An interview for a job can be considered as an opportunity to market yourself to a potential employer. Even though this might be an overly exaggerated statement, in some way or another it is our reality. During an interview, the interviewee is assessing your skills, evaluating your professional qualifications as well as critiquing you, in order to see whether you will be the best fit for their organization.
You do not want to be in a situation where you find yourself freezing up during an interview, or have questions asked to you that you do not know the answers to. Since it is crucial to be able to show the recruitment manager that you are the most suitable candidate for the job and you have the proper skill and qualification for the same, here are some tips and tricks of the trade that will guide you in acing your interviews.
- Score in the first few minutes
According to some studies, it has been concluded that interviewers decide or make up their minds about a candidate in the first few minutes of the interview, and then spend the rest of the duration looking for points to confirm their decision. In order to make a positive impact in the start, come in with energy and enthusiasm and make a positive comment.
- Educate yourself about the Industry and Company
It is most likely that the interviewer will ask for your perception of the organization or business where you are applying. General information like who are their competitors, their advantages, and how they can move forward. This will let the interviewer know how interested and well informed you are.
- State your “selling points”
You should always have around two to three key selling points in mind which will help you portray yourself as the best candidate for the position. Give some examples of each selling point that will support your statements.
- Prepare for common interview questions
Even though there are a lot of aspects for which interviews take place, all of them primarily involve the same set of questions. One of the most important questions is “why you want the job” including what interests you about the opportunity, what rewards you find valuable and what skills you have that are most appropriate for it. Prepare your answers beforehand so that you can deliver them on the day of the interview confidently.
- Line up questions to ask the interviewer
It is highly unlikely that you will be asked if you have any questions for the interviewer. In this situation, you should be prepared to ask at least two or three questions. Coming up with intelligent and insightful questions can demonstrate your knowledge of the field and organization. Supposedly, you answer by saying you do not have any questions, the interviewer might have an impression that you are not interested in the opportunity. One of the best questions to create an impact is “What are the qualities that you are looking for in an ideal candidate?”
- Be responsible for the interview
Out of genuine politeness, some of the candidates who are assertive come across as passive. One should understand that an interview is like any other conversation, both sides have to participate and respond to one another. Do not make the mistake of just sitting and waiting for the interviewer to initiate the conversation.
- Describe yourself well
It is almost like a rule that the first question the interviewer asks is “Tell me about yourself”. There are a lot of ways in which you can answer this question. Either you can go into it like your life story, where you were born and raised, your family history, etc. or you can mention your key selling points along with giving examples in a short and clever way. This strategy will help you focus the initial few minutes of the conversation on all of your key aspects and selling points, therefore, this question is referred to as a golden opportunity.
- Body Language is crucial
First impressions last forever when it comes to job interviews. This is why you should dress appropriately and smartly on the day of the interview. In case you are not sure of what to wear, ask beforehand about the organization’s workplace dress code. Making good eye contact, a firm handshake, clear speech and a good posture can go a long way.
- Make notes
Carry a notepad and a pen to the interview to take notes. This will make you seem interested in the opportunity and also your attention to detail. It is also a good hack to look confident if you struggle with nervousness and maintaining eye contact. However, it can also be possible that the interviewer might not be comfortable with you making notes of the interview, hence, it is appropriate to ask for permission beforehand.
- End on a positive note
At the end of the interview, let the interviewer know that you would really like to take on the job. This will come in handy later when the interviewer has to select between two candidates, they will choose the one that they know will accept the offer. You can also explain to them why you think the job is suitable for you and how you can add value to the organisation as well as improve your current skill set.
Conclusion
The entire journey of an interview starts from gathering information about the organization to getting selected for the job. Therefore, it is vital for you to make a great first impression. It is essential to show the interviewer that you are the best candidate for the job and have the suitable skills and knowledge they require. Each interaction you have with the interviewer adds to the larger picture of their impression of you, hence, be polite and friendly with whomever you meet in the process. Though job interviews can give people the nerves and be daunting, it is a skill that can only be perfected with practice.