How to ace an interview
You finally got the call you’ve been waiting for.
They’ve called you in for an interview at your dream company.
And now you’re on an emotional rollercoaster, you’re both excited and anxious at the same time.
But don’t let the nerves get the best of you because if you’re positive and prepared you’re likely to get a favourable outcome.
Just make sure you conduct proper research and do your homework so you can nail your interview.
Here are a few ways you can ace your interview.
Do key research
You should do your homework about the company. Find out about their current happenings, what they’ve accomplished over the years and their full history. When you know information about the company, you’ll show the interviewer that you’re interested and eager to work with them.
Preparation is important
Preparation is everything and it’s one of the key ways to impress the hiring manager. It’s important not to go to your interview with the mindset that you’ll just “wing it”. When you’re prepared you’re more likely to feel more in control and less anxious. Preparation could include doing research on the company, analysing the job description and also practising possible interview questions. For example, if you are applying for a marketing job they may ask you questions related to your sales and marketing course. And if you’re prepared, you’ll be able to give feedback easily.
First impressions count
Unfortunately, people do judge a book by its cover. And you should make sure you look presentable for the interview. You need to make sure the wrinkles are ironed out of your shirt. Your shoes should be polished and you must look good. When you put effort into how you look, it won’t only make a good impression on your interviewer but you’ll also feel more confident.
Different organisations have different dress codes. You have to research the company and find out what the culture is like and what outfit would best suit the company. Check out the company on Facebook and Instagram and to see if they have a more business, professional atmosphere or a more casual one. For example, if you’re being interviewed in a creative company and you’re wearing formal attire, then it might come across like you’re uptight. Try to mold yourself to the culture but still try to keep it professional. Don’t take the casual route too far and pitch up in flip flops or leggings (keep that attire for when you’ve actually been hired).
Leave your parents at home
Don’t bring your parents to the interview. This may be your very first job interview and maybe you need moral support from your parents. But bringing your parents along to an interview sets a bad impression. When you bring your mom or dad, you create a picture that you’re not mature and you’re still dependent. And the hiring manager will probably overlook you for that one reason and focus on other candidates who they see fit.
Review common questions
You may not be able to read your interviewer’s mind and figure out exactly what they’ll ask you, but a little homework can go a long way. It’s important to prepare questions your interviewer might ask in advance. Google common interview questions and prepare your answers. When you have a ready answer you’ll feel more in control. And it will also help you reduce your nerves and anxiety. When you’re prepared you’ll be able to answer some questions well.
Listen carefully
During your interview, the hiring manager will give you insightful information about the company. If you listen, you’ll be able to detect what they are looking for in a candidate. If you pay attention you’ll be able to highlight strengths which the interviewer may be looking for.
Be confident
During your interview, you need to be confident and positive. You need to make sure you maintain eye contact with your interviewer. Looking down or outside the window might come across as if you’re insincere or lack confidence. Also, make sure that you speak in a clear and concise voice in order to exude confidence.
Ask questions
An interview is a conversation between two or more people and you should make sure you ask appropriate questions. When the interviewer asks you at the end if there are any questions you’d like to ask, don’t say no. It’s important that you ask questions in order to show that you’re interested. And the right questions will help you decide if the company is the right for you and if you’ll be able to fit in with its culture. You must prepare at least two questions which you can ask the hiring manager at the end.
When you go to your interview, make sure you prepare and are presentable. You’ll only get one shot to make a good impression to land the job, so make it count.