Interviewing for a job can be a nerve-wracking experience, but interviews are a crucial part of the process for anyone seeking employment. Interviews are more than just a way for employers to grill you about your work history — they’re also opportunities for you to showcase your talents and abilities and really sell yourself for the position at hand. If you’re getting ready to prepare for an interview, there’s a lot more that goes into it than simply dressing nicely and polishing up your resume; you’ve got some homework to do. Use these tips to help you shine during your next interview.
Confidence
Being confident is important when interviewing. You want to show the interviewer that you meet the job’s qualifications and that you are confident in your ability to handle the position. Don’t mistake the mistake of confusing arrogance with being confident either; be self-assured in the skills you have but don’t be braggadocious. You want to be personable as well as qualified.
Dress Sharp
Whether or not it will be the deciding factor in hiring you, first impressions matter and showing up to a job interview underdressed portrays a lack of interest and general professionalism. Dressing professionally shows the employer that you take pride in yourself, which likely means you take pride in the work you do and will take pride in working for their business.
Do Your Research
No matter where you apply, chances are that the interviewer is going to want to know what you know about their business; if they’re going to bring someone onto the team, they’ll want a person who is committed to the larger mission and goals of the company on top of doing their jobs. Build yourself a strong foundation of knowledge about the business and its operations, and look for ways during the interview to weave in how you will use your skills and the position to help further the business. Also, asking in depth questions about the business and its history can show that you have a thorough understanding of the business and are curious to learn more.
Prepare Some Responses
Every interview is different because every business or company with which you interview will be different. However, there are some common interview questions that job candidates will be asked in most interviews. These questions include:
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why would you be a good fit for the position?
- How do you keep yourself organized?
- What are your greatest strengths/weaknesses?
By preparing responses and having clear, defined narratives that not only demonstrate your experiences but also how you’d be a good fit for the position, you can best set yourself up for success.