Congratulations on your upcoming interview, but are you prepared enough for it? Worry not, as we’ve compiled several interview tips and tricks to help raise your chances of getting hired!
While you need the proper credentials to ace an interview, the most essential aspect that hiring managers consider is the first impression. This is the initial judgment someone has after their first interaction with you.
Unfortunately, you never get a second opportunity to make a first impression. For this reason, you need to leave a positive first impression with the limited time you have during a job interview. This interview guide can help you set a good tone before your interviewer to increase your chances of landing your dream job.
Practice
Practice makes perfect, and this is no exception when preparing for a job interview. It is highly recommended to review some commonly-asked interview questions. This is to help you deliver your responses more clearly.
Take time to research the company and understand your responsibility in the position. By doing this, you will be better positioned to answer questions about your qualifications for the job or why you want to work in the target company.
It would help if you also were prepared to answer tricky questions such as your expected salary or weakness. Try rehearsing your answers in front of a mirror until you are confident enough that you will make a good impression. Alternatively, you ask someone to do a mock interview with you to help you exude confidence and make a lasting and good impression.
Check the Job Listing Carefully
Always double-check the original job posting even though you have understood the job you are applying for. Ensure that you identify key traits and skills indicated in the job description and use them to highlight your strength in those areas. You can even use examples from your current or past work that match the specific requirements.
This will give you an added advantage since you will appear fit for the position. It will also allow you to prove to the interviewer that you completely understand the role and have what it takes to deliver.
Do Not Be Late
Arriving on the job interview site on time is one of the essential interview tips and tricks that will help you create a good impression. It shows the interviewer that you are professional and value time, an essential trait that most employers look for in applicants.
Punctuality shows that the candidate is reliable and can adapt to the company’s standards. It is recommended to arrive 10 to 15 minutes earlier before your scheduled interview. We highly suggest sleeping early and leaving your house earlier than usual. Also, don’t forget to plan your attire the night before.
Have Your Resume with You
When going for a job interview, ensure that you carry copies of your updated resume. Have them neat, organized, and easily accessible to make the best lasting impression. It is also a good idea to print several copies just in case of multiple interviewers.
You should review and edit your resume before printing it to ensure free of spelling or grammar errors. Your resume should also indicate the qualifications, objectives, and experience related to the position you are looking for.
Alongside your resume, bring along a notebook and pen. However, do not bring non-essentials as they may ruin your first impression.
Be Careful of Your Body Language
During the interview, communicate verbally and non-verbally as well. From the time you arrive in the company, your body language can make or ruin your first impression. Your body language can significantly impact how someone perceives you when they meet you for the first time.
Use a good posture to show confidence and professionalism. Sit up straight with your head high and shoulders back while in the lobby and during the actual interview.
Besides your posture, a smile can also go a long way in creating a good impression. Smile at the receptionist and when you meet the interviewer. Use a friendly greeting and a firm handshake to show confidence.
Also, do not slouch but be open and receptive to what the interviewer is saying. Your interviewer is likely observing your posture regardless of whether it is an online or in person interview.
Breathe
It is natural to feel nervous during an interview, and the interviewers know this too well. However, it would be best not to make it evident that you are anxious to make a positive impression. One practical tip to overcome interview jitters is to breathe.
Besides, you can make positive affirmations that will help ease your nervousness. Remind yourself that you are in the interview because you were among those chosen. Tell yourself why they should hire you and imagine that you have secured the job. Not allowing your anxiety to get the best of you can help make the interview process smooth.
Keep Your Phone Away
While waiting, people tend to use their phones naturally. However, when you are waiting in the lobby for your potential employer, it is not a good idea to use your phone. Instead, choose to go over your resume and think of how you would present yourself in the interview. When your interviewer appears or calls out your name, you will not be caught off guard navigating your phone or hurriedly putting your phone in your bag.
Dress Appropriately
More often than not, people judge you by how you are dressed. When going for an interview, you should dress smartly in professional attire. A good tip is to choose your interview outfit depending on the position you are applying for.
There are instances when a company indicates more formal or casual. However, it is ideal for making a sound judgment. Refrain from wearing too tight, too baggy, or too revealing clothes.
Still, on attire, keep your jewelry and cologne to the minimum. The last thing you want is to meet an interviewer that is sensitive or allergic to fragrances.
Show Enthusiasm
Being enthusiastic is something employers appreciate. It is good to display your passion for what you do and be excited about this new opportunity. Passionately talk about your experiences in your previous work experience and what it would mean for you to get a chance to work at the new company. Overall, let your demeanor shows your enthusiasm to take a new position.
Show Respect
Respect is one of the interview tips and tricks worth pondering on. Make sure that you treat everyone you meet on the day of your interview with the utmost respect. Greet the security personnel, the receptionist, and be more aware of the other people in the area.
Aside from it showing basic courtesy, you might also encounter them later. While they may not be the interviewer, the hiring manager might ask for their feedback. Hence, it is good to leave a lasting impression on everyone you meet.
Another practical tip during an interview is to remember your interviewer’s name and address them appropriately. You can look them up on LinkedIn to get more information about them, including their names and titles.
Be Truthful
It is easy for applicants to lie or overstate the truth during job interviews. However, this is not an excellent route to take if you want to make a good impression. Respond truthfully to questions and highlight your credentials and achievements honestly.
Sticking to what you know will also help you avoid saying anything misconstrued. Ensure that you go through your resume before the interviewer to understand your skills, accomplishments, and key strengths.
Share Stories
Want to win over the interviewer? Consider telling stories that are related to the position you are applying for. This helps create a better connection between you and the interviewer, making it easy for them to relate to you.
You can utilize the STAR or Situation, Task, Action, Result method as your guide in sharing your stories and covering all the needed aspects. This will help keep the interview light, interactive, and constructive.
Ask Questions
A job interview is not only a method for employers to get to know their applicants. It is also a way for applicants to discover how to interview their prospective employers and learn about the company.
Therefore, it is recommended to ask questions that show interest in your interviewer and the company. This will give them a good impression since it makes them realize that you initiate to know them and the business more deeply.
For instance, you can ask how your interviewer obtained their position in the company or what aspects are crucial for them in terms of company culture. It is also good to take your time to ask mindful follow-up questions.
Show Appreciation
You can still make a lasting and positive impression after your interview. Send a follow-up email to show your appreciation for your interviewer’s time and the chance to listen to you. Besides, a follow-up email is also your final opportunity to remind them briefly why they should consider you.
Conclusion
If you are preparing for a job interview, use these interview preparation tips to create a first good impression. While these tips do not guarantee that you will get the job, they can undoubtedly give you an advantage. We hope that they prove helpful to help you ace an upcoming interview.
