Do as much research as you can about the company and the position you’re interviewing for. Knowledge is power. Do your research by investing time to get to know GFT and our employees better. Review the corporate and careers websites as well as our social media channels. You’ll get a good feel for the organization, and it can also help you generate questions you’d like to ask the interviewer.

Many early-career professionals struggle to meet the experience requirements listed in job descriptions, even those considered entry-level. Students, recent graduates, or even job seekers changing careers can gain valuable experience through volunteer work that aligns with their industry and provides real-world experience, or by getting involved in industry organizations. This demonstrates that you’re a well-rounded candidate who can effectively manage multiple commitments.

Conduct a trial run of any technology you’re using to ensure everything is working as it should, preventing hiccups on the big day. Being able to interview from the comfort of your own home can be an advantage for calming nerves, but ensuring your technology – including your webcam, speakers, and microphone – is all working properly in advance of your virtual interview is crucial to getting off to a good start. Additionally, if you are interviewing in person, ensure that items such as slide decks, external devices, and internet access are available or compatible prior to your interview.

There is a reason you are exploring new opportunities. You may be deeply unhappy in your current role or disenchanted with your supervisors or the company in general. Regardless of the circumstances, it’s essential to approach your interview with an optimistic and confident attitude, allowing your enthusiasm for the opportunity to shine through. Focus on how you’ve grown and what you look forward to in the future. Avoid speaking ill of a company or supervisor; instead, focus on your positive traits and what you will bring to the table.

It’s one of the most feared interview questions: What is your expected salary? Many candidates worry that going too low could leave money on the table, while going too high could remove them from the running entirely. However, we would like to know where you envision yourself financially as you take the next step in your career.

The STAR method is a behavioral interview technique that enables employers to gain a deeper understanding of your skills, abilities, and traits. You explain a prior work situation anecdotally, provide specifics regarding the tasks required, detail the actions you took to complete those tasks, and lastly, explain the results of the situation. Answering questions this way provides the interviewer with an opportunity to better understand your ability to solve problems, your leadership style, and many other areas you may need to demonstrate to be effective in the role you are targeting.

Some go-to interview questions and scenarios job seekers can apply the STAR method to include:

• What is your greatest strength and why?
• What is your greatest weakness and why?
• Tell me about your greatest accomplishment and why you chose it.
• Tell me about a time X happened and what you did about it.

Prior to your interview, take some time to think through 3-5 situations you can easily draw from to apply the STAR method. This will enable you to think quickly on your feet during your interview, particularly in instances where you might be asked to discuss a negative situation.

We all wish we could gaze into a crystal ball and see what our future will be. Trying to plan your career roadmap can seem impossible when so many of us take unexpected detours and U-turns along the way. However, it’s essential to consider career growth, including where you envision yourself in the next stage of your career and the steps you’ll need to take to achieve your goals.

In advertising, it’s important to show, not just tell, so a good advertiser will promote a restful night’s sleep as opposed to just a mattress. Interviewing can work the same way. Rather than telling your interviewer you’re a good fit for the position, show them through your knowledge, education, and experience how you will benefit the hiring manager and company. A great way to achieve this is through knowing your accomplishments and incorporating them into the conversation.

Before your interview, make notes highlighting your greatest accomplishments that illustrate how you would be an asset for the role you are interviewing for. The more you can demonstrate you’re an excellent fit for the role, the more your chances increase of landing the job. Another way to achieve this is to feature your accomplishments on a personal website. Get creative by using graphics or pictures of interesting trips you’ve taken and hobbies or work you’ve done in the community. This allows the employer to better understand who you are and connect with you on a different level.

Don’t forget: An interview is a two-way street. The interviewer is getting to know you to determine if you’ll be a good fit for the role and company, but you should also ask questions to ensure they align with your goals, values, and work-life balance requirements.

Asking us questions during the interview shows enthusiasm, genuine interest in the position you’re interviewing for, and a desire to learn more about our company. If you feel the position and company will be a good fit for you at the end of the interview, take the opportunity to ask the interviewer if they have any hesitations with moving forward with you as a candidate. This will give you an opportunity to clear up any doubts the interviewer might have, while also providing one last chance to demonstrate your suitability for the position.

Now that you’re armed with our best interview tips and tricks, it’s time to apply for your next great opportunity! GFT is committed to employee success through learning and development, competitive benefits, inclusion initiatives, and encouraging a spirit of innovation. Explore our open positions and join our talent community today.