Imagine how devastated you would feel if you had a bad interview for your dream job. You might feel disappointed in yourself, and frustrated that the interview did not go as well as you had hoped. You might worry that you blew your chance at a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, which could leave you feeling anxious and sad. In fact, you may even begin to doubt your abilities. The job interview is the chance to make a great first impression on your potential employer. Ultimately, a bad interview can be very discouraging. But there are proven tactics that can help you impress your interviewer if you want to stand out from the competition and increase your chances of getting hired. From researching the company to dressing for success, here are 7 tips to help you prepare for a successful interview.
Research The Company Before The Interview
Prior to your interview, it is of the utmost importance that you research the company’s background and culture. This will demonstrate how sincerely interested in the position you are while arming yourself with the knowledge necessary for a successful interview. Start by reviewing the company’s website, social media accounts, and any recent news or press releases. Search for the company’s name associated with recent news articles. You can do this easily by Google searching the company’s name plus the word “news”. Look for information about their mission statement, values, and goals. Additionally, check out their LinkedIn page to learn more about the individuals who work there and see if you have any connections in common. The more you know about the company, the better prepared you will be to answer questions and demonstrate your fit for the position.
Conduct Informational Interviews
Conducting informational interviews is an important part of researching the company prior to your job interview. These interviews are a great way to establish personal connections with current employees, gain insight into the company culture and learn about what recruitment and hiring managers may be looking for in potential candidates. When conducting an informational interview, it is important to approach the conversation with a positive and professional attitude, prepare questions in advance and be sure to thank the person for their time. By taking this extra step, you will have valuable information to help make your job interview a success.
Dress Professionally And Arrive A Few Minutes Early
One of the best ways to make a positive first impression and impress your interviewer is to show up dressed professionally and on time – or even a few minutes early. Dressing appropriately shows that you are serious about the job, and it communicates respect for the interviewer’s time. If you’re not sure what to wear to an online interview, consider asking one of the people you spoke with in the informational interviews and research phase to prepare for the job. When in doubt, a solid colored, button down shirt or blouse with a collar is a safe option. Arriving a few minutes early also helps demonstrate your punctuality and ensures that you have plenty of time to check in with receptionists or security personnel if needed.
Arriving early is especially important when interviewing for remote jobs. Perhaps you’re accustomed to using Zoom, but the interviewer uses Microsoft Teams or Google Chat. If you wait until the interview time to log on and test the software, you may be surprised to find a plethora of downloads and license agreements to acknowledge before you can join the meeting. This can take several minutes and may even require a computer reboot, putting you several minutes behind schedule.
Be Confident In Your Body Language And Demeanor
Your body language and demeanor can speak volumes about your confidence level, even during a virtual interview. Sit up straight, maintain good eye contact, and smile. This will show that you are confident, engaged, and enthusiastic about the opportunity. Also, make sure to use appropriate facial expressions that showcase your excitement for the role. During an online interview, be mindful of your surroundings; choose a neutral or professional-looking background. Additionally, keep in mind that technical glitches can happen from time to time– stay calm and composed if any issues arise.
Prepare Thoughtful Responses To Common Interview Questions
One of the best ways to impress your interviewer is to prepare thoughtful answers to common interview questions. Research the company and the job description to get a sense of what kinds of questions you will be asked. LinkedIn is a great resource for this. They’ve made updates that show common questions for the job after you apply. Even if the job you’re applying for isn’t on LinkedIn, you can apply for a similar job on the platform to get access to common questions.
Next, practice answering them with a friend or family member so that you feel confident and comfortable responding during the actual interview. Be sure to highlight your skills, experiences, and achievements that are most relevant to the position you’re applying for. Be specific and concise in your responses. Remember, being prepared and showing enthusiasm for the role can set you apart from other candidates and increase your chances of landing your dream job.
Prepare Specific Examples That Showcase Your Skills And Experience
One of the most effective ways to impress your interviewer is by providing specific examples that demonstrate your skills and experiences. This shows that you have not only acquired these skills but also used them successfully in previous roles. Take some time before your interview to think about situations where you went above and beyond, showed leadership or problem-solving skills, or collaborated with others to achieve a common goal. These examples will help demonstrate why you are the best fit for the job and create a lasting impression on the interviewer. Make sure to practice discussing these experiences beforehand so that you can confidently share them during the interview.
Know Yourself
At times, we may apply for jobs simply because we need work and a paycheck. But that route quickly leads to dissatisfaction and sub-optimal work quality. Conquer this potential misstep by taking a science-backed personality assessment, like the Hogan Assessment, to find the type of work that will fit you best.
A Hogan Assessment can help you better prepare for a job interview by providing insights into your personality, behaviors, and preferences. It can reveal areas where you have the potential to excel in the role as well as areas of weakness that may require improvement or additional training. Additionally, it can help you understand what type of work environment will be more suitable to fit your needs and maximize your performance. This knowledge will enable you to explain why you are the best fit for the job during the interview and create a lasting impression on the interviewer.
Final Thoughts
Most people fail to impress in interviews because they don’t adequately prepare. They may arrive dressed inappropriately, be late, or appear unprepared and uninterested in the role they are interviewing for. Additionally, they may not have thought through answers to common questions beforehand or be able to provide examples of how they can contribute to the company’s success. People also may be too nervous and not display their enthusiasm or confidence in the interview. Finally, they may not ask relevant questions to show their genuine interest in the job or organization. All of these factors can lead to a less-than-impressive interview experience.
Having a solid understanding of the 7 tips and techniques in this article can help ensure that you make a great impression in your next job interview. With this knowledge in hand, you’ll be well on your way to securing the position of your dreams.
FAQs
How long should I spend preparing for an interview?
The amount of time spent preparing depends on the position you’re applying for and the company. As a general rule, it’s best to start preparing at least two weeks ahead of your scheduled interview. Give yourself enough time to conduct thorough research. Practice answering questions the interviewer is likely to ask.
What should I wear to an interview?
The best thing to do is to dress for the job you are applying for. Research the company culture and dress accordingly. In most cases, a professional suit is an ideal choice for interviews. However, if you’re applying for a more relaxed setting or start-up, business casual attire might be appropriate. Make sure whatever you wear looks neat, clean, and presentable.
How can a Hogan Assessment help me better prepare for a job interview?
A Hogan Assessment can help you better prepare for a job interview by providing insights into your personality, behaviors, and preferences. It can reveal areas where you have the potential to excel in the role as well as areas of weakness that may require improvement or additional training. Additionally, it can help you understand what type of work environment will be more suitable to fit your needs and maximize your performance. This knowledge will enable you to explain why you are the best fit for the job during the interview and create a lasting impression on the interviewer.