10 Job Interview Tips
Job Interview Tips
Are you looking for realistic job interview tips? If you have an interview lined up, it is best to be prepared and take all the advice that you can get. When you are looking for a new job, the interview can be a terrifying experience. Even when you think you are fully prepared, there always seems to be something you neglected to take care of before going in for the interview.
When the day of your interview arrives, you want to be ready, relaxed, and confident in your abilities. Use the following ten job interview tips to help increase the chances of getting your next job.
#1 Research Your Potential Employer
Examining interview tips, you will always come across this first one. You should research your potential employer as though you are researching a product. Find out when the business or company was founded. Learn more about their history and also their future – learn what you can about their current and planned projects. The more you know, the easier it will be coming up with your questions.
#2 Prepare Your Questions
At some point, during most interviews, the person you are interviewing with will ask you if you have any questions. It is a major mistake not to have at least a few prepared questions. Without any issues to ask, you could come across as indifferent or uninterested in the job.
Ask questions related to the job that you will be hired for. Try to find out what exactly they are looking for in a new hire. By asking questions that are intended to explain the role you will fill, you can gain a better sense of whether the job is a good fit for you, as well as allows the interviewer to do what they do best – explain what it is they want.
Some examples of good questions to ask include:
- How would you describe a typical work day for this team?
- What types of projects will I be working on, if hired?
- What is the definition of success, for this organization?
- What areas are you looking to improve upon or make more efficient?
#3 Clean Up Your Social Media Accounts
Studies show that the majority of businesses consider a potential hire’s social media profile. Make sure that you are not sharing any embarrassing or unprofessional photos or posts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or any other social media platform. Go through all your posts, either deleting them or changing your sharing settings.
#4 Make a Good First Impression
First impressions are everything. There is a good chance that your interviewer already has a good idea of whether or not you will be hired before you even sit down. Make sure that you dress appropriately. If you have the opportunity to visit the place where you will be working, you can get a general idea of the typical workplace attire.
Your handshake is also part of your first impression. Many people still rely on a handshake as an indicator of a person’s confidence and worth. Use a firm hand grip, but not too firm. Do not let your hand go limp. Most handshakes start with a downward motion. If you need to, practice with your partner or a friend.
#5 Pay Attention to Your Body Language
Your body language can be a difficult thing to control, as most of it occur unconsciously. Nonverbal communication is responsible for about 90 percent of the impression that you make. You want to remain confident and relaxed. Try to follow the body language of your interviewer – referred to as mirroring, which can put them more at ease and make the interview more casual.
#6 Be Ahead of Time
This also goes along with your first impression – be ahead of time. This does not mean showing up an hour early, but you should plan on arriving 10 to 15 minutes early. This way, if you do end up running late, you should still be on time. Plus, arriving a few minutes early allows you to check in with the front desk and take a seat for a moment, allowing you to relax before the interview starts.
#7 Pay Attention to How You Answer Questions
There are two major areas where some people fail, at answering questions during an interview. Some people have a tendency to talk too much and provide too much information, either due to nerves or because they simply do not have a tether. Another issue is stumbling over your answers or talking over the interviewer.
For the most part, these problems are often related to anxiety. Take a deep breath as you enter the interview room. Also, remember to take a breath after you finish talking. This will help you relax and keep you from stumbling while talking.
#8 Remain Focused
The interviewer should have your full attention, throughout the entire interview. They are making time for you, so you need to respect the time that they have set aside for the discussion. Stay focused and attentive. Do not appear distracted or bored – so avoid fiddling with anything and remember to turn off your cell phone. This should be repeated, turn off your cell phone. Do not set it on vibrate or silent, just put it out.
#9 Avoid Monday or Friday for Interviews
When scheduling an interview, if you have the option, avoid Mondays and Fridays. The person you are meeting with likely has a busy schedule. In most industries and businesses, the interviewer is either the head of a department, a manager, or works in human resources. These positions often come with many responsibilities.
This means that your interviewer is likely to be distracted on a Monday (as they prepare for the week) and on a Friday (when they are probably winding down). If possible, try to schedule an interview on a Tuesday. The work week has already started, and it is early enough in the week that you should have their full attention.
#10 Practice the Interview Process
The last of these interview tips is to try to think of the types of questions that the interviewer will likely ask you. Practicing the interview process at home will help you relax and appear confident during the actual interview.
This will work best if you can practice with someone else. Have them they read you the questions and then answer them as you would during the actual interview. Also, the person you are practicing with can give you feedback on your replies. Here are some of the most common interview questions:
- Why would you like to work here?
- Why did you leave your last place of employment?
- Where do you see yourself in five years
Think about these types of questions and come up with an honest answer, but avoid anything that sounds negative. Never tell them that the reason you want a job is because you need money or state that in five years you see yourself working at this company. Choose answers that highlight your abilities and skills.
Use These Job Interview Tips to Be Prepared
Always prepared – that should be your motto going into an interview. Plan ahead as much as possible. Practice answers to questions they will ask and come up with your questions. Fully research the business and learn everything about them that you can.
If you have an upcoming interview, then make sure you review these job interview tips. Bookmark this article for later use or save it where you can find it again, so you will always be prepared for your next interview.
Job Interview Tips
Job Interview Tips
Job interview
Job interview preparation