Are you anxious about how to prepare for that new job interview? Do you need a few extra tips to make sure you ace that interview, and standout from the rest of the crowd? It may not be as difficult as you think!
We’re giving you 10 easy tips to follow to nail your interview and land that new J-O-B! You’ll be thanking us later once you get that call that says, “you’ve been hired!”
1.Research the company you are interviewing for
One of the most important things you can do to ace your interview is study any current events or information about the company you are interviewing with. Don’t expect the company to hire you, if you don’t know absolutely anything about it. Being able to recall current events of the company, shows that you are not only aware of what takes place, but you are also interested in their company. It’s just as important to know the background of the company as well as you know your resume.
2. Know your resume like the back of your hand
This almost seems like a total “duh” but you’d be surprised as to how many people get stumped when asked questions from their resume. As a potential candidate, you should know your resume like the back of your hand—or better. Come to the interview prepared to tell your story. Your resume is almost like your introduction before you get to physically meet the hiring manager, so make sure you fully explain whatever it is that you want the manager to know and take away. It’s extremely vital that you can discuss your professional experience without having to look at your resume to do so.
3. Dress the part
Never underestimate the importance of dressing the part, and the company’s culture. It’s important to dress accordingly (depending on where you are interviewing), but it’s always best to play it safe, and wear a nice pair of slacks with a crisp and clean button up shirt, and possibly adding a blazer. Based on the job you are interviewing with, you will be able to configure the appropriate dress code for your interview.
4. Punctuality is Key—be on time!
If you’re early, you’re on time, if you’re on time—you’re late. We’ve all heard that saying before, and it definitely holds some truth to it. You want to make sure you give yourself enough time just in case there’s traffic or you’re unable to find parking right away. Plan out the exact time it will take you to get from your house to your designated interview location, and leave in enough time to get there with enough time!
5. Know the job description of the position you are applying for
Once you’ve been made aware of your interview, make it your business to study the job description in order to truly understand what the role entails, and what the company is looking for. You want to make sure you tailor your discussion and assets to the role of the job. This is one of the most beneficial and prominent ways to not only ace your interview, but also be distinctively rememberd by the hiring manager!
6. Why should they hire you? (provide examples)
If you are unable to explain why you’d be the best fit for the job, then don’t expect to get it! The interviewer wants to know you are hard-working and capable, but if you can’t give them any reason or examples, then it will be hard for them to believe you. Telling a story about your abilities can help in this situation. Make sure you use real life examples to leverage yourself and credibility. This is your time to shine, so it’s crucial that you go all out!
7. Make direct eye contact
Eye contact is one of the strongest forms of nonverbal communication, and is an absolute MUST if you want to ace your job interview. Direct eye contact shows that you are alert, aware, and interested in whatever is being said. Eye contact also communicates with the interviewer that you are confident. Throughout your interview, make sure you keep direct eye contact, which will greatly help you ace your interview.
8. Be mindful of your body language
Body language definitely speaks for itself. It communicates to your interviewer that you are either confident, nervous, relaxed or completely unsure of yourself. In order to ace your job interview, you want to make sure you radiate positive body language by sitting up straight and not slouching. This in turn will signal to the interviewer that you are alert and listening to everything that is being said.
9. ASK QUESTIONS!
This is something that many people are skipping in their job interview process. It’s vital that you ask questions during your interview. Having at least 5 questions prepared to ask shows your interviewer that you are extremely interested in the position. Make sure you ask questions of substance such as the company’s culture, the evolution of the company or the company’s mission. You want to make sure you steer away from questions that involve hours, benefits and salary until you make it to the next round of interviews.
10. Send a follow-up email
Immediately after the interview, send a follow-up email. Thank the interviewer for their time to meet with you and let them know that they are appreciated. You’d be surprised to know just how important these are to interviewers, and how this furthers your chances of sticking out to them.
