Being on the job hunt can be a frustrating experience  -  especially when it comes to tech jobs. It can take months to find the perfect fit for you personally. If you have been searching for a while, you might be wondering what you're doing wrong. It could just be that some businesses may not be right for you. However, it could be your interview skills too. This is one area you can control and improve on, and we have seven tips to help you do just that.

1. Honesty Is the Best Policy 

It's estimated that 4 in 10 people have been financially impacted by COVID-19. This means more people than ever are searching for a new job. When it comes to finding a new profession it's important to put your best foot forward. For some, that might sound like not disclosing certain information that may make your potential employer not interested. For others that might mean highlighting great accomplishments they have gained over the years. 

There are certain things that you do not have to share with a potential new boss. So pick and choose very carefully which things are important for a boss to know and which things aren't. Although you have creative license to share what will make you look the best, it is always important to be transparent in your interview. Always make sure that there is nothing that could be a red flag or that would stand out on an employee background check. 

2. Don't Fight the Tide

If you're having trouble getting an interview because there are more candidates than available job positions, it might be time to rethink your career. The coronavirus has hit certain industries hard such as the travel, transportation, hospitality, and food industries, and if you worked in one of these industries, it might be better to switch industries. 

Not all industries were adversely impacted by the pandemic. Some industries actually thrived, such as high tech organizations. These industries flourished because of the global economic shift to digital businesses. 

You can learn new skills or augment your existing technical skills by taking online courses and getting certifications. Even if you only land an entry-level job at a tech company, in-house training will help you rise up in the organization.

Even if you do happen to land a job for something that you are well-qualified to do but it's in an industry that is destined for obsolescence, then you will not get long-term employment. 

For instance, if you've been a store manager or a cashier for many years, then you'll probably apply for those types of positions. But while physical stores will probably not become obsolete anytime soon, automation may take over the role of employees. Amazon, for example, is beginning to open up cashier-less stores, stores where customers can simply walk in, pick up what they want, and get a virtual receipt from their Amazon account. These stores use automated sensors, cameras, and scales to track what customers pick from the shelves.

These trends lead to companies needing more specialized skill sets from their employees.

3. Dress for Success 

When attending any interview it is important that you dress the part. Generally, a business casual outfit will be appropriate for all interviews. However, there are certain circumstances that may warrant you to wear formal attire. If you are going to be working in a place that requires formal attire on a daily basis, consider wearing something that you would wear to work. Take time to research the dress code of the company if possible and dress accordingly. 

Also, make sure that you are clean, your beard is nicely trimmed, your hair is in place and your clothes are clean and not wrinkled. Avoid using any powerful perfumes or colognes that are distracting. You don't want to stand out for the wrong reason. 

4. Practice Makes Perfect 

Before you head to the interview, try practicing a few common interview questions. Think about a few key qualities about yourself that you would like to emphasize during your interview. Make sure these traits will make you sound more desirable for the position you're applying for. For example, a nurse might want to make their compassion, patient advocacy and ability to care for intensive care unit patients the focus of their practice sessions.

Don't sell yourself short. It is ok to brag about yourself a little bit in an interview  -  without sounding egotistical and cocky, of course. Think of some of your greatest accomplishments on the job and practice finding a way to work that into the conversation. Doing this when practicing will allow you to feel more comfortable talking about yourself when the opportunity arises. 

5. Ask Questions 

Asking questions is a great way to keep the conversation going at an interview. It shows the hiring manager that you take the position seriously and that you are truly interested in the company. It also allows the manager to brag about the company a bit. This can reveal what corporate features they feel are most important.

In addition,showing genuine interest signals that if a fair offer is extended, that you're willing to accept. Ask questions regarding the management expectations, leadership styles within the company, and employee satisfaction. Avoid questions about salary, benefits, and promotions until after you are formally offered the job. 

6. Initiate Discussions

Besides asking questions, you can also initiate discussions about the industry and the economy that will impress your interviewer with your knowledge. Of course, these comments should be based on current industry information, information that you have gathered through reliable mainstream news sources. If you can remember some statistics and real world examples of what is happening in the industry and the economy, all the better. 

7. Research Well 

Before attending an interview, make sure you do some research about the business and industry. The business research will make it easier for you to talk about the company itself while the industry research will help you discuss the company in the larger context of the economy.

Search online to find the company's values, mission statement, and history. Doing this will show potential employers that you are on board with their company goals. Whenever it feels natural during the conversation, talk about some of the information that you learned with the employer. 

Let's say their mission statement is to "positively impact the community around them." A way that you can bring that into the conversation is by saying, "I saw the mission statement online says a company goal is to positively impact the community around us. What role do you expect or want the position I'm applying for to play in meeting that mission statement?" You could ask, "How can I help meet the business' mission statement?" 

All in all, try your best to stand out among other applicants  -  in a good way. You want the boss to remember your name and interview long after you leave the office.