Congratulations on landing a job interview! Your resume was effective and landed you an interview for a new position. Now you want to ace the interview so you can lock in a job offer. Here are some tips to make the interview a success.
Research the company
Knowing as much as you can about the company can help you go into the interview with confidence, so make sure you gather background information about your prospective interviewer. These days everyone has an online presence so start by reviewing the company’s website and social media handles for pertinent information about its history and mode of operation.
Tip: It is a good practice to research the company's market position and any recent developments. This will show the interviewer that you are genuinely interested in the company and up to date on the latest news and trends.
Practice and prepare
You will be asked questions during the interview so it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with typical questions and the best possible answers. This way you can become more confident while also preparing strong answers that are specific and concise so that you can communicate the value you will bring to the company and role.
Tip: Conducting a simple Google search on the company name and ‘interview reviews’ may give you some insight into possible questions that may be asked during the interview.
Also, don’t forget to prepare your own list of questions to ask at the end of the interview. This will demonstrate that you are well prepared and genuinely interested in the role.
Be on time
Getting to the interview early can improve your chances of getting hired. For example, arriving at the venue ahead of time sends a message to the interviewer that you’re eager to work, helping you make a positive first impression. Also, you will have ample time to calm your nerves and mentally prepare yourself for the process. A good rule of thumb is to arrive 15 minutes early for your interview. However, don’t arrive too early as this can be an inconvenience for HR.
Tip: make sure you take into account the local traffic patterns so you can get to the interview location in time.
Try to stay calm
Interviews can be stressful, even for job seekers who have attended many of them. It’s not unusual for interviewees to feel anxious beforehand. Keep to your routine, use positive visualization, listen to music on the way to the interview, enjoy a nice coffee; do anything that works for you. Staying calm will help you gather your thoughts, exude confidence, focus on the interviewer, and answer questions intelligently.
Tip: Pay careful attention to the entire question before you respond. Consider WHY they would be asking that question- this will help to determine your response.
Make the best first impression
First impressions do matter and often determine the long-term perception the interviewer will have of you. There are many ways to create a positive first impression: dress appropriately, be on time, show up with energy and enthusiasm and highlight your main selling points.
Tip: Be sure to respond positively about your last job/employer as this gives a good impression. Speaking poorly of old employers will often reflect negatively on you (even if they were a crappy boss!).
Follow-up after the interview
Make it a common practice to thank the interviewer for taking the time to interview you. This can be done via phone or an email. This not only shows that you have good interview etiquette but also reinforces your interest in the position.
Tip: It’s always best to personalize the follow-up message by jotting down a few things the interviewer said and/or adding any adjustment you think is necessary to clarify something you previously said (or forgot to say).
Conclusion
Interviews can be tough, but if you are well prepared you will dramatically increase your chances of success. Follow the tips above and you will surely enhance your performance and show the interviewer that you are the best candidate for the job!
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