Interview Preparation and Tips

Closing the deal

Having pre-interview jitters? That’s completely normal given that interviews are a crucial stage of your job quest. However, your questioner is a normal person who can be impressed easily if you keep a few basic points in mind. So, take a deep breath and join us to learn about how to succeed in your next job interview.

Simple Rules to Succeed in an Interview

Gather As Much Knowledge As You Can About The Company

Your first step in the job application process should be gathering information on the company. You should also learn about the career opportunities that may open up to you if you get the job. The more you know about the company, the easier it will be for you to stay confident during the interview process.

Similarly, familiarizing yourself with the company culture beforehand is a good idea too. This will help you to decide if the job is suitable for you or not. The company’s website and social media profiles are your greatest source of information. Job apps like Glassdoor will let you read employee reviews left by the former or current employees of a corporation.

Keep a Professional Appearance

The first thing your interviewer would notice about you is your appearance. Always try to make a lasting impression in your first meeting! Projecting a professional image makes you look like a responsible person. It implies that you are serious about the job.

The choice of clothes often depends upon the company and position that you are applying for. Generally, a suit is a great choice for men and a blouse with dress pants is appropriate business attire for women. CLICK HERE for tips on how to dress for a job interview.

Answering Interview Questions

Ultimately, your way of answering the interview questions will decide if you should be taken seriously or not. 

  • Keep a slight, friendly smile on your face and stay confident. It will tell your employer that you can keep calm and work well under pressure.
  • Make eye contact with the person questioning you.
  • Sit up straight and maintain a confident posture.
  • Talk clearly and be concise. To-the-point answers will show that you value time and go straight to the heart of the matter.
  • Be honest about what you have to offer.

Learn about the STAR method which involves asking behavioral questions that will tell about your ability to handle a situation.

Practice your responses in order to help you gain confidence.

Topics That Your Interviewer Would Most Likely Explore

  • Your Introduction– When asked to tell about yourself, you should stick to the simple formula of Past, Present, and Future. Talk about your past experiences, current position, and future goals. Mention your accomplishments in the relevant fields.
  • Your Weak Points– Try to mention the weaknesses that relate to your strengths. For example, you can say that you try to handle everything by yourself. These words establish you as an independent person who does not shy away from responsibility.
  • What Sets You Apart from The Other Candidates– Tell about your creative abilities that make you a good fit for the job.

Key Takeaways

Interviewing is a skill that you can master if you bear in mind the dos and don’ts. Act right and articulate your thoughts in a better way to increase your chances of getting hired. Good luck!