Creative Ways to Succeed at an Interview, Negotiate Flexible Work Options, and Network Successfully

Here are some job-interviewing tips about “how to prepare for an interview” for applicants to stand out and make a good first impression, whether in person or via video conferencing.

Preparation

Prepare for each interview in advance by researching the company and knowing what questions are likely to be asked. When an interviewer asks them during the actual interview process, they know all of their answers are genuine responses rather than regurgitated memorized lines.

If you’re applying online, look at the company’s website or social media pages to see what some of their best attributes might be to incorporate them into your answers (like mentioning that you love spending time with family, just like this particular employer). And even if it doesn’t come up in an interview question directly, showing excitement about future possibilities is never a bad idea when job hunting!

Passion

Showing the interviewer that you’re passionate about your field of work will always leave a good impression. Through examples or stories, find different ways to show how much you care and why this job is essential to you.

Humor

Everyone loves someone who has a great sense of humor! When appropriate (meaning not while discussing personal tragedies), inject some levity into the conversation without being unprofessional. This can help break the tension as well as open the door to deeper conversation.

Be Confident in Your Skills & Experience

The most important thing is knowing how great an asset you will be to this new employer! Find examples wherever available about times when your initiative was recognized by others both inside and outside previous workplaces. And don’t forget to explain why you’re a perfect fit for this job in particular!

Yourself

It may seem like a no-brainer, but take some time in advance and think about your best qualities that will help you succeed at this job. Then when appropriate in the interview process (like after they ask where you see yourself professionally five years from now), talk about those things in terms of how they can benefit them.

Here are some strategies for professionals to negotiate flexible work hours successfully.

Research

Take time in advance to research the company you’re interviewing with so that when it comes up as a topic of conversation, you can quickly speak about specific ways your skillset would benefit their team and how much flexibility they have within their current role (note: this does not mean asking them what kind of benefits or flex-time they offer during an interview).  

Timing is Everything

When bringing up flexible work options at the beginning of an interview process might seem like a bad idea because there’s still more competition ahead before being hired. However, if you know someone on staff already (networking) or hear through industry connections that there is an opening in the future, it can be a great time to bring up your interest and desire for flexible work options.

Flexible Days

What days of the week do you prefer to take off? Flexibility shouldn’t only mean being able to come to work later or leave earlier. If this new job requires more hours than what you’re currently putting in at another role (or if it’s just too much overall), consider asking about how many total hours are expected each week rather than when they need you available during business hours so that making a transition doesn’t have as big of an impact on family life.

Compensation & Benefits

When negotiating benefits with potential employers, don’t forget all of the indirect perks, including health and life insurance, paid time off (PTO) or vacation days, retirement contributions from your company, as well as the potential for bonuses. Ensure to include these items within any written contract negotiations so that you don’t end up with an offer in hand that doesn’t meet all of your other professional needs.

What are the best and most interesting conversation starters that people can utilize while networking?

• The best way to start networking is by being open and genuine when talking with others. Show enthusiasm about things you’ve done or places where you’ve lived. Ask people questions, including how they know the person who referred them to the event (event name) and what made them decide to go in general. Also, be sure that if someone asks why you are looking for new opportunities, provide an honest answer to feel comfortable sharing their information should it be appropriate later on during initial conversations.

• “What brings you here tonight?” This simple question is a great way to start because it can lead to multiple topics, including why this person decided to go to the event and what they know about the host or another individual who may be in attendance.

• “Have you been here before?” 

• Similar questions include “What kinds of events do you typically attend when you’re not working?”

• And “How did you originally find out about (event name)?”. This line of questioning allows people not only an opportunity to share their stories with others but also gives them insight into how best to work around these individuals if there’s time for more conversation throughout the night!

Conclusion

You can’t go wrong with these tips. Now that you know how to prepare for an interview, negotiate flexible work options, and network successfully, it’s time to get out there and do some networking! Good luck with your next opportunity!