Interview
Job Interview Tips
The interview is the most crucial part of the hiring process. A meeting that is held face to face is the decisive factor. Everything is essential in this meeting: from clothes to your words and non-verbal gestures. So how do you make your interview stand out from the crowd? What tips should never be ignored? Our resume-writing company has career coaching services, so we understand the importance of this meeting. We want to share some interview tips with you.
1. Your main task is to prepare
We have an article on the topic of the most popular interview questions. It would be best if you prepared the answer to all these questions in advance. Why? Because your answer must be confident and immediate.
If you take a long pause and fill your speech with filler words like “well,” “uh,” and “like,” interviewers will immediately guess that you are not very prepared for the meeting.
Your task is to be mentally prepared for all questions. They should not frighten or overwhelm you. You get used to them and become ready by repeating questions and answers. “Which person do you see yourself in five years?” You should know the answer in advance.
It is best to prepare a few weeks before the interview. One of the best interview practices is the one you do with your friends. Someone has to act as the interviewer. Don’t let them go easy on you because there will be no easy questions in real life. Give them the opportunity to ask the most tricky questions to see how you react.
Also, be prepared to be asked illegal questions. These are, for example, questions that relate to gender, age, race, sexual orientation, and having children.
Such questions are forbidden, but that doesn’t stop the interviewer from suddenly asking the candidate this. Your task is to find a way to get around this issue (after all, personal topics often cause awkwardness and stupor) or even transfer the subject to your work.
2. Know how to impress the interviewer
Learn as much information about the company as possible. This banal job interview advice is already following you everywhere. But knowledge about the company always delights interviewers! If you can find their values and principles, it will help when writing cover letters and resumes. And if you find the company’s problems and fears, this will save you in an interview!
You can freely adapt to the very concept of the company and change your story during the interview. Try on the role of the person in the company. You must comply with the principles, and your goal (and the goal of all employees) is to overcome problems and the company’s fears or threats. Formulate your motivational story in such a way as to attract attention to yourself.
You must be prepared to ask interviewers questions. It is an important step many prefer to avoid and make huge mistakes. Not asking questions means you are not interested in the company. The best option would be to ask something specific about the company, such as:
- “What attracts you the most about this company?”
- “Can you show me examples of projects I’d be working on?”
- “What are the biggest challenges someone in this position would face?”
Typically, interviewers expect 3 to 4 questions from each candidate. The willingness and desire of an employee to hear from you is a kind of final test that cannot be missed. You will definitely be able to come up with a few questions during the interview when talking to an employee.
3. Be an enjoyable storyteller and listener.
During an interview, a company employee gives you a bunch of information you can use in a conversation. So another good job interview tip is to listen and notice the details, write down the numbers, and you can continue the dialogue based on the data. In addition, thanks to this behavior, the interviewer understands that their words are heard and processed.
You should not say too much when telling a company employee about yourself. Do not make your speech too frank. Speaking of character and habits, you should not mention bad qualities. Such statements can scare the interviewer away from your person. You will convince them that you are a terrible employee. Answering personal questions is not worth it because the answer is often the most awkward and uncertain. Change the subject as soon as possible!
Don’t be too familiar with the interviewer. Despite their friendliness, your job is to speak like a professional. Avoid slang and abbreviations, and do not joke too vulgarly.
In addition, your speech mustn’t be self-confident and bold. It would be best if you did not give the impression of an arrogant person. Your discourse should be respectful and not rude. In no case do not interrupt your interlocutor. Know when to thank the person or apologize.
Do not try to argue with the interlocutor. It is not a competition between you. It will be better if you are on the same side from the beginning. Convince the interviewer that you want the position and are willing to weigh the pros and cons, so it’s best to offer the job.
4. Your appearance and behavior
You must prepare in advance for the interview. Check everything you bring to the discussion. Have you taken copies of resumes, letters of recommendation, and licenses? Also, don’t forget to bring a notebook and a pen to write down the necessary information or take notes.
Some of the most underrated interview tips and tricks are your behavior, your body language, and your clothes. Try to follow these tips:
- Before the interview, you should find out about the company’s dress code. It’s best to call them directly. Many companies prefer formal, classic suits.
- On the interview day, plan your trip to arrive 10-15 minutes early. If you are not sure exactly how long the journey will take, it is better to go this way in advance to know the time. Leave your headphones, key chains, and your backpack in the car. The best choice would be a working portfolio.
- Watch your body language. You must be confident: keep your back straight, look the interviewer in the eye, and smile. Your handshake should be firm.
- Be patient, and do not think about how to leave quickly. Your body will be the first to show this desire. And your non-verbal signs should show interest and readiness for an interview.
Conclusion
You’ve just read tips for a successful interview. The most important thing is to train as much as possible and prepare in advance. Then you will be confident in your actions and know how to behave in different situations. However, sometimes you need the help of a professional in preparing for an interview. We can make you a ready-for-all candidate.