16 Top Tips on How to Excel in An Interview
Brian Vander Waal BA, RCDP, MCDI
Employment and Careers Consultant | Career Coach | Careers Writer | Founder of brianvanderwaal.com, a blog about Careers, Employment, Learning and AI
You can view the full, original blog, '132 Job Interview Tips 2024: How to Excel in An Interview,' in a more attractive and easy-to-read format on my website, brianvanderwaal.com . The article was originally written in 2022 and updated on 18 February 2023 and 11 March 2024.
By Brian Vander Waal on May 8, 2024
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Imagine walking into a room bathed in harsh fluorescent light, facing a panel of strangers whose gaze seems to scrutinise your every move. Your heart pounds, your palms sweat, and you struggle to find the right words. For many, the interview process can be daunting, even terrifying. But what if it didn't have to be?
In today's competitive job market, excelling in an interview is more crucial than ever. On average, there are about 250 applicants for every corporate job opening (Source: TeamStage ). With such fierce competition, it's essential to stand out from the crowd and make a lasting impression. But how can you ensure that you shine brightly amidst a sea of contenders?
The answer lies not only in showcasing your qualifications and experience but also in mastering the art of communication and presentation. Your demeanour, attitude, cultural fit and ability to navigate tricky questions can significantly impact the outcome of your interview. In fact, 84% of recruiters state that culture fit is now becoming one of the key factors when recruiting (Source: OnHires Blog ).
So, whether you're an experienced professional or a recent graduate embarking on your career journey, join me as I share the secrets of mastering the interview process.
Who am I, and why should you trust my?interview tips?
My name is Brian Vander Waal, and I have invested more than 17 years in the employment and careers sector. As a Career Coach , I have supported thousands of clients with interview prep, which has helped them land their dream jobs. Due to my expertise and experience, I know what it takes to help people succeed in interviews.
Interview Tips 1-77 were covered in previous newsletters .
Interview Tips: Be positive and humble in your interview
78. Talking about personal problems or issues during an interview is usually not advisable. There may be rare occasions where it is necessary.
79. It is okay to communicate reasonable adjustments needed for the interview or job role related to a disability or health condition you may have.
80. Never badmouth your previous employer, manager, or colleagues, even if it appears the question leads you into this, as it will not impress the interviewing manager. Instead, it will raise concerns and give the impression that you are a troublemaker. At a minimum, it will raise doubts in the interviewer’s?mind, even if you attempt to communicate that you were a ‘victim’ in the situation. They may think you will speak the same about them or their company in the future.
81. Loyalty is important to employers. If you badmouth your previous employer, manager, or colleagues in an interview, your interviewer may know the people you are badmouthing. They could be a friend, associate, or even a family member. So, always stay positive in an interview.
82. Managers want to hire people who have demonstrated that they can overcome tricky situations, resolve problems creatively and peacefully and turn negatives into positives.
83. Be positive about your experiences. Avoid negativity about your previous work, education, or life experiences. Rather, focus on the positive aspects of your previous work experience and your achievements. Also, avoid being negative about yourself.
84. Confidence is good, but overconfidence can come off as arrogance. There is a difference between demonstrating confidence and being cocky. People tend to view cocky people as annoying, unpleasant, and inauthentic. Many people do not like to work with people like that. Often, managers prefer humble people who are willing to learn and have the right attitude. Humility is number three in Sir Alan Sugar’s top eight qualities he looks for in someone he hires.?
Mastering the Interview: Your Path to Success
85. It is okay to pause before answering a tricky question to give yourself thinking time. It is a misconception that you must respond instantly. You may take your time when thinking of your answer. It is okay to say you need a moment to think.
86. In an interview, it is entirely acceptable to ask for clarification if you are unsure what the question means. It is crucial that you fully understand the question so that you can respond to it appropriately. After all, your response to the question determines your score. It is preferable to ask for an explanation than to answer incorrectly and lose points or a higher rating.
87. Give complete and detailed answers; do not just say ‘yes’ or ‘no.’
88. When answering questions, do not speak too quickly. Avoid rushing your answers. Instead, speak clearly, at a normal pace. Speaking quickly can show a lack of confidence, poor communication skills and could even demonstrate incompetence.
89. However, do not give long, drawn-out answers either. Do not assume a long answer is better. Avoid rambling. Keep your answers concise and focused. Your answer should be around 2-3 minutes long. You should communicate only the most compelling and relevant information within that time. Often, long answers contain a lot of waffle. What is important is that you answer all questions clearly and concisely, evidencing your most relevant skills, experiences, and achievements.
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90. Use professional language and proper grammar during the interview. Be mindful of your words and how they reflect on you, your knowledge of the role, and your industry knowledge. The words you say will also reflect your communication skills and professionalism, which is something that companies access during interviews. So, it is essential to choose your words wisely.
91. Never swear or use slang in an interview.
92. During a job interview, it’s crucial to balance formal communication with brief informal interactions at the start and finish. Doing this helps establish rapport and showcases strong interpersonal skills. While building a connection, it’s crucial to maintain professionalism and avoid crossing boundaries by being overly familiar. Adapting to the hiring manager’s tone is critical, remembering that the goal is a professional connection rather than forming a personal friendship.
93. Hiring Managers are more likely to hire people they like and who will fit the team well.
Conclusion
In this newsletter, we have reflected on the transformative power of strategic communication, positive attitude, and genuine humility. Remember, the interview is not just about showcasing your qualifications; it's about revealing the essence of who you are as a person and how you align with the company culture.
Now it's time to implement these tips! Are you ready to improve your interview skills?
No matter what stage you are at in your career, seize the opportunity to put these tips into practice and watch as your interview performance reaches new heights.
Sources:
The content above was originally published at brianvanderwaal.com as part of my article "132 Job Interview Tips 2024: How to Excel in An Interview." The article was initially written on my blog in 2022 and updated on 18 February 2023 and 11 March 2024.
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Employment and Careers Consultant | Career Coach | Careers Writer | Founder of brianvanderwaal.com
Brian Vander Waal is a dynamic Employment and Careers Consultant, Career Coach, and the visionary behind brianvanderwaal.com . With over 17 years of expertise in Employment, Learning, and Skills, Brian holds a Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development, demonstrating his commitment to excellence. As the blog's founder, Brian imparts invaluable insights into Careers, Employment, Learning, and the influence of AI. Featured on Yahoo Finance, GoBankingRates, Loughborough University, Lensa, Best Colleges, Upjourney, and many more, Brian is your go-to resource for navigating the ever-evolving career development field. Join him at brianvanderwaal.com for expert advice tailored to success.
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