5 Killer Tips to Ace Job Interviews
September 20, 2016 | Career Blog
We’ve all been there; you’ve been looking for a job for weeks, maybe even months, and finally you’ve landed an interview. While landing the interview is arguably the hardest part, now you have to nail the interview so that the opportunity doesn’t slip through your fingers. Luckily, there are five key things that will help you accomplish this. Check it out!
Master the First Impression
Your interview begins the second you get out of your car, which is an important fact that many miss out on. This is why you should be 10-15 minutes early, and no matter who you encounter on your way in, you should put your best foot forward. When meeting your interviewer, you should greet them with a strong handshake and make plenty of eye contact as well.
Be Over Prepared
Being prepared for an interview is great, but if you really want to nail it, go into it over prepared. Have your resume in hand, and know how you’ll answer some of the more common interview questions. For example, have a specific answer prepared for why you want to work for the company. Stock answers, such as, “It seems like a great place to work and I feel I’m qualified for the position,” simply don’t cut it. Make sure you’ve done your research, and be able to highlight specific projects the company is working on. It will show that you’re knowledgeable about the position that you’re applying for, and it shows that you respect the interviewer’s time.
Highlight Relevant Experience
Job Interviews tend to be done in 20-30 minute increments, so there really isn’t time for you to reread your entire resume. The person in charge of hiring can read it for themselves. Your job during the interview is to highlight specific past experience and how it can be applied to the job you’re applying for. Don’t waste your precious time in front of a hiring manager!
Be Aware of Body Language
Something that often gets overlooked when it comes to interviews is body language. Make sure you’re sitting upright, with your hands folded in your lap (or in a similar position), making eye contact. Appearing too closed off will turn the interviewer off immediately. Project confidence, and eventually it will come.
Always Ask Questions
A huge mistake often made happens right at the end of an interview. When you are asked whether or not you have any questions, you should never say no. Always ask at least one question, even if it’s something as simple as asking for a “day in the life” of the role you’re interviewing for. Of course, the more in-depth the better, but at least have one question to ask.
We hope this was helpful for you! If you’re in need of any further assistance in your job hunt, please contact us!