When you’re in the midst of the job application process, being asked to interview is half the battle won.
Now that you have the opportunity to show your potential employer your strengths, it’s time to prepare for your job interview and arm yourself with healthy dose of confidence. If you want to make the best first impression, read on for our top job interview tips.
1. Research the company ahead of time.
The more you know about the company, the easier it will be to interact with your interviewer and get a sense of the position you’re applying for. Browse their website, look for annual reports, read interviews in the media, and check their social media accounts. During this process, take note of any questions that come up for you; you can ask these questions at the end of the interview!
2. Prepare answers to common interview questions.
Every interview begins with a prompt like, “Tell me about yourself” or “What made you interview for this position?” Have your ‘elevator pitch’ ready to start the interview off on the right foot. What are your strengths? Your weaknesses? What can you bring to the table and what do you want to learn from this job? Practise thoroughly ahead of time so you can answer well despite any nervousness you may feel on the day of the interview.
3. Dress accordingly.
. If you’re applying for a job at a hip new start-up where everyone wears jeans, it may be off-putting if you show up in your best suit or highest heels. Conversely, if you’re applying for a big corporate company, make sure your chosen outfit isn’t too casual. If you have an inside connection to the company, you can find out more about the office dress code ahead of time. Otherwise, go with a polished outfit that feels right for the position, and make sure your nails and hair look tidy.
4. Bring your enthusiasm and confidence.
Start the interview with a smile and a firm handshake, and always be friendly with the administrative assistants. Employers want to hire someone who is not only a great fit for the position, but a positive addition to the company culture. Don’t forget to sit up straight, make eye contact, and show your engagement during the interview.
5. Never badmouth a previous employer.
Even if something awful happened at your last job that prompted you to leave, explain your reasoning with maturity and put a positive spin on the situation. Instead of calling your old boss a jerk, you can say you there was no longer room for growth in your previous position.
6. Before you leave…
Ask the interviewer if your skills match the company’s needs or if there’s any other information they need from you. This will give you a good idea as to whether or not you’ll be contacted for a second interview.
7. Follow up.
Send a thank you note or email to your interviewer, and check in with the company a week or two down the road if you haven’t heard anything about the position.
Best of luck with your job interview! Remember, if you don’t get this one, there are plenty of other jobs out there that are looking for your particular skill set. Stay confident and you’ll find the perfect fit!