How to Ace Your Next Interview

How to Ace Your Next Interview

When it comes to getting your foot in the door, an interview is a first and second step. Good interview techniques can make all the difference between putting pen to paper and deciding to get back to the drawing board. That's why you should be prepared for every possible question that comes your way during an interview for any job offer. To help you ace a job interview, keep in mind these 6 tips that can help you in 2023. Let's dive in!

1. Research Work 

You've found a job interview and you're ready to book it. Now what? Sure, you may have a list of things you prepared during the research phase, but chances are your list wasn't that amazing. It's time to freshen up your skills by doing additional research. While researching the company is essential before going for the interview, you don't want to go overboard and miss out on points that could make or break your chances of getting an offer.

Here are a few ways in which you can research a company:

• Explore the social media handles of the organization.
• Read company reviews, ratings, and interview experiences. 
• Look up news and updates about the company on the internet.
• Check professional networking sites.
• Connect with people in your network who are or were employed by the company where you are interviewing.

2. Be on Time

As job seekers, we are always on the lookout for new opportunities that can propel us forward in our careers. However, sometimes it is difficult to stand out from the crowd and get noticed by employers. One of the most important things that you can do to make sure you stand out from other applicants is to be punctual as part of the interview preparation. This is especially true when it comes to job interviews. It is important to note that being late during an interview reflects poorly on your work etiquette and time management skills. Whether it is an online or in-person interview, you must ensure you are on time. 

Keeping in mind the importance of first impressions, you should reach the interview location 15 minutes early and avoid any potential hassle. Here's how you can do it:

• Plan your travel and commute to the interview location in advance. Consider factors like traffic, parking, security, etc., that may increase travel time.
• On the job interview day, your sole focus should be on the interview. Try not to schedule any other time-consuming activities before the same. Time management skills are very important.
• If there are unforeseeable external circumstances on the day of the job interview (such as a traffic jam or other factors), notify the recruiter and make alternate arrangements. Be truthful and avoid making excuses.
• Lastly, if an emergency comes up and you think you will be too late for the interview or unable to attend that day, you should contact the recruiter to reschedule.

3. First Impressions

As we talk about first impressions, a lot of things go into ensuring a great professional image during a job interview. While preparing for an interview, remember these things:

1. How to dress for an interview

Being well prepared for an interview is not enough; you also need to present yourself well, and the first step to that is dressing professionally and confidently. You should dress appropriately for your role in the company and not wear anything casual or semi-casual.

2. Body language is important

In a job interview, you should be seated upright in your chair, alert, and focused. If you appear uninterested, it may get interpreted as arrogance. In an interview, good body language will go a long way. Some examples of poor body language are:

• Playing with your phone.
• No smile while answering.
• Not maintaining eye contact.
• Slouching when sitting.

3 Maintain a firm handshake.

You should shake hands with the interviewer at the beginning and end of the interview. Make sure that your handshake is secure, firm, and confident.

4. Prepare Yourself for Interview Questions and Answers

Interviews are always nerve-racking, so prepare as much as possible to put your best foot forward! As you know, you should always prepare to answer standard interview questions before the job interview.

Answering these questions confidently will demonstrate your readiness and interest! A positive response from the recruiter will, in turn, build your confidence and help you ace the interview!

5. Mentioning Past Experiences

If you have a bad experience with an employer, it's important that you keep that to yourself during the interview. Not only will it reflect poorly on you as an employee, but it could also make it difficult for you to get hired if the interviewer hears negative things about your previous employer. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of your experience, concentrate on your efforts to overcome those challenges. Whatever you do, maintain a productive conversation at all times!

6. Asking Questions

When the job interview is about to end, the recruiter will ask you if you have any questions for them. That is the perfect opportunity to show the recruiter your interest in the role, the organization, and your research. It is also a great opportunity to gather insights about the company's work culture, expectations, and potential team. If you do not have any questions for the recruiter at the end of your interview, it shows a lack of research and interest, and preparation. Here's how to do it:

• Research your role and the company well while preparing for the interview.
• Prepare some questions based on your research. These could be about your role, the company's work culture, or any queries, among other things.
• If the recruiter has already answered a prepared question, do not ask it again.
• Do not ask any personal or close-ended questions.