Interviewing for jobs is nerve-wracking, and it’s easy to second-guess your own answers or worry about forgetting something important. Use these preparation tips to ensure that you have the interview of your dreams, in which you impress the interviewer with your confidence and professionalism and walk away with an offer letter in hand.
Research the company
If you’re applying for a job, you should spend time learning about who your potential employer is. You can do that in a number of ways, from reading their website and social media profiles to talking with people who work there. An hour or two of research can really pay off by helping you tailor your application materials and know what topics might come up during your interview. If you don’t want to look like an obsessive fan boy, be sure not to overdo it when researching your interviewer!
Follow up on your application
To ensure that you’re remembered by hiring managers, follow up with a thank-you note shortly after applying for a job. This simple gesture is easy and can serve as a reminder of your interest in landing a particular position. If you don’t hear back from hiring managers about when an interview might be scheduled, it’s fine to send another thank-you email asking for feedback on your application.
Use the last five minutes of the interview to make a lasting impression
In general, it’s best to avoid too much chit-chat at the end of an interview. However, if you find yourself with time left on your hands and nerves still intact, use it as a chance to share a few personal details that will give you more credibility in their eyes—for example, perhaps they know you grew up in their town or have had experience with one of their competitors. In any case, save small talk for after they make a decision!
Prepare answers to common questions with positive examples
Answering common interview questions in a confident and professional manner will help you demonstrate your ability to do your job well. Take some time before an interview and prepare short answers with positive examples related to these commonly asked questions. It shows that you’ve done research on their company, which demonstrates your interest in them as well as demonstrating your understanding of what they are looking for in a candidate.
The Bottom Line
No matter how badly you need the job, or how qualified you are, interviewing can be scary and intimidating if you’ve never done it before. The hiring manager will be judging you—your appearance, your personality, your confidence level, and even your handshake! But interviewers aren’t necessarily out to get you; in fact, they want to find someone they can trust to do the job well. By following some simple preparation tips and general rules of etiquette, you can make sure that your next interview goes as smoothly as possible—and maybe even land yourself a job in the process!
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