Having a job interview soon? Congratulations on crafting a successful job application. Everyone knows how difficult it can be to get shortlisted as a potential employee. Thousands of applications end up unanswered, so getting that call is cause for celebration! However, there is one final step before landing that dream job; the interview. Now, we all know how nerve-wracking interviews can be for some due to their potential “life-changing” nature. A job interview gives you an excellent chance to tell the hiring team more about your qualifications and experience. In this article, we’ll guide you with our top tips for interview success. Our interview tips will boost your confidence and empower you to showcase your best self to the hiring team.
1. Research Your Potential Company and Role
In life, preparation is always key. An athlete who doesn’t train before an event is likely to lose. The same thing goes for job interviews. You have to make sure you find out as much as you can about the company. Learn about their mission, goals, competitors, clients, main products or services, accomplishments, and organisational culture. The easiest way you can do this research is by visiting their website and social media pages.
You should also read over the description of the advertised job – including selection criteria, responsibilities, and duties. This will help you to mentally prepare for the questions you may be asked. If you have the opportunity of knowing who the interviewer is; you can do a quick LinkedIn research to pick up some knowledge that you can include in your answers so you look like the perfect fit for the role.
2. Know Your Resume Inside Out
You should be familiar with everything in your resume since it’s what got you the interview in the first place. Have your professional story down to a two or three-minute pitch that highlights your accomplishments, skills, and experiences that align with the job requirements. Practise articulating your achievements and how they contributed to the success of your previous roles. This will not only boost your confidence but also showcase your ability to communicate effectively.
You should be able to answer questions about teamwork, what you did to solve a specific problem, and what your proudest achievements are, among many others by referring to information on your resume. Your fluency in answering these questions with your ‘evidence’ will impress any hiring manager. Even the best public speakers practise their speeches.
3. Prepare For Common Interview Questions
Expect to encounter common interview questions such as “Tell me about yourself,” “What are your strengths and weaknesses?,” and “Why should we hire you?” Practise your responses to these questions beforehand, but avoid sounding rehearsed and tense. Tailor your answers to match the job requirements and what you believe they want to hear.
You can practise some popular interview questions by having a friend read them out to you so you answer. If no one is available, you can record a video of yourself responding to these. This will train you to be comfortable whenever you’re asked such questions.
4. Dress Your Best And Practise Positive Body Language
First impressions matter, and dressing professionally is a must for any job interview. Get that clean haircut or hair-do, well-fitted clothing, and enough rest to help you feel fresh. Remember, it’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. This will leave a positive impression on your potential employer.
Body language is how you communicate nonverbally through the use of movements and gestures. As humans, we communicate a lot through these, and you wouldn’t want to send the wrong signal to the hiring team. So make a confident entrance, subtly mirror the interviewer’s gestures, use eye contact appropriately, smile and laugh when appropriate, sit in a relaxed but upright posture, lean forward while speaking, and nod occasionally while listening. Doing these will send a positive nonverbal message to your potential employer.
5. Ask Good Questions
During the interview, you should not hesitate to ask questions. This demonstrates your interest in the company’s project while giving you valuable insights into their expectations. Most companies expect candidates to show interest in the position and the organisation by asking informed questions.
Here are a few good questions to ask in a job interview:
- What does a typical day in this role look like?
- How big is the team I will be joining?
- What is the culture of the team or company like?
- What goals have you set for the role previously?
- What are the metrics to measure the goals?
- What learning and development opportunities are there in the company?
Doing this will make you stand out from the others who do not ask questions, which is what you want to do in an interview.
6. Follow-Up After The Interview
Following up after an interview with a ‘thank you’ note is a smart tactic that keeps you in the mind of the hiring team. Make sure you keep it short and sweet, express your appreciation for their time, and reiterate your interest in the position. This gesture demonstrates your professionalism and sets you apart from other candidates.
Conclusion
Now you can wait for the job offer to come through. Be patient, as it could take a while and anything might delay the process, such as reference checks or one of the hiring team members taking leave. A courteous hiring manager will eventually let all applicants know the outcome. At HelloQuota, we are dedicated to helping you succeed in your job search journey. Implement these tips, stay confident, and put your best foot forward during your next interview.