7 Interview Tips to Help You Get Hired
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After spending an entire career interviewing for jobs, job interviewing never seems to get any easier. With each job interview, you are meeting new people, and selling yourself and your skills. There are ways to make a job interview feel much less stressful. Just a little preparation time can go a long way. The more time you take in advance to get ready, the more comfortable you’ll feel during the actual interview.
It’s always important to remember, the interview is also a chance for you to evaluate the company. Is it a place you want to work? The job interview is not a one-way street, it should be two-way communication to help find the candidate that is best suited for the position and the company.
Here are 7 tips to keep in mind leading up to your next job interview.
Review Common Questions
If it’s been a while since you’ve had to prepare for a job interview, it is a good idea to practice answering common interview questions with someone else or in front of a mirror. Go to the interview prepared with stories that relate to the skills that the employer wants, while emphasizing your strengths.
Understand the Position
Figure out in advance how well you qualify for the job. For each requirement listed in the job posting, write down your qualifications. This can show you if you lack a particular skill. Plan how you will address this in the interview so you can convince the interviewer that you can learn the skill.
Explore Your Questions
Make a list of questions that you would like to ask during the interview. Pick questions that will demonstrate your interest in the job and the company. Ask questions about the job you will be expected to perform, like what are the day-to-day responsibilities of this job or how will my responsibilities and performance be measured?
Look and Act the Part
On the day of the actual interview, plan your schedule so you arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Also, look professional, dress in a manner appropriate to the job. Display confidence during the interview, but let the interviewer start the dialogue. Send a positive message with your body language.
Be Direct
Give honest, direct answers. Develop answers in your head before you respond. If you don’t understand a question, ask for it to be repeated or clarified. You don’t have to rush, but you don’t want to appear indecisive.
End with a Good Impression
You want to leave the job search team with a good impression. A positive end to the interview is another way to ensure your success. Remember, be courteous and allow the interview to end on time but also allow time to emphasize any strengths and experiences that you might not have emphasized earlier.
The Virtual Interview
Virtual interviews are quickly becoming the norm. For many interviewees, the thought of creating a lasting impression through a screen seems much more difficult than in person. However, a virtual interview doesn’t have to feel daunting, there are many things you can do to prepare to make a great first impression. Remember to give your technology a good check before the interview and do not ignore the in-person interview tips laid out above. Dressing the part and understanding the position is just as important in a virtual setting
Ultimately, the key to effective interviewing is to project confidence, stay positive, and be able to share examples of your workplace skills and your qualifications for the job. With some advance preparation, you’ll be able to nail the interview and showcase the experience that makes you the ideal candidate for the company’s next new employee.
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