Nail that Startup Interview with these 10 Tips

Guest post by Jane Hurst,  https://www.lifehack.org/author/jane-hurst  & https://blog.getresponse.com/author/jane-hurst )

If you are interested in working for a new startup, remember that they are not looking for the average employee. The interview is likely going to be different from any other that you have ever been to. Startups are looking for employees who want to grow with them, and who don’t mind putting in a bit of extra effort to get the company off the ground. So, you have to be able to show them that you are indeed the best person for the job. Here’s how you can do just that.

1)      Show, not Tell – You can talk until you are blue in the face about your accomplishments. But, unless you can show what you have actually done, your words are just that, words. If you have taken part in successful projects, be prepared to show what your contribution was.

2)      Be Prepared – When an interviewer asks if you have any questions, they don’t want to hear, “No, I think you’re already answered everything.” Be prepared with a few questions of your own, and not typical questions. Show them that you think outside of the box, and that you are not afraid to ask questions.

3)      Offer Solutions – If you know what to do in order to overcome certain startup problems, tell them during the interview. They will see you as an innovative thinker, and someone who is ready to jump right in and start working.

4)      Demonstrate Your Skills – During the interview, ask for a small project to do .This will accomplish three things: showing them that you are ready to dive right into work; showing that you are able to come up with on the spot solutions; and showing that you have the skills they need.

5)      Admit Your Weaknesses – No one is perfect, and no employer expects perfection. They are going to be more apt to be interested in you if you show them that there are things you can’t do, but that you are more than willing to learn.

6)      Show Your Desire – If you didn’t want the job, you wouldn’t be applying for it in the first place. But, employers want to see more than a need for employment. They want to see that you really want to work with them. Tell them about your interest in the company, their products and services, etc.

7)      Use the Product/Service – If you don’t use the product or service the company offers, you can’t really understand what the company is all about. Take the time to learn about the company, and get to know the product or service so you can nail that interview.

8)      Have a Conversation – Some interviews go really well, and you could end up in a deep conversation with the interviewer. This is the perfect opportunity to get to know each other, and show them why you are the right person for the job.

9)      Learn about the Interviewer – A quick Google search will bring up information about the person who is interviewing you. Take the time to do this. Then, find a way to make sure that they know you have done your homework. This shows that you really do have an interest in working for the company.

10)   Know the Competition – It is also a good idea to learn a bit about the competition. Then, during the interview, you can mention something that they are doing, and what the company you are interviewing for can do to make it even better. Again, this shows that you have a genuine interest in the company and what it does.