A job interview can make or break an opportunity. And you want to land this job so badly or need to land this job.
The way you answer questions and how it lands to the interviewer matters. It's not just question and answer. That's not what an interview is. You can seem the part, but you also want to connect with the interviewer.
Of course, dressing nicely and appropriately for the situation is important. You don't want to show up too fancy or too casual. There shouldn't be any wrinkles on your clothing. You want to appear neat and clean.
Other than the basic "look the part" tip that everyone always gives, I want to help you really ace that job interview. Simply because you can look the part and not get the job. It's not only about dressing properly for the job, but also how you converse with the interviewer.
So to help you prepare, I have prepared 5 highly important and effective job interview tips to help you land that job.
5 Job Interview Tips To Help Ace That Interview
1. Make the interview feel like a conversation.
My number one tip is to make that interview feel like a conversation. You are a human and showing them you are able to communicate is important.
Managers want to see that you can communicate your thoughts and experiences to them. So, be intentional with your answers. However, don't be aggressive or interruptive. Feel free to ask questions as they come up without interrupting. Use the pauses to your advantage.
Be friendly. Be open about your experiences if they will add to your resume. Stay focused on the interviewer. Actively listen to them and speak professionally.
Most importantly relax. It'll help make the interview feel more like a conversation than a test.
2. Show how you "fit" the company.
They want to see if you can tell them how you are fit for the job.
What does being "fit" for a job mean?
Being "fit" for a job means how well of a match you are for their team, the department, and the company you are applying for. They are trying to see if you fit their team with your skillset and personality.
I suggest reading over the duties and responsibilities of this job you are applying for and seeing how YOU match these. What do you bring to the table? Ask yourself what is the type of individual the company is looking for. Are they looking for someone who's personable, extraverted with high energy? Or are they looking for someone more methodical and adaptable? Or a sort of mixture of both. Think about what is the "fit" for the job you are applying for and how you actually fit this description. Highlight your skills. Any related skills to the job description are useful. Make sure to mention it.
Notably, you should make sure you can actually do the job. You shouldn't be applying to a job with fake credentials. What happens if you get the job and can't perform to the level you claimed you could?
There is value that needs to be added to this company and that can possibly be you! But you need to show that. Show your worth. You are valuable. Show that worth!
3. Keep your energy level up.
You want to show that you are a positive, energetic person. You want to be friendly and personable. Be aware of your energy level.
Before the interview, try to ground yourself. Take some deep breaths and focus on the moment you are in.
Try to not focus on the negatives. Your energy will portray this. You don't want to show that your nervous, scared, or stressed out. And you definitely don't want to show that you may be a bit depressed, even if it's not work-related. Don't play hard to get. You want this job. Playing hard to get is not so useful in a job interview unless you are applying for a high-level job and have multiple offers on the table. But that's a different case.
Feel comfortable. If you are tense or uncomfortable at the interview, then that is something to work on.
Most importantly is be yourself. Be personable. Be excited to be there. Show them you appreciate the opportunity to be interviewed. They are giving you an opportunity to showcase who you are and how you can add value to the company.
4. Practice your interview answers.
Most of the time, we have an idea of what question will be asked. Practice what you would say and how you would say it.
Be an attractive candidate. As humans, we all try to find connections with others. Try to make that connection. Be friendly. Make eye contact and be an active listener.
It all plays a part.
Share things that matter to them. Your wild weekend plans aren't going to help your interview. Every task that you have done that relates to the job, can be useful. But don't spend the interview just talking about random things that you have done. Find the middle ground. What's more important to mention?
Some common questions are:
- Tell me about yourself.
- What are your greatest strengths?
- What are your weaknesses?
- Why are you leaving your current job?
- What brought you to [company name]?
- What would your boss and colleagues say about you?
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- Why should we hire you?
Practice, Practice, Practice.
5. Come with questions.
There is always that last part of the interview where the interviewer says "ok, well that's all I need from you, is there anything you want to ask me?" You never want to say no. You want to be prepared with a question or two.
Maybe a question comes up during the interview and you can ask it then. Or if you were making the interview feel like a conversation then maybe you've already discussed this question. But make sure to have something to ask them at the end.
You always want to ask a question because it shows your interest in this position and company. You want to show the interviewer that you are ready for this job and you want to be good at it. That is attractive to an interviewer.
Questions you can ask:
- What makes someone successful in the position?
- Is there anything leaving you with hesitancy towards hiring me for the position? If so, how can I help relieve that hesitancy?
- What does a typical day look like?
- What types of skills is the team missing that you’re looking to fill with a new hire?
- Are there opportunities for advancement or professional development?
OH, and make sure you use the bathroom before your interview! You don't want to be focused on holding in your pee during your interview. And you don't want to interrupt the interview so that you can go to the bathroom. It shows that you aren't wary of their time.
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