The struggle for jobs has become increasingly harder in the modern world. Depending on your qualifications, country of search and age, you may find that job hunting can be very challenging and nearly impossible. For these reasons, when you apply for a job and get a job interview, it may be very stressful as the intention is to give it your all and advance to the next stage, getting you closer to your dream job. If you’re stressed about an upcoming job interview, don’t worry yourself too much, we’ve got just the right tips to help you excel in your interview.
Practice
The key to being prepared for a job interview is continuous practice. This isn’t one of those random impromptu things, as there have been many interviews before you. You can make use of these to practice so that when the day of your interview arrives, you will be prepared and ready to give it your all. Remember, repetition is the key to mastering knowledge, so continue practicing, revising and repeating all the items on your practice list, and your chances of succeeding with the job interview will be increased.
Know Everything About the Company
There is no way you can pass an interview if you do not know about the company you are being interviewed by. Generic practice tips are inadequate when it comes to preparing for that job interview that is keeping you on your toes. You need to research every aspect of that company including their values, mission and their several components. This is because all questions you will be asked in the interview will be personalized for the company or hiring agency. Take time to Google and ask around everything there is to know about the company so that on the day of the interview you can dress, speak and share your views guided by their values.
Look Good and Smell Good
An interview is not just a random occasion, but it is a professional one, hence, you should dress appropriately. Ensure that you put extra thought into your choice of clothing, as this will be the first impression your interviewer will have of you. Make sure you wear clean and well-ironed clothing so that you do not look disorganized or indifferent. Also, ensure that you are well groomed and smell nice, as this affects your overall look. Ensure that you dress mindfully and also smell good if you want an equal opportunity at having a successful interview. Trust the power of looking good and smelling good in increasing your interview success chances!
Be Attentive
Active Listening is important if you are having an interview. Looking distracted will result in you failing the job interview. Moreover, a common mistake is that people answer the wrong question or a question that was not asked due to a lack of focus and attentiveness. Practice active listening and when you don’t understand something, inquire for clarity ( no one will penalize you for that). You need to pay attention as this will help you set a good impression on yourself, allowing you to have increased success in that interview.
Follow Up On the Interview
This tip will differentiate you from many other people who were interviewed for the same position as you. Usually, after the interview, people just remain quiet and wait for feedback from the prospective employer. However, following up allows you to practice gratitude for the opportunity you were given, provides the chance to vouch for yourself once more and increases your rapport. Send a follow-up email a day or two after the interview, and this might just be the extra push that will give you your dream job.
Be Positive
Having the right attitude will help you have a good day and this will reflect on your aura. Be positive about the job interview and stress less. This will impress on your subconscious mind, allowing you to become confident and readily equipped for your interview. Regardless of what might happen before the interview, remain positive!
Be On Time and Be Mindful of Time
Punctuality says a lot about a person before they even get to answer the interview questions. It shows your passion for the job, and it also reflects on the employee you will become. Make sure that you prepare all your clothes and materials a day before the interview to avoid unnecessary mistakes. You should also make sure that you go early to avoid showing up for the interview panicked and scruffed. Punctuality will help you remain calm and steady for your interview. You also need to be mindful of your time when answering questions to avoid rambling without actually showing or explaining your point. Instead, you should keep it short, concise and timely if you want to succeed in the job interview. Be on time and stay conscious of the time throughout the interview.
Be Conscious of Your Body Language
Non-verbal cues say as much about you as verbal communication. The way you walk, talk and handle yourself is all part of the job interview, so you need to be attentive to that. Avoid being jumpy and instead, look directly at your panel of interviewers with good posture and a smiling face. This will make you look more confident and transparent. Also, sit appropriately and avoid dragging your chair, as this may annoy the interviewers, causing unnecessarily bad impressions. Ensure that you avoid non-verbal habits that are inappropriate and instead, smile and show that you are well groomed and deserving of the job.
Be Calm
Panic breeds ground for clumsiness and disorder. You need to stay calm so that you can perform well in the interview. Breathe, relax and be confident as soon as you enter that interview room. Do not allow the fear of failure to lead you into failure. You just need to stay calm and allow your mind to work for you so that you answer the questions without being confused and without feeling panicked. A calm mind will help you to see things objectively and to think more clearly, thus improving your success rate.