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In the job application process, you’ll undergo a series of job interviews, from the HR staff to the managers. These interviews would create a huge impact on the employer’s hiring decision. And thus, you have to know how to answer each of their questions as honestly, as strategically and as composed as possible.
If you’ve stayed long in your current employer and are planning to change careers, and/or if you’re in the midst of preparing for your next job interview, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll be looking at ten job interview tips that actually work. Hopefully, these would help you ace that role you’ve been eyeing for.
1. Do your homework.
First, it’s important to know what you’re going to be walking into. Read about the employer, and the job description. Research about their history, the nature of their business, the achievements they have made recently, and the company culture they present.
This would give you a preview on how you can present yourself as someone who fits well with that culture and would also give you the right words to answer when they ask some basic information about their organisation.
2. List down common job interview questions.
Job interview questions tend to follow the same patterns. If you don’t have an answer ready for some of the simplest ones, it can make you look supremely unprepared. Here are some to expect:
Read on what’s considered the “best” answer to these questions, but when you’re practicing your answer, try to make them more specific to either you or the company, instead of a generic response.
3. Exude humility.
It’s expected of you to highlight your work experience and achievements during the interview, but don’t hold back to answer “negative” questions. For example, if you’re applying for a sales position, some of the questions they might ask you include:
Answering such questions as truthfully as possible speaks about humility and vulnerability which are two of the traits that most employers pay attention to. Remember, a good character is always more attractive than skills.
4. Prepare your clothes ahead of time.
Don’t wake up without already knowing what to wear to a job interview. You should have your outfit lined up, have your route of travel planned, and have an easy-going morning to lead up to the interview itself. Looking good and being prepared can boost your self-confidence.
If you’re uncertain about what to wear, go to the company website and see if they have any profiles or pictures of employees. Dress like you would if you got the job or, if they’re not in office wear, make sure it is neat, simple, and clean.
5. Show up early.
Get in your interview location early. You want to arrive ahead of time so that you have a few minutes to compose yourself before heading in. This might mean leaving ten to fifteen minutes earlier. Once you’re in the location, don’t hesitate to use the restroom, inhale-exhale, and keep away all possible distractions.
6. Bring your resume with you.
Your interviewer is likely going to be asking some questions based on what they see in your resume, so it only makes sense that you have it available for cross-reference. What’s more, it can serve as a good reminder of your own selling points and what you might be able to expand upon in your questions.
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7. Focus and listen.
Take time to listen. Pay attention to what the interviewer says or asks to avoid missing out some important details about the role. Looking at the interviewer/s in the eyes is also a good practice. This indicates sincerity and being interested in what the person is saying.
8. Avoid body language mistakes.
Speech isn’t the only way we communicate during an interview. Our posture, our movements, and our expressions all form a body language that can say so much on our behalf. Some forms of body language can give off an impression that’s too nervous, too aggressive, or too confident. Here are some mistakes to avoid and practice preventing in your spare time:
One or two body language snafus won’t mess up your chances, especially if you catch them quickly. However, having confidence in how your body communicates during an interview can be a great boost for your self-esteem as well.
9. Have questions ready for them, too.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Take the opportunity to raise all possible concerns, whether about the work schedule, managers, benefits, company culture, etc. For example, if you’re applying as a part-time event manager, freely ask about the working hours, the contract, and how you can get paid for the role.
Employers are drawn to people who aren’t afraid to speak up or to ask as this exudes the hunger for learning, transparency, and self-confidence.
10. Follow up.
Wait for the HR to inform you of the next step after the interview. This may usually take a few days unless they said it would take weeks. Feel free to follow up though just so they’d be reminded of how interested you are of the position.
Though nothing is ever guaranteed, the job interview tips mentioned above can certainly help you make a better impression. Take them to heart as they’re bound to help you land the role of your dreams.
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