clearly demonstrate how you’ve applied your skills in the past.
Asking the Right Questions
Asking thoughtful questions shows motivation and genuine interest. Practice asking questions like:
– What does a typical day look like?
– What are the opportunities for growth?
– How do you measure success in the first few months?
These questions reveal both your curiosity and how well you’ve prepared.
Handling the Interview
Dressing professionally is crucial, regardless of whether it’s an in-person or virtual interview. While a company’s culture may seem casual, it’s important to dress appropriately to make a good first impression.
During the interview, it’s okay if you don’t have all the answers. You can ask for clarification or highlight other relevant experiences. If you’re asked tough questions, respond with, “I don’t have much experience with that, but I have faced similar challenges doing X.”
Finally, avoid bringing your parents to the interview—this signals immaturity and lack of independence. Remember, the interview is about showcasing your ability to perform the job on your own.
Post-Interview Etiquette
After the interview, follow up within 24 hours with a thank-you email. Express your appreciation for the opportunity and reinforce your interest in the position.
If you receive a job offer or follow-up interview, respond promptly, whether you’re accepting the offer or declining. Following up too early, before the timeline given by the company, can appear pushy, but after that window, it’s appropriate to check in.
By preparing thoroughly and showing professionalism, you’ll improve your chances of landing the job you want.
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