Job interviews can be tough for some people. However, we need to remember that the more you prepare for an interview, the more confident you will feel and the more likely you are to succeed.
The interviewer does not want you to fail, although it is a test. This is the most crucial thing to keep in mind. On the contrary, they have put a lot of time and effort into this and would be delighted if you were successful. At the end of the day, they are looking for a new talented hire.
For you to be successful, you will need to stand out. This requires using advice from experts. H-Training, an interview coaching and career coaching firm have compiled some tips that you should follow for your next job interview.
Table of Contents
Before The Job Interview:
Know About The Company
If you hadn’t already done any research on the business, why would you be applying for the position? Though not all interviewers will do so, many will inquire about your knowledge of the business. They use it as a tool to gauge your level of interest in working for them.
The internet has been really helpful in this particular area. A full section about the company, including information about its history, size, locations, structure, culture, and share price, can be found on the websites of most large businesses (if they are a limited company).
You only need to demonstrate an understanding; you won’t be expected to memorise it completely. The ability to provide company information that you have discovered outside of their website, such as news, current affairs, marketing, or charitable/volunteer activities, will, nevertheless, genuinely impress.
Know your C.V.
Although it may seem simple, you’d be shocked at how many candidates for a job can’t recall the specifics of their employment history or how long they spent at a particular organisation.
The interviewer wants to learn more about your CV because it is what brought you this far. If you can recall everything on your resume, great. If not, bring a highlighter to indicate your most noteworthy accomplishments, significant dates and numbers, and any other information pertinent to the specific job opening.
Make sure your dates, key abilities, and experience on your LinkedIn profile match those on your CV.
Know your Background
An overview of your background is frequently requested as the first inquiry. First-time job applicants should emphasise their extracurricular activities, education, and credentials.
Reiterating key ideas from your resume or cover letter is quite acceptable. At this phase, it’s crucial to demonstrate your personality because employers are looking at both your talents and how well you fit into their company culture.
Mention any volunteer activities and causes you’ve supported in the past.
Know Your Career Goals
Prepare to talk about your long-term goals. The best approach is one that shows you have given your career some thought and have taken steps toward realising your goals.
The Day Of The Interview
- Bring your paperwork, a copy of your resume, travel information, the company’s address, and the name of your interviewer (in case you forget it). Use a smartphone map app to be completely prepared (Google Maps).
- Arrive at the reception ten minutes before the interview. Take a stroll around the neighbourhood if you arrived early because you miscalculated the traffic. Overly early arrival can give the wrong impression.
- While you’re waiting to meet your interviewer, you can calm yourself down by taking a deep breath through your nose, holding it for at least five seconds, and then exhaling. That will help you unwind.
- Make sure your phone is off so it won’t buzz or ring while you’re being interviewed. You will be distracted if your phone rings during the interview, and it is inappropriate.
- When the interviewer approaches, shake their hand firmly, smile, and look them in the eye. You’re likely to strike up a conversation with someone on the route to the interview.
- This might tempt one to use humour. It’s advisable to avoid trying this because you never know how they’ll respond. Simple topics like the weather, the trip, or the office will do.
The Interview Itself
This is the culmination of all your planning and hard work; it’s your defining moment. Be yourself, be amiable, and most importantly, be confident. Because anxiety can sometimes make it easy to miss the interviewer’s questions, try to focus on them and feel free to take a few seconds to think about your response.
Avoid using shaky verbal expressions like “like,” “ummm,” or “you know.” Keep good eye contact with the interviewer.
Questions must be ready; failing to do so may indicate a lack of interest in the position. Here are a few ideas:
Ask the interviewer some of these:
- What would be my primary duties?
- What orientation or training is provided?
- How much contact would I have with customers, suppliers, or other departments?
- What opportunities exist for taking on more work or participating in other elements of the business?
- What expansion plans do you have, and how might they affect my job?
- Where are the chances for advancement inside the business?
Get Started
Now you have some top tips for your next job interview. The next step is to apply for jobs, set up an interview, prepare for the interview and then nail it. What are you waiting for? Get started today.
