How To Totally And Completely Crush Your Next Job Interview Using The "Schitt's Creek" Method

Never let the bastards get you down!

Interviewing for a job is hard!

Pop TV

It tends to be a very stressful process.

Pop TV

But, you can set yourself up for success by listening to these timeless words of wisdom.

Pop TV

With the help of your favorite family!

1. Do your research!

Pop TV

The more intelligently you can talk about the company you're interviewing for, the better your chances are of getting the role. You don't have to be an expert, but you should be able to talk about the different aspects of their business with some confidence.

2. It's okay to be nervous!

Pop TV

Seriously, it is. Even if your hand is shaking a bit or your voice cracks a tad, it's okay! As long as you can power through it, your interviewers will see this as a sign that you actually care about getting the position.

3. Dress for the occasion, but make sure you're comfortable!

Pop TV

Everyone thinks they should dress to the nines for a job interview. Don't get me wrong, you should definitely look nice and put your best foot forward. However, make sure you're comfortable and everything fits properly. The last thing you want is to be distracted by your own wardrobe during the interview.

4. Practice your answer to the standard "strengths and weaknesses" question.

Pop TV

It's a question that should honestly stop being asked, but I don't see it going away any time soon. That being said, put some thought into your responses before you step into the interview room. Try to answer it sincerely and not google "best answers to..." because I promise they've heard all of those answers before.

5. Arrive early, but not too early.

Pop TV

The old rule used to be arrive 15 minutes before your interview. I actually suggest arriving in the 5-10 minute range. You want to be a few minutes early to settle yourself, but chances are the team you're interviewing with is busy before you get there. If you arrive too early, they'll feel rushed to come meet with you. Wait in your car for a few, if you need to.

6. Before you walk in, spend at least 30 seconds taking deep breaths.

Pop TV

This may seem overly simple, but seriously, take time to do it. It will calm you down, while also helping you slow your pace down a bit. Just trust me on this one.

7. Bring the energy and positivity!

Pop TV

This is your first chance to show your potential new coworkers your personality. Don't let your nerves make you boring. Just be yourself and let your true colors show.

8. Be aware of your body language.

Pop TV

You need to be aware of the non-verbal messaging you're putting out there because I promise you, your interviewers will be. Keep yourself accessible and confident.

9. Silence is fine. Take a second to think about your answer, if you need to.

Pop TV

If asked about a time where you had to handle {X} type of situation, it's better to say, "That's a good question, let me think about it for a minute," than to rush into the first story that pops into your head. When you rush, your story is more likely to seem disjointed and you'll kick yourself for thinking of a better example a few moments later.

10. Don't just repeat your resume.

Pop TV

If you're getting called in for an interview, chances are they've already combed through your resume. Don't spend the whole time repeating back your official qualifications and job experiences. Focus on what you learned from those bullet points, as opposed to the boring details you wrote.

11. Bring samples of your work, as appropriate.

Pop TV

The best way for the interviewer to learn what you can do, is to show them what you can do. Writing, design, whatever it is — just bring some samples with you. If a moment doesn't present itself to pull them out, leave them with the team when the interview wraps up to review on their own time.

12. Have some questions prepared in advance.

Pop TV

You should come prepared with two to three questions to ask your interviewers at the end of your time together. An example of a good question to ask: "What kind of characteristics are you looking for in the person who fills this position?"

13. Know your worth.

Pop TV

When they start asking about your qualifications and salary expectations, you need to be realistic and honest. You should always ask for what you deserve, while also understanding that these people have just met you. They want to minimize their risk until they can truly see what you're capable of.

14. Before you leave, ask them about next steps / timeline.

Pop TV

Make sure you know what to expect when you walk out of the interview. It shows the interviewers that you're thinking ahead, but this one is mostly for your own sanity.

15. Make sure you send a thank you note / email!

Pop TV

It may seem old school, but a thank you after the interview can go a long way. Whether it's a handwritten note or just an email, it keeps you fresh in the minds of the people you're trying to convince to hire you.

16. And it's okay to follow up again after that.

Pop TV

If you haven't heard back within the agreed upon timeline, it is okay to follow up again. Acknowledge that you know they have a lot going on, but you just wanted to check in. Don't badger them, but a little professional persistence is more than okay!

17. And finally, don't spend time over analyzing all of your answers after you leave.

Pop TV

It's human nature to question everything you said after the fact. It's easier said than done, but don't spend too much energy on this. You can't go back in time. Instead, think about the things you did that you were happy with and carry those with you to future interviews.