Whether you are looking to land your dream job or eager to start a career at a sought-after organization, a successful job interview is a must.

Job interviews enable you to demonstrate your skills to employers. Hiring interviews are also an opportunity to learn more about your employer and your chances of career advancement at the company.

Here are some tips to ace your interview and leave your recruiting managers impressed:

Ensure that you can articulate how well you meet the job requirements

Review your background and skills as they relate to those identified in the job description. This approach enables you to identify your strengths and weaknesses.  Think about examples you can use to demonstrate those skills if asked.   If there are experiences listed that you lack or where you have limited exposure, do some research in that area. This can allow you to demonstrate knowledge and discuss how you can successfully perform in the arena.

Prepare your Approach for Answering Common Interview Questions

Almost every interview will have questions about your strengths, weaknesses, leadership skills, flexibility, and willingness to learn.  Also, interviewers often ask about how you handled certain situations in the past.  Being prepared is critical for a successful job interview.

Prepare your approach for these questions. Think about situations where you were successful and demonstrated key traits that are important to the role.  For example, you could relate a story of how you solved a critical problem in your previous role.   Be prepared to discuss the steps you took to resolve and, when appropriate, how you dealt with roadblocks.  This can be more effective than simply stating that you are a creative problem solver.

Prepare the Questions you Would Like to Ask the Hiring Manager

Show your interest in the position and the organization with relevant questions. Gather up-to-date information from the company’s website and latest press releases. Frame questions related to the latest developments within the organization or the industry.

For example, you may take the opportunity to ask about:

  • Your job responsibilities on a day-to-day basis
  • Decisions you would be required to make
  • Your performance measurement process

Check out Best Questions for Candidates to Ask at a Job Interview.

Bring Key Interview Items with You

Hiring managers may ask for the following, so you should bring multiple copies with you:

  • A copy of your resume
  • A list of references
  • A sample of your work (if appropriate)

Demonstrate Professionalism

  • Arrive at an in-person interview 10 to 15 minutes early. For video interviews, check the technology ahead of time and sign on 5 minutes early.
  • Wear neat, wrinkle-free and well-fitting clothing. Dress according to your age and profession, and the culture of the organization.
  • Dressing appropriately conveys professionalism, commands respect, and inspires trust.

Be Confident in Your Demeanor

  • Use positive body language to show confidence. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer while speaking. When in person, during COVID restrictions, follow social distancing, masking and other safety requirements.
  • Allow the interviewer to speak first.
  • Listen to the questions carefully. Let them know if you have not understood a question. Request them to repeat it.
  • Be honest with your replies, even the difficult ones. If you lack a skill that the job requires, tell them. Discuss what you do know about the subject and show your willingness and enthusiasm to learn.

End the Interview on a Positive Note

No matter how you think you performed, ensure that you remain positive throughout the interview.

  • Do not rush to finish the interview. Let the interviewers take their time.
  • If you are interested in the position or organization and are eager to join, then be honest about it.
  • Ask if there would be additional rounds of interviews.
  • Ask when you will hear about the decision.
  • Send a thank-you email after the interview.

In Conclusion

Receiving an interview call is a key milestone in job hunting.  Use the opportunity to create the right impression and boost your chances of getting hired with a successful job interview.

When it comes to helping matching businesses with the right job seekers, The Resource Connection, Inc., (TRC) leads the way. We have been partnering with clients in search of great employees on the North Shore and the Greater Boston area for 30+ years.

Whether you are looking for temporary, temp-to-hire, or direct positions, TRC can meet your employment needs.