Making Great impressions: Tips on How to Ace Your Next Interview

Sitting across a stranger can be uncomfortable enough. Yet, coupled with the anxiety and expectations attached to the occasion, we can all agree that job interviews can be nerve-racking.?

As if that were not enough, the introduction of the behavioral interview has added a whole new set of questions for employers to ask in order to get a better sense of not only your skill set, experience, and goals, but also your personality and how you handle stressful situations.?

Fortunately, regardless of these changes, the fundamentals of the process are largely unchanged. Here are some easy strategies you can use to impress employers and ace your next interview to land your dream job:

How to Ace Your Interview?

The interview process outlined here is broken down into stages to give you a clearer understanding of the whole process. These include what you are expected to do before applying for the job to the point after the interview.

Before Applying for the Job…

1. Know What the Company Stands For: Every organization is created with a set of principles (vision, mission, and target) and has its unique culture. If you want to impress the hiring team, you need to do your research on the company even before applying.?

If you can't find what you're looking for on the company website, you can seek it out in other sources.?

Enquiring about the company and expressing curiosity demonstrates to a potential employer that you have a genuine interest there beyond the advertised position and the pay attached.

1. Be Fully Prepared: Before going in for an interview, make sure you have thoroughly reread the job description. Create a list of the qualities that make you a good candidate for the job, being as specific as possible while citing examples from their company history for support.?

• Make sure to try to find out your interviewer's name beforehand and use it.?
• Bring duplicate copies of your resume and a list of references just in case.?
• Bring a notebook to write down specific information.?
• Prepare for the interview by rehearsing a few days ahead of time and making a list of questions you want to ask.?
• Prepare yourself to answer questions and provide details by reflecting on your past encounters.
• Pay attention to the specific adjectives used to describe the ideal candidate in the job posting and look for ways to incorporate these into your interview answers.?
• Highlight any jobs or experiences that seem especially relevant to the job when creating a synopsis of your professional life before the interview. Then, practice expressing it aloud in a way that sounds pleasant and convincing.

On the Day of the Interview…

1. First Impressions Matter: Always dress a little more formally for an interview than the business dress code and the position you're going for.?

• Try arriving sooner rather than waiting until the scheduled time of the interview. Scout the area in advance if you're unsure of it.?

If you're unclear about how traffic will be, leave early. If you're a little bit too early, look for a place to rehearse.

• Assume that every person you meet in the vicinity is a part of the interview. Be polite to everyone, and if the interviewer says you should meet the boss, proceed as if the boss has never read your resume.?

1. Prepare Your Surroundings (for Remote Interviews): In the case that your interview might be conducted online, you should take care to adjust your surroundings for optimal performance.?

A poor connection, inadequate lighting, or a noisy background can detract from the great first impression you intend to make.

During the Interview…

1. Smile, Your Job Depends on Body Language: You will be nervous, and they know it. But how you manage it is what matters. Be calm and collected, smile, sit up straight and avoid fidgeting. Keep your chin up, don't slouch, make direct eye contact, and keep your answers short and friendly. Be patient and don't talk over the interviewer.

• Be concise and direct and make sure not to stray off-topic. Stick to questions and topics directly related to the position you're applying for and the organization you're interviewing with.?
• Be sure to not understate your case. Insufficient communication is just as problematic as excessive communication. Find a balance.
• Remember to exercise caution while discussing your present or prior employer as badmouthing them will create a bad impression.?

1. Project Yourself into their Vision: In this context, your message should be something along the lines of "this is what I have done and what I can do for you in a way that gives a good return on your investment in hiring me."?

Don't say how great you are and how they need you to scale their business or whatever.?

Simply highlight the ways in which your skills, experience, and career aspirations are a good fit for the job and the business in a way that is logically convincing and emotionally appealing.?

1. Take Notes: This will show that you are listening and are interested and has the dual benefit of giving you a minute to collect your thoughts before responding and reducing the tendency to fidget that comes with nervousness.?

Take notes on all important subjects and on what you need to look up or remember for later.

1. Don't Focus on the Benefits: These conversations are better saved after an offer of employment has been made.?

If you convey the idea that money and benefits are all that motivate you, you may want to reconsider your priorities.?

Discussing money at this stage only provides the potential employer with more reason to eliminate you from consideration.

After the Interview…

1. Etiquette is Timeless: After your interview, send a thank-you note. This will make you stand out from other applicants who do not do so.

• If you were granted a task to do, make sure to send in your finest work as soon as possible. And if you and another candidate are both being considered, this could set you apart.
• Note that, if you couldn't answer a question during the interview, do so as soon as possible thereafter. Following up shows you gave the question thought and offers you a chance to show your attention, even if they've forgotten.

Conclusion

The interview process is your chance to sell yourself and your skills, but you should also keep in mind the kind of attitude that potential employers are looking for. Whether you're new to the job market or a seasoned worker, by following these guidelines you'll be well on your way to nailing your next interview.?

Best of luck!