Do you get nervous before job interviews? Many people do, and it’s not hard to see why: the more you care about getting the job, the more you’re likely to stress over how the interview will go. If you haven’t done many job interviews in the past, the uncertainty will only add to your jitters. But if you follow best practices, you’ll build your confidence, feel more comfortable answering questions, and dramatically increase your chances of having a successful job interview.
How to succeed in a job interview: Before the interview
1. Do your research
Always do your research on a company before your head into an interview. Wouldn’t it be a shame to get hired only to discover you don’t even want to work there? At the very least, research information about the company and the job, and do a Google search for current news on the company. Some important information to look for includes what are the latest projects being carried out by the employer, how financially stable the employer is, and how well they treat employees. Regarding the job, look for information that can help you be more convincing about how you’d be a great fit. These will serve as talking points during your interview.
2. Prepare stories to tell
Part of a successful job interview is your ability to market your experiences and skills as they relate to the job described, and a great way to do just that is by telling stories to illustrate your experiences and successes with those skills. Stories make you engaging, allow you to show off your personality, and demonstrate good communication skills too.
3. Gather your questions
A classic recruiter pet peeve is the part of the interview when they wonder out loud if you have any questions for them, and you simply reply “no.” That can be a big strike against you. Having questions shows how interested you really are in the role and may also show that you did your homework and should be taken seriously.
4. Dress for success
While your skill and experience should stand on their own, to have a successful job interview, start with your clothing. Dress one level above the job you’re seeking. It’s not all about expensive suits and ensembles — it’s about looking the part and wearing clothes that are clean and fit you well. If you are unsure of the dress code at the company where you are interviewing, reach out to the recruiter and ask. Once you have a general idea, be sure to choose something that will make you feel confident. Decide what you’ll wear the night before so you won’t rush at the last minute. Layout your clothes and make sure everything is clean and pressed.
5. Bring what you need
Although you may have emailed your resume to the company, bring paper copies for you and your interviewer to refer to. It’s also a good idea to have paper copies of your references list in the event that you are asked for them. These should always be on a separate sheet of paper, not on your resume.
6. Respect the schedule
How to succeed in a job interview 101: Plan to arrive for your interview 10-15 minutes before the appointed time. Arriving too early can confuse the employer and create an awkward situation. On the other hand, arriving late creates a bad first impression and may doom your chances right off the bat. Ask for directions when making arrangements for the interview. If you run into a snag, phone ahead at the first sign of trouble. It shows good manners and respect for the recruiter’s time and will give them an opportunity to reschedule if need be.
Source: Live Career