4 mins read
Job Interviews can be very intimidating no matter how many you have attended in your lifetime. You get to meet new people in new organizations, sell your skillsets and get valuable feedback. All this can be very stressful and challenging.
So if you have your next interview scheduled then congratulations! It is time for you to prepare for the interview and land that job. We have listed 8 helpful tips on how to make a great impression and ace your next job interview.
Practice in Advance
Review the job listing more than once to understand what the company is looking for and ensure that you can highlight those related skills and experiences to them. Practice the typical job interview questions. It is equally important to understand the questions asked in an interview. So make sure you listen to your interviewer/s very carefully.
Ask Questions
Prepare a list of questions to ask the employers. In almost every interview you are going to be asked if you have any questions for them. Your questions demonstrate your interest in the organization and its work culture. It is a major turnoff for hiring managers if you come across as an apathetic candidate.
Connect with the Interviewer
Try to develop a connection with your interviewer during the interview. Know the interviewer’s full name and address him/her using their name throughout the interview. You can call the company and ask in advance to know your interviewer. This will help you to create a positive image.
Research about the Company
You do need to do your research on the employer and the industry you are applying for. You should try to demonstrate your knowledge about the company even if you are not directly asked this question. You need to know about the company’s history, their mission and values, staff culture, and recent success and failures. Make sure to look into the company’s social media presence.
Prepare Ahead of Time
Do not wait until the last minute to pick out your interview outfit or to print copies of your resume, portfolio and other documents. Prepare a notepad and pen. For remote interviews make sure you have a quiet, uninterrupted place set for the interview. It can help to reduce anxiety at the last minute.
Be Early for the Interview
Make sure you are at least 10 to 15 minutes early for your interview. Make sure to check the time to go to a physical interview taking traffic and busy commuting hours into account. If you are attending a remote interview, make sure you check the time of the interview especially if it’s from a different time zone.
Stay Calm and Composed
It is easier said than done, but you have to be relaxed during an interview. Body language can say a lot about your confidence. Maintain eye contact with your interviewer and avoid cutting them off while they are asking questions. Listen and take your time to answer.
Follow-Up After the Interview
This is something that you should do after your interview. Follow-up with a thank-you note reiterating your interest in the company within 24 hours of the interview. You can also include any details or documents you have forgot to mention or present during your interview.
Project confidence, stay positive, share your experiences, workplace skills, and qualifications and you are all set to get your dream job!