But what are these online resources, and how exactly can you use them? That’s what this guide is all about.

Building a Strong Online Presence

Building an online presence is one of the most important things you can do to get your foot in the door. An impressive online presence can help you showcase your skills, knowledge, and passion for chemistry, making you more attractive to potential employers. 

Here’s how online resources can assist in this process:

• Professional networking: Platforms like LinkedIn are valuable for networking with professionals in the field. You can connect with chemistry professionals, join relevant groups, and engage in conversations. Having a strong network can find you jobs quickly. In fact, according to a Zippia article, 85% of jobs are filled through personal and professional networks.
• Participation in online forums and communities: Engage in chemistry-related forums and communities where professionals discuss industry topics. Sharing your knowledge and insights can help you build a reputation as a subject matter expert.
• Online conferences and webinars: Attend virtual conferences and webinars in your area of interest. Many conferences are now held online, allowing you to network with professionals and stay informed about the latest industry developments.

Skill Enhancement and Continuing Education

To improve your skills, consider continuing your education through online resources. You can learn new skills and even revise everything you studied in college. The revision can help a lot, especially when it comes to interviewing for jobs.

Consider that during an interview, the interviewer asks you what is the molar mass of (NH4​)3​PO4​. This is a basic question you must have studied when learning about the molecular structure of elements in college. However, what if you have forgotten it since it has been a long time since you learned how to calculate molar mass?

It will also impact your interview results if you write it incorrectly. Many people will write it as nh43po4 molar mass instead of (NH4​)3​PO4 molar mass. These brackets are important, as they clarify the relationship between different elements present in the chemical equation.

Suppose you know how to write the formula correctly; but what if you don’t know its molar mass? In such scenarios, online resources can help. For example, you can search for (NH4)3PO4’s molar mass on the internet. You will not only get an answer to that but also the steps to calculate molar mass.

According to Proprep, you will first have to identify the elements in a chemical equation, in this case, (NH4​)3​PO4. Once you identify all elements, determine their atomic mass. Lastly, sum the molar masses of each element. Learning these steps will enable you to find the molar mass of any chemical equation.

Similarly, you can revise anything taught to you during college. This will help you clear interviews easily. Additionally, you can also use the internet to learn about new developments in the chemistry field.

Stay updated on the latest developments and trends in the field of chemistry through academic journals, industry publications, and news websites. Sharing and discussing these insights online can demonstrate your expertise.

Researching Job Opportunities

When you’re looking for a job, it’s important to know what kind of position you want. When it comes down to it, there are lots of different types of chemistry jobs out there. Data shows that 21% of graduates work as natural and social science professionals. However, there are other jobs, too.

Online resources can help you research, find, and apply for positions in your field. Here are some ways in which online resources can assist you in your job search:

• Job search websites: You can use job search websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and CareerBuilder.
• Industry-specific websites: Explore industry-specific websites and forums related to chemistry. These platforms often have job boards and discussions about job opportunities in various chemistry-related fields.
• Company websites: Visit the websites of companies you are interested in working for. Several companies post about open positions in their organization.
• Government job boards: If you’re interested in government positions, check government job boards such as USAJobs.
• Online resume and cover letter templates: Find templates and guidelines for creating effective resumes and cover letters tailored to chemistry and research positions. Make use of online resume builders to craft a professional resume.
• Career forums and discussion boards: Participate in career-related forums and discussion boards where professionals discuss job opportunities and share their experiences.

Leveraging Social Media and Chemistry Communities

Social media is a great way to connect with other chemists, share your work, and get feedback on it. It’s also a good place to start looking for potential mentors.

LinkedIn can be used as an online resume and personal branding tool for chemistry graduates who are looking for jobs. Join groups related to your area of interest. This will enable you to network with professionals from all over the world who may have connections within the industry.

You can also utilize platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to share your passion for chemistry and stay updated on industry news. Make sure your profiles are professional and highlight your accomplishments. 

An article from the Harvard Business Review states that social media can be your friend when it comes to finding jobs. You can use it to connect with employers and get regular updates about any open positions they have.

There are also many chemistry-specific communities on Reddit where users post questions. If you know, you can answer these questions. If you don’t know, you can wait for someone to answer it and learn.

Finding a Mentor

Online resources can be invaluable for chemistry graduates looking to find a mentor. Having a mentor can significantly benefit their career prospects. Mentors can provide insights into career paths, industries, and specializations within chemistry. They can help you identify the most suitable career trajectory to achieve your dream job.

They can also offer guidance on developing essential skills and knowledge required for the desired job. This can accelerate the learning process and improve job readiness. In fact, mentorship is so important that around 70% of Fortune 500 companies have added some kind of mentorship program in their workplace.

Overcoming Challenges and Staying Motivated

Listed above are all excellent ways in which online resources can help you find your dream job. However, there are some things that you can do to make your journey easier and more enjoyable. These include:

• Be positive: Even if your life doesn’t seem perfect, it’s important to remember that each day is an opportunity for you to learn something new. You should always try your best at whatever task is in front of you, even if it seems too difficult or boring.
• Don’t give up on yourself or others: Everyone makes mistakes sometimes, but it’s how we deal with those mistakes that shows our true character as people. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed, either.
• Don’t get discouraged: You should not get discouraged if things don’t go according to plan right away. Sometimes, things take longer than expected before finally falling into place properly because everything happens at its own pace.

Conclusion

As a chemistry graduate, you can make a difference in the world. Your skills and knowledge can help people live healthier lives, protect our environment, and even save lives. But before you can reach these goals, you must find your perfect job. Through online resources, you can find opportunities that match your interests while also meeting employers’ needs.

Here, we will comprehensively discuss these booming professions, the expertise they demand, and the promising prospects they present. Let us immerse ourselves in a detailed exploration, each section fleshed out with rich and insightful details.

Data Scientist

Data Scientists stand at the forefront of the technological revolution, deciphering complex patterns and providing actionable insights that drive business strategies.

Skills Required

• Statistical Analysis: Mastery of advanced statistical concepts to interpret complex data.
• Programming: Fluency in programming languages such as Python and R, instrumental in data analysis.
• Machine Learning: A deep understanding of machine learning algorithms to develop predictive models.
• Data Visualization: Proficiency in tools like Tableau for understandably presenting data.

Career Prospects

• There is high demand in sectors like finance, healthcare, and e-commerce, where data-driven decision-making is pivotal.
• Opportunities to collaborate with tech giants and contribute to groundbreaking projects.
• Prospects to venture into the academic world, focusing on research and development in artificial intelligence and big data analytics.

Career Growth and Salary Trends

The position of a data scientist comes with impressive growth prospects. With experience, individuals can ascend to roles such as Chief Data Officer overseeing organizational data management strategies. Moreover, according to various surveys, data scientists are among the highest-paid professionals in the tech industry.

Cybersecurity Specialist

As the digital sphere expands, so does the threat landscape, making the role of cybersecurity specialists critical in safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining network integrity.

Skills Required

• Network Security: Expertise in implementing security measures to protect network infrastructure.
• Cryptography: A solid grounding in encryption techniques to safeguard data transmission.
• Ethical Hacking: Skills in penetration testing to identify and rectify security vulnerabilities.
• Incident Response: Ability to effectively develop and implement strategies to respond to security breaches.

Career Prospects

• Numerous openings in government sectors play a crucial role in national security.
• Opportunities in financial institutions to secure online transactions and protect against fraud.
• Increasing demand in corporate sectors to ensure the safety of business-critical data and intellectual property.

Career Growth and Salary Trends

Cybersecurity specialists have a progressive career path, with the potential to grow into roles such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Regarding remuneration, cybersecurity specialists command high salaries, with experienced professionals enjoying substantial packages.

Renewable Energy Engineer

The escalating concern for environmental sustainability has fueled the growth of the renewable energy sector, opening avenues for renewable energy engineers to contribute towards a greener future.

Skills Required

• System Design and Analysis: Proficiency in designing efficient renewable energy systems and evaluating their efficacy.
• Project Management: Skills in overseeing projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely and within-budget delivery.
• Regulatory Compliance: A deep understanding of policies and regulations pertaining to renewable energy projects.
• Research and Development: Abilities to innovate and develop new technologies in the renewable energy sector.

Career Prospects

• Opportunities in emerging green startups focusing on disruptive energy solutions.
• Positions in government agencies tasked with spearheading renewable energy initiatives.
• Prospects for research roles in organizations focusing on innovative renewable energy technologies.

Career Growth and Salary Trends

Renewable energy engineers have promising growth prospects, with the possibility of growing into managerial and directorial roles overseeing large-scale projects. Regarding salary, renewable energy engineers enjoy competitive packages with opportunities for further growth and experience.

To excel in this field, it’s essential to build a strong foundation of knowledge and continually grow. There’s no need to worry if you encounter any challenges in your learning journey. A simple solution could be to utilize the rate my paper on Speedypaper feature available at Speedypaper. This service can assist you in enhancing your understanding and elevating your skills to the next tier.

Healthcare Manager

The healthcare sector is a dynamic field offering myriad opportunities for healthcare managers to steer organizations toward efficiency and high standards of patient care.

Skills Required

• Leadership and Team Management: Strong leadership skills to guide teams toward achieving organizational goals.
• Healthcare Laws and Policies: A comprehensive understanding of the healthcare sector’s regulatory landscape.
• Financial Management: Proficiency in budget management and financial planning to ensure the financial health of healthcare organizations.
• Quality Assurance: Skills in implementing and overseeing quality assurance protocols to ensure high standards of patient care.

Career Prospects

• Positions in well-established hospitals and healthcare facilities overseeing operations and strategic planning.
• Opportunities in government sectors focus on formulating and implementing healthcare policies and programs.
• Prospects for consultancy roles advising healthcare organizations on operational efficiency and strategic planning.

Career Growth and Salary Trends

Healthcare managers have a promising career trajectory, with opportunities to grow into top managerial roles overseeing extensive healthcare facilities. In terms of remuneration, healthcare managers enjoy competitive salaries, with experienced professionals commanding high packages.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, the contemporary job market offers various opportunities in various high-growth sectors. By focusing on developing skills in line with the requirements of these in-demand professions, individuals can carve out successful careers, contributing towards personal growth and societal progress. Equip yourself with the requisite knowledge and expertise, and step boldly into these promising fields, which hold the key to a prosperous future.

Social media is a powerful tool that can help you succeed in your career. In their blog post, ExpressVPN revealed you can use social media to make yourself stand out and get ahead in your career. There are many great opportunities to grow your career and show people who you are by using social media. Social media acts like a chest full of chances to grow your career in multiple ways.

Keep reading to find out more about 5 Ways to Use Social Media Platforms for Career Success and take your career to new heights.

5 Ways to Use Social Media Platforms for Career Success

With the right approach, these ways can become instrumental in achieving your career goals. The five ways to use social media platforms for career success are as follows:

1. Building a Professional Online Presence

How you appear on the internet is a big deal when it comes to how people see you in your job. A good place to start is by making a strong profile on LinkedIn, which is like a big online meeting place for professionals. When you make your profile, make sure you have a nice photo of yourself, a catchy title that says what you are good at, and a detailed introduction that talks about your skills and the things you have accomplished. As per research, if you have a complete and well-made LinkedIn profile, you are 40 times more likely to get job offers. So, think of LinkedIn as your online resume, and making it look good can really help you find job opportunities and make a great impression on others in your field.

2. Networking And Relationship Building

Social media is a super tool that helps people who do similar jobs connect, even if they live far away from each other. You can do this on sites like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. These places let you meet more people and talk with experts in your line of work. Here is how you can make the most of it: begin by keeping an eye on smart people who know a lot about your job, joining conversations that are about what you do, and sharing useful stuff with others. So, imagine social media as a way to connect with other professionals worldwide, learn from the best, and maybe even get some help or exciting job opportunities in the process.

3. Showcasing Your Expertise

Social media is like a stage where you can show everyone what you know and how good you are at your job. You can do this by sharing interesting articles, talking about what’s new in your field, and telling people what you think about important things. When you do this often, it makes people see you as someone who really knows their stuff, and it also keeps you in the loop about what’s happening in your job area.

4. Job Search And Recruitment

Social media has changed how people find jobs. Websites like LinkedIn, Twitter, and special job websites have lots of job listings. As per research, around 70% of employers check your social media when you apply for a job. To make this work for you, make sure your LinkedIn profile is always up to date, look at job postings, and follow companies you like. This way, more employers might notice you, and you can also find out about new job openings.

Think of social media as a big place where you can find job listings, and employers might look at your profile there. To get the best results, keep your LinkedIn profile in good shape, check out job listings, and follow companies you are interested in. This can help you find job opportunities and make it easier for employers to see you.

5. Personal Branding And Thought Leadership

In the tough job market we have today, it is important to show who you are and what makes you special. Social media helps you do this by letting you share your own story, what you believe in, and how you got to where you are in your job. To build your personal brand, keep telling people what you have learned, what you have done, and what you are proud of on social media.

Social media is like your stage where you can tell a story and what you have achieved. This can help you stand out and be seen as a leader in your field.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, how you look online can affect your job. Social media is a big part of that, and it can help your career in many ways, like finding jobs, showing off who you are, and being seen as a leader. By using these five smart strategies, you can make social media work for you, connect with people in your field, and become someone others value in your industry. So, use the above methods and excel in your career better than the rest through social media.

Although, hiring web developers always comes with its challenges. The entire process of finding the right talent, the right skill set, the right cultural match, and recruiting them is quite exhausting. That’s where the hiring platforms step in. They make the recruitment process much simpler and much more efficient as well. They connect their clients with top-notch, best-match professionals within a short time.

The Growing Demand for PHP Developers

PHP is an open-source server-side scripting language. That’s why it’s been a leader in web development in recent times. Integrating it into databases such as MySQL is quite seamless. It is also compatible with various operating systems which makes it the first choice. Due to that, there is a growing demand to hire PHP developers who can create a dynamic as well as engaging website.

The rise of e-commerce, CMS, and other web applications has only done it a favor. A recent survey said that over 78% of websites use server-side programming. Such dominance in the market is evidence of how important PHP developers are and how they fit into the digital ecosystem.

But with increasing demand, there also comes the challenge of scouting the perfect match talent. Hiring via traditional ways can lead to exhaustion of time, money, resources & energy. The recruitment platforms solve those issues and offer a streamlined approach to hiring. That way you can hire PHP developers in the most optimized manner!

Benefits of Using Recruitment Platforms

Image source

1) Access to a Vast Talent Pool:

These platforms carry a huge network of professionals with them. When and if you’re looking to hire PHP developers, they can help you out. You can find a candidate with your specific requirements of skills, experience, etc.

2) Time and Cost Efficiency:

These platforms save you ample expenses by streamlining the process. This reduces hiring time and allows cost savings.

3) Skill Verification:

Some platforms have a vetting process including technical tests and interviews. This helps verify the candidate’s skills. That way, you can find your perfect match employee.

4) Flexibility in Hiring:

Full-time, Part-time, freelance, or project basis, whatever the need be. There are several hiring models to pick from on the same recruitment platform.

5) Market Insights:

These platforms give you insights into current market trends, salary benchmarks, and more. This can be a great way to make hiring decisions.

6) Post-Hire Support:

Some platforms provide post-hire support to smoothen the onboarding process. They also ensure that there are no other issues either, during the tenure of the developer.

Challenges in Hiring PHP Developers and How Recruitment Platforms Address Them

1) Finding the Right Skill Set:

Developers may specialize in many different areas. Hence, it is necessary to know who fits the bill perfectly. That makes it easier to find the right match.

2) Ensuring Quality:

While hiring PHP developers, ensuring quality is a must. The hiring platforms often have a vetting process that does this for you effectively.

3) Cultural Fit:

A developer may be skilled and yet not a good fit for your company. Your company culture and your team must align in all scenarios. The candidate’s soft skills, work preferences, and more.

4) Budget Constraints:

Budgets and quality talents – both can never exist in the same sentence. Well, with the help of the right hiring platform, they just might! You can hire PHP developers with different experience levels and pay scales out of the lot.

5) Long Hiring Process:

The traditional hiring procedure is often too long and exhausting. Hiring platforms streamline the process and enable you to hire PHP specialists quicker than ever.

Benefits of Using Recruitment Platforms to Hire PHP Developers

1) Speedy Hiring Process:

The hiring platforms have a network of pre-vetted candidates. This helps reduce the time taken to hire a candidate.

2) Access to Global Talent:

Hiring via such platforms gives you access to PHP developers from around the globe. With global reach, you can hire the absolute best talent regardless of their location.

3) Cost-Effective:

They help you make the most out of your hiring budget. There are professionals of all experience levels registered on hiring platforms. You can select the most suitable ones after initial shortlisting according to your requirements. You can also save on operational costs by such a streamlined hiring process.

4) Flexibility:

Hiring platforms give you options to hire full-time, part-time, or on a project basis. This kind of flexibility allows you to scale up or down anytime based on your project’s needs at the time.

5) Reliability:

The hiring platforms have a structured vetting process in place. They ensure that you only get the most suitable, reliable, and skilled developer. They also have various reviews and ratings for you to gain insights into a profile.

6) Support and Mediation:

When under a crisis or a dispute, the hiring platforms step up as mediators. It is their job to ensure a smooth collaboration between the talent and the employer.

Image source

Making the Right Choice in Hiring

PHP frameworks have a lot of versatility and robustness at their core. That has led it to be a popular and one of the most in-demand scripting languages. This is obviously good news for skilled PHP developers. There are, of course, many ways to hire PHP developers but recruitment platforms are a class above. They stand out for their efficiency, reliability, versatility, and accountability.

Although it is important to make the right choice in the case of hiring platforms. There are tailored platforms for you depending on the size and nature of your business. Sometimes, even your requirements determine the platforms that you should ideally be using.

Always remember, it’s not just about hiring but hiring right. It is advisable to do research about the strengths of these platforms. Once you choose the right platform, hiring PHP developers that perfectly suit you is not very difficult.

So, whenever you decide to hire PHP developers, make sure you look at their cultural compatibility, adaptability, etc. along with technical skills. After all, the perfect mix of skills and attitude is what makes a developer truly special!

However, a beacon of hope has emerged in the form of Lensa, a trailblazing job search engine that is transforming the job search landscape with the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Lensa’s AI-Powered Job Search Engine

At the heart of Lensa’s revolutionary approach lies its AI-powered job search engine. Built on cutting-edge algorithms and machine learning capabilities, this engine goes beyond simple keyword matching to analyze job seekers’ skills, qualifications, and preferences with remarkable accuracy. 

By doing so, Lensa eliminates the hassle of sifting through irrelevant job listings and connects job seekers with the most suitable opportunities.

Career Matchmaking: A Focus on Finding the Perfect Match

Lensa’s most compelling feature is its emphasis on career matchmaking. Instead of just presenting job seekers with a list of available positions, Lensa prioritizes the creation of meaningful connections between job seekers and recruiters. The AI-driven matchmaking system evaluates a job seeker’s qualifications, work history, and preferences, then identifies the best-fitting opportunities based on these factors.

This not only saves valuable time and effort for job seekers but also streamlines the recruitment process for employers. By introducing the concept of “right fit” rather than just job availability, Lensa ensures that both job seekers and recruiters have a higher chance of finding the perfect match.

Personalization and Precision

Lensa leverages AI’s powerful ability to personalize job searches. When job seekers create their profiles, the AI algorithms use this data to understand their career goals, preferred work environments, and unique skills. As job seekers browse through job listings, Lensa tailors the search results to match their preferences, leading to a more efficient and satisfactory job-hunting experience.

Recruiters also benefit from this level of personalization, as they receive applications from candidates who have a genuine interest in the position and align with the company’s culture and values. Consequently, recruiters spend less time sorting through unqualified applicants, focusing on potential candidates who are genuinely interested in the opportunity.

Data-Driven Insights

Lensa’s AI system continuously gathers and analyzes data from its users, making it a treasure trove of insights for both job seekers and recruiters. Job seekers can gain valuable feedback about their qualifications, skills gaps, and areas for improvement, empowering them to make informed decisions about their career paths.

For recruiters, Lensa provides valuable data on the demand for specific skills, the competitiveness of certain job roles, and the latest hiring trends. Armed with this data, recruiters can fine-tune their hiring strategies and attract top talent in their respective industries.

Ethical Considerations

While AI-driven job search engines like Lensa provide incredible value, they also raise ethical considerations. For instance, concerns about data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the impact of automation on job displacement need to be addressed. 

Lensa takes these concerns seriously and ensures that its AI algorithms are constantly monitored, tested, and improved to mitigate biases and safeguard user data.

Conclusion

In the era of advanced technology, Lensa stands out as a pioneer in revolutionizing the job search process with its AI-powered career matchmaking. By utilizing state-of-the-art algorithms, Lensa connects job seekers with their dream opportunities while simplifying the recruitment process for employers. 

With a commitment to personalization, precision, and ethical AI practices, Lensa is at the forefront of transforming the job search experience for both job seekers and recruiters alike. As the world continues to embrace AI, Lensa’s innovative approach sets a high standard for the future of job search engines and career matchmaking.

Much like any other country the UK job market too has already been significantly impacted by digital transformation, and this impact has likely grown over time. Embracing digital transformation has had the following effects on the UK job market. 

Before we get into further details though let us first of all try and understand what these terms mean.

Understanding Digital Transformation

The term “digital transformation” refers to the integration of digital technologies into various business and industry aspects. It is mainly done to streamline operations, increase output, and adjust to shifting consumer needs. Digital transformation can significantly affect how work is carried out, managed, and accessed by both employees and employers in the employment sector.

Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation 

When we speak of the latest job trends AI is what first comes to mind. As digital technologies develop, automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are likely to assume a more significant role in the employment sector. Automating repetitive and normal processes enables staff to concentrate on more intricate and creative areas of their work. AI-driven solutions can also help with decision-making, talent management, and hiring procedures.

It signifies that there is a growing demand for workers with digital abilities as digital technology and automation are deployed more widely across industries. Data analysis, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, software development, and digital marketing are all fields where more individuals are employed.

Job Disruption & New Job Creation

Given the latest trends in the UK job market much like the rest of the globe is that traditional employment functions have been disrupted by digital transformation especially those that are easily automated. As more processes are automated, the demand for some employment may decline or be abolished. The job environment is changing, though, as new positions are being created to support and manage digital technologies.

Upskilling and Reskilling

Many employees must upskill or reskill to adapt to the changing employment needs in the digital world. Employers are investing more money in training initiatives to give their staff the necessary digital skills. Those who are unable to adjust to the most recent trends are probably going to be soon displaced.

Remote Work and Flexibility

The one clear trend that has emerged in the UK job market is the emergence of remote working, much like the rest of the world. You will realize that the adoption of remote work and flexible work schedules has surged as a result of the digital transformation. Companies are becoming more willing to hire employees from various areas, which has increased the talent pool and changed the dynamics of hiring and recruiting.

Digital marketing and e-commerce

As more people utilize online stores and other digital platforms, there is a growing need for experts in these disciplines as well as user experience design.

Conclusion

It’s critical to recognize the complexity and breadth of the digital transformation’s effects on the UK job market. For both businesses and employees, it brings obstacles and changes in addition to new opportunities and efficiencies. The work market in the UK and around the world will probably continue to develop and adapt to the shifting environment as technology advances.

William Russell has created the work abroad calculator – so people can discover which country is paying the highest salary for their job – you might want to check out where journalists are paid the most…

• Turkey has the lowest cost of living in the OECD and also has the lowest average salary at £6,708. Their comparative price level of 36 indicates that if you were to find a job in Turkey for the same salary you are currently earning, you could see yourself about three times as well off.
• Switzerland had the highest cost of living out of countries analysed, with a comparative price level of 139, 39% higher than the OECD average. Unsurprisingly they also had the highest average salary at £72,197 and held the highest wages for almost every job role analysed.

If your interview skills are a little rusty, then you’re probably being nervous. Completely natural! And also, don’t worry about it. You’ll be perfectly prepared for anything thanks to commercial interior designers, Diamond Interiors, who got the down low from three different business owners on what it takes to have the perfect job interview.

1. It starts before you get there

Every interview starts long before the first handshake. You never know who you might sit next to on the bus, or stand behind in the coffee shop queue – anyone could be your interviewer. So always be sure to project a friendly, professional and confident air from the moment you step out your front door.

Of course, you’ve already prepared to arrive early. Not on time, early. Make sure the receptionist knows you’re there, have a chat, turn off your phone and take note of your surroundings – it may make for good small talk topics later.

Resist the urge to cram in some last minute prep. You don’t want to come across as flustered or under-prepared, but rather organised and calm.

2. First impressions count

Stating the obvious? Maybe. But never underestimate the importance of establishing a real connection, and putting across the best version of yourself. Make eye contact, smile, give off positive body language, give a good handshake, and be enthusiastic. Be yourself, but also the best version of yourself. After all, everyone wants to work with people they like, so use this to your advantage.

Nick Politt, managing director of Diamond Interiors, says you only have mere minutes to show your best side: “It’s not unheard of for hiring decisions to be decided a few minutes into the interview. First impressions are difficult to change; people form opinions and stick to them. So you always need to put your best foot forward. Personally I like to see a smile, a firm handshake, and a little bit of chat before the more formal part begins, rather than a silent walk to the boardroom. Make that connection and impression straight away, and make it the very best you can.”

3. Prep for small talk

Small talk always comes first and, love it or hate it, there’s really no way around it. Getting your small talk right can make or break the interview. It’s how we build rapport and affinity, and can be the first clue for your potential employers of whether you have the right ‘chemistry’.

Part of small talk is undoubtedly being able to think on your feet and improvise, but you can still do a little prep work beforehand to keep the conversation flowing smoothly. The key is to have a few mutual topics up your sleeve, and here’s some to keep in mind:

• Family – If you spot a picture of the interviewer’s family on their desk, ask about them, and perhaps be ready to respond with an anecdote of your own.
• Sports – If there are signs your interviewer is a sports fan, have some questions at the ready.
• Business – Has the company been in the news recently? Good news only here, of course.

Claire Crompton, commercial director of SEO agency The Audit Lab, says she often hires for culture over everything else: “Unless you’re hiring for a senior or highly technical role, it’s becoming more important than ever to hire for culture first. If a person doesn’t have the right personality for your business, then they won’t fit in with the team around them, and quality and productivity is likely to suffer. This can work really well when you’re hiring for junior positions or straight out of uni – pretty much any skill can be taught – but if you’re hiring further up the ladder, then patience and perseverance are required to get the balance right.”

4. Be memorable

Unfortunately, interviewers often don’t remember much about every person they speak to – a downside of speaking to multiple candidates for one position. To jog personal memories, you may be referred to as “The Runner” or “The Cat Person” – so make yourself memorable; as soon as someone says “The Crossfit Guy”, someone else immediately says “Oh yeah! Them! They were good!”

So, what makes a good hook?

• Clothes or personal style (for the right reasons)
• Unusual fact about you (again, within reason)
• An outside interest
• A past job (maybe you scooped ice cream for the Spice Girls in high school)

Hooks are memorable, and they create an anchor for people to remember you by. And never underestimate the power of being memorable.

Jessica Morgan, owner of Carnsight Communications, prefers to take an informal approach to her interviews:

“I don’t like putting people on the spot. I believe people are at their best when they feel comfortable – that’s when they really deliver. I want to see what they can offer and I want to see a glimpse into the real person – so I try to make people feel at ease during an interview.

“It helps if they’re talking about their achievements and things they know about – at work but also their hobbies. I’ve actually just been on a WhatsApp chat with someone I interviewed 20 years ago for a role! The thing that stands out from that interview was his passion talking about running a radio show at university. He came alive and I saw a bit of the real him and hiring him was one of the best decisions I made in that role!”

5. Be on message: What can you offer?

Channel your inner politician, and think of three or so key points that you want to get across, and stick to them. Think about what you can offer the role and the company, such as your management skills, your technical expertise, or your experience with digital. Try to work these three or so points in naturally wherever you can, but don’t overdo it.

If you’ve interviewed before, you’ll know that there are some common questions that appear throughout. Be prepared for them and have answers ready to go.

6. Question time

“Do you have any questions for us?”

The answer should always be yes, by the way. A couple of smart questions will help you learn more about the company so you can decide if the role is right for you, but it also shows the interviewer that you’re interested.

Here’s a few suggestions to spark your imagination:

• How would you describe the company’s culture?
• What do you like about working for this company?
• How do you see the company evolving in the next five years?
• What does the ideal candidate for this role look like?
• Is this a new position? If not, why did the person before me leave this role?

Sanjay, past recruiter and now owner of Spice Kitchen, regularly conducts interviews and is baffled when candidates don’t come armed with questions: “Questions at the end are so important – an interview is a two way process and we need to be right for the person as much as they need to be right for us. How can someone have zero queries about such an important part of their lives? I think it’s also crucial to demonstrate curiosity – I want to be asked about the vision for the business, our plans to expand, and how they can help us take things to the next level.”

7. Leave as you came in 

Even if you’re not 100% sure how it went, nobody likes a sourpuss. Always leave the interview in a positive and friendly manner, so their last impression of you is a good one. End on small talk – ask about their weekend plans or if they’re going to get to any sports games – give a good handshake, look each interviewer in the eye, and smile.

Just as you did when you came in, treat every person you pass on your exit as though they decide your fate at this company. Remember that every single person is a potential touchpoint, and they should all have a favourable impression of you.

8. It’s all in the follow-up 

You may not want to be the eager beaver who follows-up, but we encourage you to be just that. Remember what we said about being somewhat forgettable? A polite follow-up is the perfect way to be the exact opposite of forgettable.

Email follow-ups are great, but handwritten ones are even better. If you were asked to provide additional information, or a link to your work or a subject discussed, use email. The more carefully you listened during the interview, the more casual and off-the-cuff anecdotes you will be able to sprinkle in to make your follow-up seem unforced.

Oh, and never forget to say thank you. That’s just polite.