Job interviews are a one-shot event where good first impressions and excellent preparation are vital. Not only do you want to make sure you look the part, but you also need to have facts aboutthe role and why you’re the best person for it. So, how can you make sure you ace the interview and land the job?
Dress To Impress
You only get one chance to make a first impression so wear your best office attire for the interview. Think clean, sharp, and comfortable. Also, don’t forget to make eye contact, speak clearly, give a firm handshake, and keep the perfume or cologne to a minimum.
Research the industry and company
You may be asked questions about competitors, what advantages the company has over others and about their positioning in the industry. To answer these questions effectively you will need to do some research. Don’t spend hours researching every company in the industry, just those that represent competition.
Sell Yourself
And make it clear that is what you are doing.
“I think I am the best person for the job because…”
“I know that I will be a great fit for this position because…”
“My biggest strengths are…”
Remember to relate your selling points back to the role to really make yourself stand out.
Have Questions, Comments or Suggestions Ready
Interviewers appreciate and remember candidates that ask intelligent questions and can add value to their company. At the end you will usually be asked if you have any questions so make sure you have 1 or 2 to hand that show you are serious about the company and the role. Have you noticed something that the company isn’t doing that they could be, such as keeping their social media page up to date? Let them know. This lets them know that you have done your research and shows your eagerness.
Practice
This is especially important if it is your first ever interview or the interview will be in a second language. You may think you have the answer sorted in your head, but the chances are, when you come to speak your ideas won’t come out as clearly as you expected. Practising aloud and with friends will help you sound more articulate, polished, and prepared. Are you applying for your first ever job in English? Try this free video course to learn the vital aspects of applying for a job and getting an interview in English.
Bring a copy of your CV
The reason you got the job is because they liked your CV, but your interviewer may have lost or misplaced their copy. To save time, look professional and avoid embarrassment for your interviewer, make sure to take a copy with you.
Don’t waste the “Tell me about yourself” question
Does your future employer really care about your upbringing or how many cats you have? No, not really. Use this question to sell yourself. Make sure that the interviewer knows all the relevant things about you that will make you a valuable employee at the company. This includes your strengths, previous employment and achievements.
Get Ready To Talk About Experiences
Most interviews these days are behaviour based. This means that the interviewer will ask you about experiences you have had in other roles and in your daily life that reveal desirable behaviours. These behaviours will be the ones the company is looking for in their staff or for that particular role. You will know it is a behaviour -based question because it will usually start with “Tell me about a time you…”. Your research into the role and company will help you identify what sort of behaviours will be expected of you. Make sure to have some examples in mind that you can talk about that show you will be perfect for the role you are interviewing for.
