An interview can be extremely nerve-wracking. Why? Because you're simply being judged.
The fate of your future relies on how you come across to an employer/interviewer.
The key to having a successful job interview is preparation. The fact of the matter is you should be doing interview prep work as soon as you decide to take part in the job search process. The best way to practice is to take part in a mock interview with a trusted colleague, professional connection, or friend.
In cases where you can't do a mock interview, practice by yourself. The repetition of going over the material over and over again will benefit you.
Here are four important preparation tips that will help you have a successful interview.
Being Nervous Is Good, But Being Too Nervous Isn't
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You need to relax as much as possible (easier said than done) and take a confident approach. Being a nervous wreck doesn't show the interviewer your true personality. On the other hand, there's a fine line between confidence and arrogance, so be careful.
Think about what you're saying and don't be too confident, as it's irritating and cocky. Try and answer questions honestly, and be yourself (you'll hear that a lot). Don't be too robotic.
Know The Commonly Asked Interview Questions
For example, why do you want the job? Why are you a suitable candidate for this position? What are your strengths/weaknesses? What skills do you have that correspond with the job?
Check out Work It Daily's FREE Common Interview Questions list. Write down your responses to these questions and know them like the back of your hand!
It's also vital to know your resume inside out. You should be able to discuss everything that appears on it in detail. Ideally, you should know it all by heart. You should be able to go through it without even having it in front of you. This portrays sharpness, honesty, and professionalism to the interviewer.
Research The Company And Role You're Applying To
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Two common interview questions are, "What do you know about the company?" or, "What do you know about this particular role?"
Having a good background on the company lets them know how enthusiastic you are and how keen you are on getting the job. Being able to talk about your knowledge of the company and the role in particular will impress the interviewer and could give you a competitive edge over other applicants.
Ideally, you should have knowledge on the company's history, all aspects of the role, problems encountered with the role, and so on.
Focus On Your Personal Presentation
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Here are some common sense interview tips to live by:
- Greet with a smile and a firm handshake
- Sit down when you're told to
- Don't slouch
- Speak directly and clearly
- Make eye contact, but not too much eye contact
- Thank the interviewer for the opportunity, even if you feel the interview went badly
- Be sure to share a few jokes, too, as a sense of humor is essential to your likability factor
Looking for help in your job search process? Check out Work It Daily's FREE masterclass How To Get Hired!
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