For any kind of position or job, an interview is almost guaranteed. You are much more than a piece of paper listing your qualifications; you're also a human being with communication skills and your interviewer wants to see this. Your interview is crucial for you to show your capabilities for communication, and it could also make or break your chances. Remember that a bad interview could outweigh a great resume, and a great interview could outweigh a mediocre resume. The interviewer needs to know that you are the perfect fit for the job by meeting you in person and evaluating how you carry yourself as well as your ability to get your message across. Hopefully, these tips will help you become more prepared for your next interview.
1. Make a good first impression.
Even though you might be nervous, or maybe you just happen to be in a bad mood, make sure you’re in your best mood at your interview. Research shows that an interviewer knows if you're a good candidate within the first five minutes. Make sure that you make a great first impression; smile, be enthusiastic and be fully alert.
2. Body language.
Having professional body language is part of what sets the tone for the interview. Make sure you aren’t slouching, crossing your arms, or keeping your hands in your pockets. These actions make you look unprofessional and can be distracting to the interviewer. Remember, actions speak louder than words.
3. Dress for the part.
Some employers might tell you whether the dress is business casual, business professional, or casual. It really just depends on what company or position you’re interviewing for. Just remember that it’s better to be safe than sorry. Dress like you are serious about getting the part!
4. Re-read your application and resume.
Your interviewer doesn’t know you as a person, but he/she does know what you put on your resume. This is the basis of what they valued you upon, so make sure you re-read what you wrote for the application questions as well as the main highlights of your resume so you could talk about your selling points.
5. Prepare for the hard questions.
There is a common list of questions you typically come across in interviews; some of them include: What’s your greatest weakness? When is a time you had to solve a problem? Or the dreaded question: tell me about yourself. These interview questions are broad for a reason; they want to see how you would go about it in your own way and make it your own; take this to your advantage and prepare your answers beforehand.
6. Be honest in your application.
Why do you want this job? Why should they hire you over everyone else? This might sound like an obvious tip, but I have heard numerous stories of people exaggerating on their application about their experiences or flatly making things up. Don’t live a lie; not only will you get caught, but also you’ll probably face consequences in the future.
7. Eye contact.
This tip goes along with body language. Maintaining eye contact not only makes you a better communicator, but the employer will know that they have your full attention, you’re completely listening and that you are focused; having wandering eyes around the room makes you seem uninterested and unprofessional. Keeping eye contact can communicate much more than words can tell.
8. Be yourself!
It’s harder to act like someone you’re not than to just be yourself. Everyone is different, and you need to make sure you stand out from the other candidates. You can do this by sticking true to your gut, and being 100% honest with yourself and the interviewer.
9. Ask questions when the interview is done.
You aren’t only being evaluated for this position, but you are also making sure that this company/position is right for you. Make sure you ask questions at the end of the interview to make sure the job is the right fit for you.
10. Thank them afterward.
Last but not least, thank the interviewer for their time and consideration after the interview is over. This shows that you grateful and are considerate of their time, which may improve your chances. Don’t forget to thank any recommenders for their time as well.
Don’t forget to be forward, kind, and respectful to the interviewer; you’ll be guaranteed to increase your chances at success when you do. Good luck at your interview!
