Interview Tips Table of Contents:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Preparing for the Interview Tips<\/a><\/li>
- The Day Of: Tips for the Few Hours Prior to the Interview<\/a><\/li>
- Tips and Advice for Acing the Interview<\/a><\/li>
- Tips for Answering Interview Questions<\/a><\/li>
- After the Interview Is Over<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Do you have a job interview lined up and worried about how it\u2019ll go?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not to worry!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether it\u2019s your first job interview or you\u2019re an interview veteran, this article is packed with interviewing tips that are sure to help you land the job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nHere are our best interview tips for acing your important job meeting:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tips on Preparing for the Interview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Know the Job Description Inside and Out<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Preparing for an interview happens as soon as you find a job offer you\u2019d like to apply for, in a sense. While you don\u2019t get a cheat sheet on what questions will be asked in an interview, you do have the job description, which is pretty close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the job description, the hiring manager is telling you exactly what kind of person the company is looking for, from the skills needed to fill the job to the past experience they\u2019d like you to have. So, though it can\u2019t guide you in answering all of the interview questions, it does give you a sense as to what they seek in a candidate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Research the Company<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Before you go to your interview and speak with the hiring manager, be sure to know as much as possible about the company. This will give you a better understanding of the company culture and goals, and it enables you to customize your replies to best answer the interview questions thrown your way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: How to Research a Company for Employment Success<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Investigate Who\u2019ll Interview You<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, research your interviewer, if possible. With this info in your arsenal, you can comment on their love for baseball or compliment them on their vocational successes, for example. Knowing a bit about the person interviewing you can help ease tension, highlight your enthusiasm for the chance to be hired, and simply impress them with your depth of knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Practice Common Interview Questions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Interviews are all about the employer getting to know you, of course, and interview questions will take up the majority of your time while there. While you can\u2019t know all the questions interviewers will ask at the interview, you can practice some of the most popular ones asked at most interviews.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common interview questions include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Why do you want to work at this company?<\/li>
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?<\/li>
- Tell me a little bit about yourself.<\/li>
- Why should we hire you?<\/li>
- What are your strengths?<\/li>
- How well will you be able to perform the job duties?<\/li>
- What are your weaknesses?<\/li>
- What do you do in your spare time?<\/li>
- What motivates or inspires you?<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
5. Have a Few Good Questions to Ask the Interviewer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
They invite you to an interview seeking to get to know more about you and whether or not you\u2019ll be a good fit for them, but it\u2019s about you, too. Make sure to ask a few questions of your own at the interview. Not only will it help you determine if this is really a place you want to work at, but interviewers expect you to ask questions at an interview. Usually, towards the end of the meeting, they\u2019ll say something like, \u201cSo, do you have any questions for me?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are a few great questions to ask at an interview:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Are there additional steps in this interview process?<\/li>
- If hired, what will my daily routine be like?<\/li>
- If hired, what will I be expected to accomplish in my first few months?<\/li>
- What does a successful candidate look like to you?<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The Day Of: Tips for the Few Hours Prior to the Interview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
6. Get a Great Night\u2019s Sleep<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Okay, well technically you\u2019ll do this the night before, but getting a great night\u2019s sleep is a crucial part of doing well at an interview, just as it is with college exams. It\u2019s well known that a lack of sleep affects job performance<\/a>, but it can also affect your job interview performance, and not in a good way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wind things down early on the evening before, and don\u2019t have a late coffee or too much alcohol which might keep sleep away. Also, stay off your phone or computer an hour before bed so the blue light doesn\u2019t ruin your chances of getting some Zs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. Plan to Arrive Extra Early<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
One of my favorite interview tips is to arrive early. But, I\u2019m not talking about just 5 or 10 minutes ahead of time. I\u2019m talking like a whole hour early<\/em>, if possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My advice is to arrive at the interview building an hour before the interview, and then go sit down at a nearby cafe or diner. This way, you can calm your nerves, reduce your heart rate after the commute, gather your thoughts, run over your notes once more, and just be sure you don\u2019t have something unexpected get in the way of your big day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
8. Have 5 Physical Copies of Your Resume & Cover Letter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Print out 5 copies of your resume and cover letter and carry them to your interview. Physical copies may not be necessary, but it\u2019s useful just in case. And, why not show them you\u2019re prepared? Also, in case it might be a group interview<\/a>, having 5 copies ensures you have enough hard copies of your cover letter and resume to pass around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
9. Bring the Right Items to an Interview<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In addition to bringing physical copies of your resume and cover letter, there are several other items to bring along. Pack your purse or briefcase with a pain reliever in case of a pre-interview headache, napkins in case of any spills, and wet wipes to dab your sweaty brow and palms. Take a pen or two in case you need to sign any documents, and your phone charger just to be safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: What to Bring to an Interview?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
10. Don\u2019t OD on Coffee<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you rely on caffeine to start your day, you definitely shouldn\u2019t skip it. If you\u2019re like me (and I hope not, in this case!), you could get a migraine if you don\u2019t get your coffee fix soon after you wake up. However, just don\u2019t overdo it. Too much caffeine will get your heart racing, your anxiety up, and cause you to sweat more. On top of that, it may have you needing the restroom at one of the most inopportune moments of your professional life. Have one small cup and wait until after the interview for any more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tips and Advice for Acing the Interview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
11. Smile & Be Friendly With Everyone You Meet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019re there to make a good impression with the interviewer, of course, but don\u2019t brush off the company\u2019s other employees. Whether it\u2019s the receptionist at the front desk or a business analyst you pass on your way to the interview room, give everyone a friendly smile and a nod or wave. Not only might these people have some sway in whether or not you get hired, but they\u2019ll hopefully be your future colleagues, after all!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
12. Start With a Positive Comment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When you first shake hands and sit down at the table with your interviewer, start everything off with a positive comment. Say something like, \u201cThanks so much for the opportunity; I was really looking forward to this particular interview!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
First impressions are key, and this will immediately show them some of your excitement, positivity, and enthusiasm for the job. And, it could lead to follow-up questions which you\u2019re sure to nail, given that you researched the company and know the job description inside and out beforehand!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: 55 Resume Tips, Hacks & Expert Advice to Help You Score a Job Interview<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
13. Take Notes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Taking notes in a small notebook at your job interview is one of the best interview tips out there. You\u2019ll score some points with the hiring manager by showing off your work ethic and organization as you jot down what they say. Also, it\u2019s a great way to write down any information they give you, especially when you\u2019re asking the questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, since you\u2019re bringing your notepad, have it prepopulated with prompts for questions you want to ask, any points you wanted to mention, names for references, and choice achievements from your university days or past work experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
14. Pay Attention to Your Body Language<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Your mouth may be answering the questions, but other parts of your body communicate, as well. Make eye contact to appear honest and confident, and give a firm handshake before and after the interview. Enunciate your words when responding to their queries, and sit up straight to look professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
15. Be Ready for Their Reservations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
While you may dream of going to an interview and the hiring manager falling madly in love with you (as a candidate, that is) by the middle of your meeting, it usually doesn\u2019t work this way. HR reps and hiring managers will likely have their reservations and a few concerns about you, just as with any candidate they\u2019re considering. Know your weaknesses and anticipate any hesitation or concerns they might have in hiring you. That way, you\u2019ll be able to immediately speak to it if and when the moment arrives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: 10+ Job Search Tips & Tricks to Up Your Chances of Landing an Interview<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tips for Answering Interview Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
16. Don\u2019t Diss Your Old Company<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Talking negatively about your former employer, however justified you believe it may be, is always in bad taste. It shows disloyalty, which might make them hesitate to be the next employer you talk bad about. Also, it raises questions about your past situation, and it could give them the sense that you\u2019re simply a potential problem they\u2019d best steer clear of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
17. Use the STAR Method to Answer Behavioral Interview Questions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Behavioral interview questions are one of the common types you\u2019ll be given at your meeting, a question they ask to see how well you\u2019d behave in certain situations based on how you handled similar situations in the past. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s a great trick to answering them correctly every time: the STAR method. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result, and it helps you form a response to their question exactly to their liking. Here\u2019s what it looks like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- First, think of a challenging situation from the past. <\/li>
- Describe the tasks you were responsible for.<\/li>
- Detail the actions you took to remedy the situation.<\/li>
- Identify the results of your actions.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Simple, right? And, the great thing is, it works every time!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
18. Show, Don\u2019t Tell<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When the interviewer asks you about your skills or your past experience working with such-and-such, don\u2019t just say you\u2019re great at it. This doesn\u2019t really tell them anything. Rather, give concrete examples with quantifiable results to prove you\u2019re as skilled or experienced as you say.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
19. Don\u2019t Ask About Salary or Benefits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Asking about your pay, benefits or perks<\/a>, or things of this nature always feels a bit presumptuous, at the very least. Save these questions for a follow-up email later, or reread the company\u2019s job description to see if you missed it. When the time comes and they offer you the job, then you can ask any final questions you have about the pay or perks before accepting their offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
20. Don\u2019t Lie!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Lying is a no-no at interviews, as you might imagine. While you may impress them for that moment with your lie or embellishment, it\u2019s sure to get found out eventually, which will hurt more in the long run. Stick to the truth!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: 10 Cover Letter Tips & Tricks Sure to Score Job Interviews<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
After the Interview Is Over<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
21. Don\u2019t Let Your Guard Down<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Once the interview is over, you\u2019ll likely feel a wave of relief at having made it through in one piece. But, just because you\u2019ve left the room, it doesn\u2019t mean they\u2019re done assessing you. Be kind to anyone you encounter on the way out, and don\u2019t immediately pull out your phone and start texting. Wait until you get home to do your little happy dance (or any eye rolls you may have wanted to give during the interview).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
22. Write a Thank You Email After the Interview<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
After waiting a day or two following a job interview, write a thank you letter as an email to the hiring manager. Tell them that you appreciate their time, and that you have your fingers crossed about their answer. Be courteous and enthusiastic, without being pushy. Not only will this give you bonus points towards your candidate score, but it may also serve as a gentle reminder for them, letting them know that you are still there and waiting for their decision without being impolite about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
23. Prepare for Any Followup Interviews<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You might have prepared well for this interview, but don\u2019t slack off just yet. Your interview process could have two or three interviews, and they\u2019re usually each harder than the last. To make sure you\u2019re ready for any second interviews or third interviews, read our guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: How to Prepare for an Interview<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
24. Ask for Feedback<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
While following the interview tips above will definitely help you improve your chances, there could be any of a number of reasons for you not getting the job this time around. Instead of wondering what went wrong, ask them! Send them an email politely requesting their feedback and ways you could improve in the future, and use their advice the next time around. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
25. Don\u2019t Get Discouraged!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The interview process may be tough, and it can easily get discouraging. But, try not to let it get you down, even if you get a negative response. Most people need to go to multiple interviews before getting employed, so it\u2019s important that you keep pounding the pavement until you get there. If you keep it up and keep following our successful tips for interviewing, you\u2019re bound to get a \u201cyes\u201d in no time!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: How to Use Goodwall\u2019s Web Profile to Land a Job or Internship Opportunity<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n