Are you preparing for an upcoming interview? Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been through the process before, there are always things you can do to improve your chances of landing the job.
Most people tend to get anxious whenever they are faced with preparing for an interview. Doing an interview is one of the last stages of securing a job. You therefore need to get it right to get the job! In this post, we’ll share some tips and tricks that will help you shine in your interview and impress potential employers. Keep reading to learn what they are.
1. Research About the Job, Interviewer and The Organization
Before you go for the interview, it is proper that you conduct good research about the job and know why you are fit for the job. If possible, research the interviewer and find out their experience within the company. When you conduct research about the organization and the industry, you will have the knowledge to answer any questions about that organization.
This allows you to bring to the table what you will be able to solve should you get the position and improve the organization. Another thing you may want to do is list your skills that are directly relevant to the role. This is only possible when you research the company and check out the job description you are applying for.
2. Be Prepared for Commonly Asked Questions
In most interviews, there are commonly asked questions like ‘tell me about yourself?’ Another commonly asked question the interviewer might ask you is, ‘why do you want to work here?’ These commonly asked questions require proper preparation for them so that you are confident in answering them when they are asked. With proper preparation, you can increase your chances of getting the job.
3. Carry a Copy of Your Resume and Cover Letter
Do you want to look prepared and professional? If so, remember to carry along a copy of your resume and your cover letter. Not every employer will have your resume printed, and this shows that you are serious and prepared. It also gives them a chance to read it once again and delve into your work and education experiences.
You can also use these documents to refer to your previous work experiences during the interview process. This simple act of being prepared by carrying copies of your documents also increases your chances of getting the job.
4. Dress Appropriately
For most people, dressing appropriately means wearing a suit and tie. Well, you need to do your research on the company culture and dress code. From this point, you are required to address one step above the norm. You should not be too overdressed, and for sure, do not be under dressed. Remember you need to make an excellent first impression. You need to win over the interviewers and the company at large. You will fit in with the company culture when you dress appropriately, which is an advantage because they will identify more with you.
5. Tell Your Story
This is the chance for you to make your mark and be memorable in the interview. You need to ensure that you tell your story and your career journey and link it to the job you are applying for. Therefore, you must ensure that you prepare in advance to tell your story to the interviewer so that you don’t leave out the most significant bits about your story. Before the interview, you can practice this in front of the mirror or with your friend or family. When you tell your story out loud, it will be more natural when you say it during the interview, and you are more likely to remember it.
6. Use Examples to Answer Competency-Based Questions
Employers have reported that a lot of candidates may be lacking a wide range of examples and are too vague during interviews. You don’t want to be among the number of such candidates. When you are asked a competency-based questions, you need to stand out by using examples from your life outside education or even at previous part-time jobs. These elaborate answers confirm to the interviewers that you have transferable skills or have the exact skills they are looking for.
7. Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of every interview, chances are that the interviewer will ask you whether you have questions. It is best to ask questions regarding the position, as it shows that you’re very interested in the job. It also shows your desire to learn more about the company, which will pleasantly surprise the person interviewing you. This again improves your chances of nailing the interview.
8. Create a Portfolio
You don’t have to be artistic for you to have a portfolio. You should consider creating a portfolio for job interviews regardless of your discipline area. This can range from having a website, a blog, or a binder with your work examples.
A portfolio will be proof that you know what you are saying, and you can always use this to your advantage. It will convince the interviewer of what you stand for and who you are.
9. Thank Interviewers in a Follow-Up Email
Once you complete the interview, you need to do one last thing. This is to send an email thanking the interviewer for their time to interview you. Doing a follow-up helps you build a connection which is very important for your career growth. You are more likely to land a job if you do this regularly after interviews.
Final Take Away
Nailing an interview is not straightforward. It is, however, essential to understand that you can make the whole process work to your advantage when you follow the guidelines we have discussed above. An interview is like an exam and every additional point you can get over your competitor works in your favour. So be prepared for your interview, create the portfolio and look the part. We wish you all the success in your next interview!
If you need help with interviews, applications, or anything to help you make career and college choices, book a free consultation with one of the team today.
