Interviews can be taxing, especially to the psyches of candidates. And while no two job interviews are done the same way, there are a few preparations to take note of to help you project confidence without going overboard. This can also help you appear ready.
In this post, you’ll learn a few of the most effective techniques in job interviews that can impress Human Resources experts when candidates do them.
11 Job Interview Tips You Shouldn’t Miss Out On
Here we present some of the things that the majority of human resource departments are keen on. Perfecting everything in this list isn’t necessary. But being aware of a few and doing them might just be the turning point between attending another interview or landing your dream job.
1. Review the Job Post Thoroughly
One of the things candidates miss doing is reviewing the job post. Imagine not being on the same page as the interviewer. Would that have a clear and sound direction?
You want to make sure that you know what you’re applying for. It shows you’re genuinely interested in the position. So, check the job post, review the roles and responsibilities, and list down your expectations so you can use that as a point of discussion during the interview.
Read More: Cover Letters for IT Professionals: Are They Essential for Landing Your Dream Tech Job?
2. Researching Your “Future Employer” Is Key
Attending a job interview without taking time to check the background of the company is like going to war without a plan. Before thinking about what you’ll wear, research the organization you’re applying for first.
Check their social media platforms, their website, news articles, or blog posts about them. Your research is not just to find out what the company offers, but to be aware of their culture and values, as well as the current obstacles it has at the forefront.
This also gives them the idea that you’ve done well in researching the company, which means you’re looking forward to working with them.
3. Bring “Job Interview Essentials”
While most applications happen digitally, bringing an extra copy of your resume and references wouldn’t hurt. You can use them as references for concrete examples if they have specific questions about your professional history.
Bringing a pen and a notebook would come in handy, too. These essentials can help you navigate the interview easily. What if your interviewer doesn’t have a pen handy if you need to sign or write something down?
4. Dress the Part
Check the invitation if there’s a specific dress code required for the interview. While most interviews don’t implement it, you’ll appear better, more professional, and more suited for the job if you dress appropriately.
Here’s a quick unwritten rule about dressing for an interview: dress one step up from their standard dress code. If they wear smart casual, try to show up wearing long sleeves, slacks, and a good pair of shoes. Avoid wearing controversial, distracting, inappropriate, or revealing clothing.
5. Practice Through Mock Interviews
According to the American Staffing Association, 52 percent of Americans practice answering job interview questions.¹ You’d want to try and practice mock interviews so you can somehow see your actions while doing the interview. It’s also a great way to anticipate questions they might ask so you can avoid coming up blank.
One tip is to practice talking in front of a mirror. Some people find this effective, while there are some who claim it distracts them more than it helps them. You can also try recording yourself. What’s good about it is you can see how fast you talk, respond, and how your facial expressions are when talking or answering questions.
This allows you to pace yourself and adjust your demeanor accordingly. That way, you’ll appear more composed and relaxed when it’s time for the real thing.
6. Brush Up on Your Interview Skills
Practice makes perfect. Besides practicing in front of a mirror to see how you would look like, you need substance. Here are a few pointers you want to practice getting that “wow” factor from your interviewer:
- Avoid giving closed-ended answers to the questions. Expound as much as you can but without saying something unnecessary.
- Storytelling is key. Prepare narratives or stories that would engage your interviewer. Make sure it’s relevant to the scenario.
- Be prepared to talk about the salary. This might not be the point of negotiation yet, but it would help if you knew how much they’re offering.
- Give them your best-selling points for the job post, according to what you’ve researched.
7. Practice the STAR Method
The STAR method is one of the best tips HR experts have given us. STAR stands for:
- Situation: Briefly describe the situation so that the interviewer will grasp the importance of it and everything else you said in your response.
- Task: Explain how you contributed to the situation at hand.
- Action: Summarize your actions and motives.
- Result: Describe to your interviewer what happened as a result and what you discovered.
8. Be There at Least 15 Minutes Early
Being late for an interview is possibly one of the worst things to do without actually showing yourself to the employer yet. It’s best practice to be there at least 10 to 15 minutes earlier than your scheduled interview time.
This allows you to finish documents and paperwork without consuming interview minutes. Furthermore, it leaves a lasting impression to the interviewer of how punctual you can be.
9. Turn Your Cellphone Off
Image you’re conversing with the interviewer, and your phone buzzes. How do you think that’ll go? For one, it can distract you and take you off momentum from what you were saying; another would be how the interviewer would react. Most won’t mind, but some interviewers will find it rude.
For the duration of the interview, ensure that you put your phone on mute; not silent because vibrations can still be heard. Better yet, turn it off.
10. Make Eye Contact and Smile
Job interviews aren’t designed to show how “intelligent” you are, but to showcase how you answer questions, how you talk and understand the position, and how confident you are. One way to project confidence is to smile and make eye contact.
Making eye contact and smiling often are actually two of the few best ways of letting other people know that you are confident. 40 percent of interviewers also say that a candidate that doesn’t “smile” is a good enough reason not to hire them.²
11. Be Proactive About the Next Steps
Lastly, you want to be proactive about the next steps. Most interviews would end on an open note, and asking about what the next steps are is a good attitude that can impress recruiters and interviewers.
What this does is give the signal that you’re interested in the position, and you’re attempting to keep the conversation going.
There’s really not a special recipe in acing job interviews. However, the more confident and enthusiastic you seem, the better the results will be.
Related Reading: Mastering Job Application Platforms: 9 Ways to Optimize Your Online Presence
STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS CAN HELP YOU GET PLACED ON INTERVIEWS THAT FIT YOU THE MOST
With the fast-evolving landscape of employment, your skills could befit better and more valuable roles. At Strategic Systems, we’re committed to helping you get the best jobs that match your credentials, experience, and qualifications!
We specialize in matching you with top-performing organizations in the banking, financial, IT, insurance, manufacturing, healthcare, and telecom industries. Get in touch today and land the job of your dreams!
References
1 “American Staffing Association Workforce Monitor”. 16 Feb. 2023, American Staffing Association, cloudfront.net/Feb_2023-ASA-WFM-Job-Appearances-Data.
2 “8 surprising statistics about interviews” Twin Employment, 14 Mar. 2018, www.twinemployment.com/8-surprising-statistics-about-interviews.
