Before Reading the tips, read our Tricks For Getting An Interview
Preparation: A Key to Interview Success
The outcome of your interview hinges on your level of preparation, and while it might appear obvious, it is often overlooked. Countless candidates have entered interviews without any prior knowledge of the company or its business. To ensure you are well-prepared, follow these simple steps:
Personal: Familiarize yourself with your credentials and how they align with the position you’re applying for. Assess your skills and qualities that can contribute to the company’s success. Reflect on your past achievements and be ready to provide detailed accounts of your work experiences. The commonly asked question, “Tell me about yourself,” warrants a response that puts you in the employer’s shoes. Consider what information you would seek if you were hiring someone for the role.
Industry: Immerse yourself in knowledge about the industry. Research extensively about the company, its business, and its specific requirements. This information will enable you to demonstrate how your background perfectly matches those needs. Utilize online resources and local libraries to gather information about the company. Remember, employers appreciate candidates who ask thoughtful questions about the company and its operations, so feel free to inquire about relevant aspects during the interview.
Making a Strong First Impression
The initial moments of an interview are critical as they set the tone for the entire conversation. To make a positive impact and increase your chances of success, you must exude enthusiasm, confidence, and competence. Your goal is to convince the interviewer that you would be a valuable asset to the company.
Visual Image: Dress appropriately for the position you are applying for. Your attire should be clean, well-fitting, and suitable for the workplace. If you are unsure about what to wear, don’t hesitate to ask for guidance when scheduling the interview. Ensure your clothing, shoes, and overall appearance are polished. Keep your hair and nails neat, and avoid excessive jewelry, makeup, or perfumes.
Be punctual and arrive on time. Account for potential delays such as traffic, parking, or slow elevators, and aim to arrive a few minutes early. If necessary, do a trial run to the company’s location the day before to gauge the travel time accurately. Being late for a job interview is not acceptable.
Conducting the Interview
During interviews, let your personality and skills shine rather than relying on your application or resume to speak for you. The HR department may have pre-screened your profile, but the recruiter may not have seen it yet. So, market yourself effectively! Maintain eye contact with the interviewer while answering their questions. Show enthusiasm and eagerness for the opportunity, as positive feedback can enhance your prospects. Present yourself as self-assured and knowledgeable.
Avoid asking questions about salary, vacations, bonuses, retirement, etc., during the initial interview unless the employer expresses interest in hiring you. If asked about your desired pay, mention your previous earnings but emphasize that you are more focused on the opportunity itself rather than a specific salary figure.
Follow-up
Often overlooked, the follow-up is the final step in the interviewing process. It’s essential that you send a Thank-You Note After your company visit or job interview, make it a point to send a personalized thank-you note to each individual you met (remember to request business cards for reference). Within your letter, succinctly summarize your conversation and reinforce the valuable skills you can contribute to the position. To truly make an impact and set yourself apart from other candidates, avoid sending a generic thank-you note that merely expresses gratitude for their time. Instead, highlight specific reasons why you are the perfect fit for the job. Keep in mind that there might be hundreds of candidates interviewing for the same position, so you need to include something that will make you stand out and leave a lasting impression.