Entering the job market as a recent graduate or a job seeker looking for a n
ew opportunity, knowing how to face interviews will get you to the right places. You may have spruced up your resume and researched opportunities. Now, all that is standing between you and the job is the interview. Mastering the interview may take more than possessing the necessary skill sets for the job. These interview tips for job candidates will help you brush up on other skills necessary to ace the interview and make a good impression:
- Do your research: Ignorance is not bliss in this case. Arm yourself with as much in depth information as you need about the employer. Visit the website, read the reviews if available and see how the company is performing in terms of financial growth. If you have a contact in the organization, have a one on one chat to understand the work culture, manager’s expectations and so on.
- Be Prepared: Update your resume if needed. Make copies of the necessary documents and references. Prepare a portfolio of your work if the nature of your job requires one. Get your interview attire ready. Practice answers to typically asked interview questions.
- Be ahead of time: It is always wise to give yourself some extra time to relax and soak in the atmosphere at the employer’s location. Arrive 15 to 20 minutes ahead of time.
- Look and feel confident: When meeting the interviewer, a firm handshake and a genuine smile will convey confidence. Be calm and stay calm throughout the interview even if you feel negative vibes from the interviewer.
- Focus on non-verbal communication: Most of the messages processed by our brain are to do with non-verbal communication including eye contact, expression, gestures and the posture. While you maintain a good eye contact and posture, pay attention to the interviewer’s body language too. Sometimes the interviewer may look disinterested just to test your reaction.
- Be relevant: While having the conversation, try to be as relevant as possible and stick to facts and figures. Try to give a concise picture of your achievements that you can back up with specifics. Avoid negative comments about yourself and try not to interrupt when the interviewer is talking.
- Ask questions: To understand the job requirements, expectations from the interviewer and whether or not it is a good fit for you, it is important to ask relevant questions. An interview is always a two way conversation. Seize the opportunity to get as much information as possible about the company or the job.
- Be honest: Honesty is always appreciated. You can make even your failures work for you, when you present them in the right way. While you can acknowledge why a certain project or assignment did not work out the way it was planned, also discuss what you learned in the process how you would approach similar situations in the future.
Your dream job may just be one successful interview away.