Top 15 Interview Preparation Tips that Help to Get Hired

8/9/2020 10:38:43 AM
jobdesk®
Careers, Recruitment, Blog

 

Whether you’re planning on entering the job market as a newcomer or simply in-between switching jobs, there is a high chance that you will have to give an interview for it.

So here are a few working tips to help you ace any interviews-

1. Research beforehand 

The first thing you should do before any interview is research.

If you have more knowledge of what sort of industry or company you’re applying for, you’ll have a better strategy for your interview preparation.

 

2. Why should they hire you? 

The most basic questions in any job interview are to ask your selling points and why you want the job.

These questions define what you know about the company and what you have to offer that’s unique from every other applicant.

It’s a good idea to talk about outside of what’s written in your resume that might be appealing or you could just expand on what you excel at.

As for the reason you want this job, it's best to not focus on yourself but work both ways.

Meaning you should answer in a way that not only shows your need for the job but also why the company would find you more appealing.

 

3. Expecting what the interviewers commonly ask 

A good applicant will have an answer prepared for all the commonly asked questions on interviews.

A little research on this will go a long way into helping to make your interviewing experience a lot easier.

 

4. Asking questions yourself 

A good way to show interest in the company you’re applying to is to ask questions specific to the job or the position.

For example, what is your ideal candidate like? Or what is the best part about working here?

These questions not only highlight your interest but also give you ice breakers when you see your answers hitting the wall.

 

5. Practice makes a person PERFECT! 

Even though interviews are usually short and just a series of questions, it’s often not something you might excel at immediately.

Interviewing can be tedious, especially the ones where the position is more appealing.

So, the more you practice your speech, posture, and answers the better your chances are to ace it.

 

6. First impressions are most important 

Often interviewers meet tens or hundreds of applicants for only a select few positions. This can be a very mundane task.

So if you want to highlight yourself among the competition, the best way is a good first impression.

The first 5 minutes is vital because after that it’s likely the interviewer will lose interest. So, focus on building a good first impression within the first 5 minutes.

 

7. The interviewer is your friend 

Interviews can be quite intimidating for newcomers. A piece of good advice to always remember in every interview is that your interviewer is not your enemy.

He’s not out to get you or make you feel uncomfortable. It’s quite the opposite. He will ask you questions and follow-ups because he is interested in you.

Don’t let that interest go to waste. Talk to him. Ask questions and be specific when answering.

 

8. Taking responsibility for the interview 

Often people who are very assertive in life tend to come out as passive in interviews.

You should remember that politeness and passiveness are two very different things.

It’s great that you’re polite, but don’t shy away from being assertive and showing confidence in interviews. Everyone likes someone with a backbone.

 

9. Stay in character 

There’s a very good chance the interviewers may ask you something inappropriate or illegal.

You should not take this the wrong way. This is very common. And you should not drop your guard in an interview.

Stay assertive in these situations and answer the question as casually as possible.

 

10. Be positive 

Interviews are a stressful business. And chances are, more often than not you may find yourself drawing the short straw.

But you should never let it get to you. Stay positive and try showing the same level of enthusiasm for every interview. Your next job is right around the corner.

 

11. Ending on a positive note 

At the end of your interview if you find the job attractive, don’t shy away from asking for it. Tell the interviewer you are excited about it.

Your enthusiasm might rub off on the interviewer or leave an impression lasting enough to land you that job.

 

12. Don’t worry about sounding casual 

Some people are worried that if they answer questions as they practice back home, it might come off as casual. But that doesn’t have much of an effect on your interview.

On the contrary, it shows that you have prepared for the answers and your interest in the job is genuine.

 

13. Express yourself 

If you find yourself being asked the question, “Tell me about yourself” you should always make the most of it and use it to highlight all your good sides, especially the ones related to the job in question.

Try to answer things that are outside your resume but still interesting. Don’t be too random.

And most importantly, don’t come out as a “Me, me, me” sort of person. Rather focus on your activities and quarks.

 

14. Posture and body language 

Everyone likes a civilized person and the interviewer is no different. Your body language says a lot about you and lays the foundation for the first impression. 

So make sure to stand and walk straight. Maintain your posture when sitting down and show confidence in your body language.

Use simple gestures while talking and avoid keeping your hands on anywhere but your knees.

 

15. Don’t give up 

There is a high chance your first interview will not land you a job. Job hunting is messy and time-consuming, and interviews are no better.

There might come a time when you’ve taken countless interviews with no result. Don’t give up.

Be it your 3rd interview or your 30th, Show the same level of enthusiasm and preparation for each of them. Effort never betrays.

 

 Conclusion 

So, these are a few tips for your future interviews. As for anything else, you’ll need practical knowledge and you’ll learn as you go.

With all said and done, once you memorize and exercise these tips properly, you’ll be as ready as any candidate can ever be.