You’re ready to jump into your dream job and tackle the exciting challenges that come along with it. But first, you have to navigate the ever daunting job interview. Impress employers and launch your career, all with these simple job interview tips.
Here are 9 Job Interview Tips That Will Help You Ace Your Next Dream Job!
Before the Job Interview
Going on a job interview can be nerve-racking enough. One way to reduce the stress and anxiety surrounding a job interview is to prepare ahead of time. Rehearsing your answers to likely interview questions ahead of time, researching the company and industry in addition to preparing your professional portfolio are sure ways to head into your interview with confidence.
Research the Company, and the Industry
Employers will be impressed when you already know a lot about the company. Spend some time reading over their website, visiting their social media pages and even reading news articles featuring the company. As a result, you will get a more complete picture of the company and be prepared to discuss the position in detail.
Additionally, employers want to hire experts to work for them. Being well versed, and up to speed, on the industry is one way to showcase you’re the right fit for the position. Read up on the latest industry news, standards and practices before heading to the interview.
Preparing for questions
In almost every interview, the invitation to “tell us about yourself” comes up. Although you are an expert on yourself, it’s easy to freeze in the moment and babble out an incoherent answer. Use this question as a way to highlight your strengths and aspects of your personality which make you a better fit for the position. Practice your answer ahead of time so you can speak clearly and concisely.
Another sure-fire question to be asked in an interview is “what are your weaknesses?” It’s best to avoid the stereotypical answers such as “I’m a perfectionist” or “I care too much.” Be honest with the interviewer. Describe an area of your skill-set that you wish was stronger and outline a plan you have put in place to overcome this weakness and turn it into a strength.
Interviewers will not only be impressed by your honesty, but by your aspirations to grow, and work harder.
Professional Portfolio
Before heading out the door for your interview, make sure you have at least two printed copies of your resume with you. You may also consider bringing samples of your work, or bring along some graphs or charts showcasing your biggest achievements; such as doubling a company’s sales in six months or increasing brand visibility.
During the Job Interview
It’s time for the interview, now what? Keep these tips in mind during the interview to stand out against other candidates.
Body Language
Good posture radiates confidence. Be mindful of how you’re sitting, standing and walking during the interview. While sitting, lean forward slightly, without slumping, to show interest. Additionally, remember to smile and nod your head while the interviewer is speaking to showcase your engagement and that you are actively listening.
As a way to build trust with the interviewer, remember to maintain eye contact.
Lastly, if you’re finally anxious in the interview, try speaking with hand gestures. We tend to fidget when you feel nervous, and using hand gestures is a good way to avoid fidgeting and place emphasis on what you’re saying. Just remember, don’t go overboard!
Dress and Appearance
70% of hiring managers said they have eliminated candidates who were dresses too trendy, or fashion forward. So although you want to look your best, avoid bright colours, busy patterns or flashy accessories. Don’t let your outfit distract from what you have to say.
The old adage, “dress for the job you want” still rings true. During your research of the company, try and get a sense of their dress code, and dress one step above for the interview. For example, if the company dress code is business casual, you may consider a business professional outfit for the interview.
Asking the Right Questions
In any interview, it is likely the interviewer will ask if you have any questions. This is an excellent opportunity to show your interest and demonstrate your knowledge of the position. Pay close attention to what you have been asked in the interview and ask for additional information. This will demonstrate you have been actively paying attention, which in turns shows you are interested in the company and the position.
Some questions you may consider asking include:
- Can you describe the daily responsibilities of this role? What will the day-to-day activities look like?
- What do you consider success in this position, and how will that be measured?
- Who will I be reporting to or who will I be working closely with?
- What do you like best about working at this company?
Asking the right questions will also help you to determine if this is the right place for you to work.
After the Interview
Follow up
Continue to show your interest in the position even after the job interview. By sending a thank you note you can thank the interviewer for their time and consideration, which can make a positive impression. You may consider including a personal detail, or something discussed during the interview to show your interest in the meeting. Employers will be impressed by your attention to detail.
Looking for job interview tips from HR Professionals? OutWitTrade has an informative blog based on the advice sent by people on the topic. Read on!
—
In an increasingly competitive job market it is crucial you are prepared to impress employers during the job interview. The right education puts you on the path to earning your dream job. Your education, coupled with life-long, guaranteed career services, helps you reach your career goals sooner.
No matter where you are in your career journey you can rely on BizTech College’s life-long guaranteed career services. Our dedicated student advisors will take the soft skills you learned from our accelerated diploma and certificate programs to assist you as you hone your interview skills, polish your resume and even provide job-search assistance.
