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10 Tips to Improve Your Interview Skill
One of the most important things a job seeker can do to ensure their success is to prepare for an interview. By following the basic steps outlined below, you will understand what to expect from your interviewer and be confident in presenting yourself as the best candidate.
Researching the Company
Knowing what the company does is one of the ways to impress an interviewer. Try to identify the products and services, competitors, key executives in the industry, any possible future mergers/acquisitions, or plans for expansion or contraction that you might ask about when interviewed.
Preparing Questions
It's important not to ask questions just for the sake of asking. However, if you've researched the company and the industry, there might be some questions you would like to ask. Questions such as: "What type of person would do well in this position?" or "Do you see any possible opportunities for professional development within the organization?" are good examples of questions that demonstrate motivation and a willingness to take on additional responsibilities. Questions should always be directed toward the interviewer's or manager's areas of responsibility (i.e., Marketing, Sales, Administration), and never about compensation, vacation days, or other company benefits.
Appearance
First impressions are important; make sure to dress appropriately for the position you are applying for. Dress up according to the type of company you are interviewing with (i.e., don't wear a suit to an interview at a start-up company, but do it if the company is known for its strict dress code). Also, be sure to show up on time, bring plenty of resumes, and be prepared for any possible technical questions about your resume or industry knowledge.
Assume Success
Always assume that you will get the job offer - even before getting interviewed! This way, you'll act as if they already hired you (and use this mindset when doing your research/preparing questions), thus giving off more confident vibes. Additionally, assuming success means feeling more comfortable and not being as nervous during the entire process.
Own the Room
When walking into an interview, be sure to stand tall and take control of the situation. You want to be confident and look like someone capable of doing the job! If you interview in a group setting, introduce yourself first and always start with a firm handshake (think about how you'd shake hands with your future boss).
Answer All Questions Directly
Be concise and respond directly to any questions asked. Don't ramble or give too much information, as this might confuse an interviewer - simply elaborate enough so that they understand what you're trying to say (and don't forget to sell yourself!). Also, try not to answer questions with a simple "yes" or "no," and always give a firm answer (i.e., "Yes, I did XYZ" or "No, that will not be an issue").
Stay Positive
In tough economic times, it's easy to focus on all negatives. However, an interviewer is looking for a positive attitude who thinks outside of the box when dealing with difficult situations. So, when answering questions about challenges you have faced in the past, make sure to mention any solutions you employed to resolve them. Also, if asked what you like least about your current or last job, try turning it into a positive by talking about how you would handle that situation differently in the future.
Be honest
Be honest about what you have achieved in previous roles so that the interviewer can see how well-qualified you are. However, when giving examples try not to brag about yourself or discuss any feelings of insecurity--this could come across as a negative trait. Instead, talk about past experiences positively and include details that prove how useful these were.
Ask Questions
Asking insightful questions demonstrates an interest in both the company and the position. While it's important not to ask questions just for the sake of asking, you can always throw in a few of your own. Some good ones include: "What do you enjoy most about working here?" or "What are some of the biggest challenges that I will be presented with if hired?"
Follow Up
An excellent way to end an interview is by following up with a handwritten thank-you note or email. And this will surely leave a lasting impression on whoever interviews you. When writing letters, focus on what made the interviewer memorable and what might have sparked their interest (i.e., as mentioned before, mention how they inspire you or how much potential you see within the organization). Then reiterate your interest in the position and invite them to follow up with you if they need any additional information.
When you want an interview, it can be desirable to guide your career in a specific direction. However, it is often the case that people need reassurance, which can lead to a desire to send out as many applications as possible to increase their chances of success. The following tips should all help improve your results:
Bonus Tips:
Research shows that those who spend five or more hours looking for vacancies receive 15% more interviews than those who spend less than one hour looking.
Before attending any interview, you must prepare a list of questions you expect the interviewer to ask and think about what questions you will ask them. It's essential not only to research the company but also to try and find out as much about the interviewer as possible.
When you hear your name being called at the interview, ensure that you immediately stand up and go over to shake hands with them. Again research shows that those who shake hands get higher scores than those who don't.
Ensure that when the interviewer explains to you, you take notes and ask lots of questions to avoid misunderstanding. When the session is completed, summarize what has been said and ensure that this information is written down logically.
Before entering the interview room, make sure always to smile and keep eye contact; once seated, do not fidget or gesticulate too much (you could come across as nervous).
When the interview begins, ensure that you give a firm handshake and maintain eye contact throughout.
Remember always to have a positive attitude and demonstrate this by smiling, being enthusiastic about your answers, and body language; keep calm under pressure! If there's an awkward silence, feel free to ask for more time or tell them that it can sometimes take you slightly longer to answer specific questions.
Try to use gestures with your hands, but never fidget your pens or other objects on the desk in front of the interviewer. Other acceptable moves are leaning forward slightly (again without overdoing it), opening up your stance, and making good use of positive body language.
When trying to do well in an interview, it all starts before the event has even taken place. Taking time to prepare yourself properly will make things much easier for yourself in your mind, at least! Try not to worry too much about what they're going to ask or how they're going to judge you because ultimately, if they think that you are worth employing, then there must be something about your skillset that agrees with their demand.