Long-term applicants: Prep for interview

If you’re out of work, looking for a job can be challenging, especially if you’ve been unemployed for an extended period. Here are some expert tips for nabbing an interview:

» Convey confidence. “Remember to be enthusiastic and interested throughout the interview, regardless of how frustrated you may be with your job search,” says Lynne Sarikas, director of Northeastern University’s MBA Career Center.

» Show you aren’t rusty. Employers want workers who have up-to-date knowledge and skills. If you want to impress, review all the tools you used in past jobs, and make sure you’re familiar with the relevant industry language.

» Prove your fit. “Fit is the most critical determination in hiring for both the hiring manager and the candidate,” Sarikas says. “For the hiring manager, there are typically multiple candidates with the skills to do the job. The challenge is finding the best person for the job based on how they fit with the team and the culture of the organization.”

» Explain any long-term unemployment. Create a strong answer to this question.

“Being honest is always the best option,” said Sarah Connors, a manager in the humanresources contracts division at WinterWyman. “If there’s something you feel is too personal to share, you’ll want to talk to a recruiter, mentor or trusted friend about how to discuss it. Highlight any volunteer work, contract positions or classes you have taken that show you’ve been active and keeping your skills fresh.”