As we draw this academic year to a close, we face the sudden rush to step up the success ladder. Worse than doom-scrolling Instagram, we eerily find ourselves scrolling through the LinkedIn feed. Unreal! After gathering advice on your job application from literally everyone you know, you end up sullying your peace of mind. But the game kickstarts: an email for the interview pops up in your notification bar. It indeed is daunting to realise that a 15-minute conversation with complete strangers can sketch your future. To cut through the clutter, here are five tips to crack a job interview that might get you a step ahead to landing your dream job!
- Probe into the company and job role:
It’s a rule of thumb, getting the homework right always gives you an edge. Instead of squandering your time before the interview, skim and scan through the company profile and familiarise yourself with the job role. Try to align your skill set and experience to the job description to help you map out appropriate answers during the interview. Find out about the organisation’s goals, principles, and most recent accomplishments. With this information, you’ll be able to explain how you can benefit the business and show your passion and readiness for the interview.
- Be equipped for the common interview questions:
It’s believed that only the first five minutes of your interview would hint the employers if they should hire you. Laying odds on this, you can practice for the typical first-round questions of an interview. Prepare thoughtful, succinct responses to questions like ‘tell us about yourself’ or ‘what intrigues you about this position’? This would showcase your pertinent experience and skills as you speak with clarity and eloquence. Prepare thoughtful and concise responses that highlight your relevant qualifications and experiences. Don’t forget to include specific examples that illustrate how you’ve effectively used these skills in past job roles, or even university projects. Your confidence will boost, and you’ll be better equipped to reply throughout the interview.
- Be aware of your nonverbal cues:
Abiding by the age-old saying: first impression is your last impression. Create an aura that looms large. Dress professionally and in line with the company’s culture. Be mindful of your body language by keeping an upright stance, making eye contact, shaking hands firmly and continuing with a smile. Maintain an upbeat and interested demeanour during the interview by paying close attention to what the interviewer is saying and nodding in accord. These nonverbal indicators show how excited and interested you are about this opportunity.
- Prepare questions for the interviewer:
Most of the candidates grossly miss this opportunity, which matters. At the end of the interview, you will likely be given the chance to ask questions. You don’t have to bombard them with a swarm of questions, instead, prepare a list of thoughtful questions that reflect your genuine interest in the company and the position. This can range from inquiring about the company’s future goals to the team dynamics. Asking thoughtful questions also helps you in determining whether the company matches your professional goals.
- Follow-up after the interview:
Send a personalised email of thanks to the interviewer after the interview to show your appreciation for the chance to speak with them. Reiterate your interest in the job at this time and quickly discuss any major elements from the interview that really struck a chord with you. This action shows your professionalism, keen eye for detail, and interest in the position.
Navigating the interview process might be overwhelming at first, but once you find success in one of them, you will gain even more confidence for the next. Make the most of these top tips and you’ll be sure to leave a lasting impression.
Good luck!
Written by: Taniya Khan
Edited by: Hannah Clarke