| |

Do You Want to Succeed in an Interview but Don’t Know Where to Start?

Have you ever wondered what determines a successful interview? Do you have an upcoming interview but you have no idea of how to make it successful?

Effective interviews depend on various factors, from the way you prepare, how you conduct yourself during the interview and what you do after the interview.

You are invited for an interview if an employer believes that you have the skills to succeed at the company and before you get a job offer, you may have multiple rounds of interviews. It is therefore, important to prepare well for the interview to approach each interview appropriately.

Following general guidelines will help you improve your chances of impressing a potential employer. Here are some of the tips that can help you achieve success in your interview.

1. Research

Conduct a thorough interview to learn more about the company. Regarding the job, look for information that can help you be more convincing about how you would be a great fit. You can also consult former and current employees via social media platforms to get more information.

2. Respect The Schedule

What time should you arrive at the interview?

Arrive for your interview 10-15 minutes before the appointed time. Arriving too early can create an awkward situation and arrive late creates a bad first impression and may doom your chances of getting a job. Arriving early enough allows you to settle. Put your phone on silent mode, respect everyone you meet from the receptionist, guards to the interviewers.

3. Bring What You Need

You may have emailed your CV to the employer but ensure that you have hard copies during the interview. Have a work portfolio with proof of your skills and achievements.

4. Express A Key Message

Politicians are always advised to have a maximum of three key messages to get across when handling the media. This also applies to interview, have two or three key points that you want to make about what you have to offer and what you’re looking for. Three key points help the interviewer to remember you.

Have ready answers for some of the most common questions that you may be asked. If you have a challenge preparing, then consult interview coaches who will guide you accordingly.

WATCH THIS

5. Create A Strong First Impression

Studies claim that 33% of employers know within 90 seconds whether they will hire someone or not and it takes about a 1/10 of a second to form an impression and that impression rarely changes later. First impressions count, and non-verbal cues matter even more than verbal ones.

In the first few minutes, smile confidently, shake hands firmly, making eye contact, and show that you are glad to be there and you want the job. What you don’t say is important as what you don’t say so understanding and maximizing your non-verbal will help you succeed. Project an attitude of energy, enthusiasm, and interest. Clothes-wise, match your dress style to that of the company. Researchers claim that six in ten managers say an interviewee’s dress sense has a big impact on their employability.  

6. Stay Positive Throughout

A positive conversation is key to a successful job interview. Employers don’t want to hear bad feelings about a negative experience. Do not be defensive about your weakness in your background or sudden job change. Focus on the facts and emphasize what you learned from the experience. Leaves a bad taste and doesn’t bad mouth anyone at any point.

7. After The Interview Send a Thank You Note

1 in 20 job seekers sends a thank you letter after the interview. Following up the interview with a handwritten thank you letter shows your strong interest in the company, your sincerity, and your attention to detail. By doing so could be the only difference between you and other good candidates.

Bottom Line

Not every interview comes about by applying for an open position. Sometimes, there won’t even be an open position but whatever the case, the same interview strategies always apply. Show off your skills, convince the employer why you’re the best fit for the company, and make sure that the employer doesn’t forget about you.

Want to ace your next interview?

Book a mock interview coaching session and stand a higher chance of securing that job.

14 Comments

  1. Thank you for these important tips.
    They look very simple and neglectable but they hold big meanings.
    I am now better than yesterday. You have poked alot of holes in my approach towards interviews. They are healthy for my benefits.
    Kind Regards

Comments are closed.