How to Succeed in an Interview
Whether you’re just starting out, or you’re a seasoned professional, knowing how to succeed in an interview is an important skill. It’s crucial to make a good impression, and to answer questions correctly. Hopefully, the tips below will help you get off to a good start!
Make a good first impression
Making a great first impression on an interviewer can make or break your chances of getting a job. In order to ensure you leave a positive impression, there are some important tips to follow.
Besides appearance, first impressions are also based on body language, mannerisms, and clothing. A good handshake is one of the most common tips to making a great first impression. It shows confidence and social skills.
Smiling can be a powerful tool for a good first impression. You want to be smiling because it shows a sense of warmth and kindness. But you need to make sure your smile is genuine.
Eye contact can be another important tip to making a great first impression. Do not stare at the person for long periods of time. Also, avoid crossing your arms. This can be a sign of discomfort.
Lastly, you want to make sure you have everything you need ready. You should be prepared with your resume and references. If you don’t have them, you can ask your human resources department.
Another thing to do to get a good first impression is to practice answering common interview questions. Practicing in the mirror or by taking part in a mock interview can help you prepare for a variety of situations.
Finally, you should research your potential employer and the title of the position. You can do this by asking your human resources or researching it online. Be aware of any recent news coverage and information about the company.
Taking these steps can help you make a great first impression and start the relationship off on the right foot. You should also follow up after the interview. Sending a thank you email or a follow up email is a great way to let the interviewer know that you appreciate their time and interest.
Avoid sounding “canned”
For instance, if you’re trying to come up with a good answer to the question “what do you want to do for the rest of your life?” then you’ll need to find out what you’re good at. While this may sound like a chore, it’s also a great opportunity to show off your strengths and weaknesses in the best light. If you’re armed with the right information, you’ll be on your way to the job of your dreams in no time. Similarly, if you can’t find the right position, you’ll still have plenty of options to fall back on.
Likewise, if you’re stuck in a job interview bind, you’ll want to brush up on the ins and outs of your resume and your personal life. You’ll want to get the interviewer’s attention with the right set of questions and avoid a cliche or two. Also, you’ll be in a better position to make the sale with the right type of attire and a few savvy negotiating tactics.
To round out your negotiating arsenal, take a cue from your prospective employer and learn the ins and outs of their company culture before you start chatting with them. This will give you the upper hand, and will prevent you from being on the defensive with the wrong information. The most important thing to remember is that you’re a human being, not a robot. Be a respectful listener and you’ll be on your way to the coveted position in no time. As a bonus, you’ll learn a thing or two in the process. Lastly, be sure to take advantage of any enticements your interviewer might offer. After all, he or she is your potential boss and you’ll want to do your best to impress him.
Answer interview questions correctly
If you are applying for a job, your interviewer will probably ask you some questions. Obviously, you want to be prepared to answer them in a way that will be effective. However, you also don’t want to give the wrong answer, which can cost you thousands of dollars. Luckily, you can follow some simple tips to make sure you’re prepared to answer any question with confidence.
When answering questions about your strengths, focus on the positive qualities. You can talk about your ability to lead a team or improve yourself, but do not talk about weaknesses. Instead, describe your biggest challenge. This allows the interviewer to see how you’re able to overcome obstacles.
The next thing you should do is to discuss your personal goals. These goals can vary from simply improving your performance to launching a startup. But you should tie it to your plans for the company.
Similarly, if you are applying for a position that requires special expertise, you should explain your skills in that area. Employers want to know you can perform the essential functions of the position.
Finally, your interviewer will likely ask about your experience. You can mention skills you’ve gained from school, internships, or part-time jobs. Describe how these have helped you to become a better employee. Remember that employers want to know that you have experience, but they don’t want you to overstate your achievements.
Lastly, you should tell the interviewer what you hope to gain from the position. This will help you to make a more solid case for the job. You can also talk about the benefits you’ll receive. It will demonstrate that you are committed to the job and that you’re looking for a career path that will benefit you.
Thank the interviewer
If you had a good job interview, you will want to thank the interviewer. The email you send is important because it shows that you are interested in the position. It also shows your skills and expertise. You should write a professional thank you note.
Thank you notes should not be overly long. They should be brief and informative. A typical thank you email should begin with a salutation and end with an appreciation for the interviewer’s time. In addition, you should state your qualifications and the reasons for your interest in the position.
Make sure to use proper grammar and spelling. Your email should not come across as rushed or desperate. Do not create additional work for yourself by including too many details.
Your thank you email should be sent within a day of the interview. This ensures that your interviewer remembers you and has time to review your letter. Using a subject line that is attention grabbing will help to catch the reader’s eye.
The letter should also be personalised. Include your name and contact information. Also, include something unique from your interview. For example, say that you learned about Z, or that you liked hearing about the hiring manager’s experience.
Include a link to your LinkedIn profile, if you have one. You should also mention how you fit into the company’s culture. Lastly, you should explain why you enjoyed the discussion.
Sending a thoughtful thank you email will reinforce positive impressions you made during the interview. Personalised emails will also demonstrate your good manners and proactive communication skills.
If you don’t have access to your interviewer’s email address, you can ask them for it. Some interviewers will even mail you a thank you card.
