Getting called for an interview can be an exciting moment, but it can also be very stressful when you don’t know what to expect. It doesn’t have to be this way. Here are some tips, gathered from career-experts, that will help you ace your next interview:
1. Do Your Research
Prepare yourself for this interview. Research the company, their culture, and the position you applied for. Show interviewers that you’ve done your homework. One of the most common interview questions is: “What do you know about this company?” and you won’t want to be caught off guard.
2. Practice
Mock interviews exist for a reason. If you’re a person that gets nervous during interviews (which is totally normal), try practicing most common interview questions with somebody else. Planning your answers can help you keep control of your nerves in the process.
3. Prove Yourself
Remember why you’re in the interview: to get the job. Surely, there are other candidates being evaluated as well. Give them real answers on why you should be selected for the process. Highlight your attributes (without being too overly self-centered) and emphasize how hiring you can benefit the company.
4. Smile
A very common mistake candidates make is that they don’t smile. They are too serious throughout the whole session. Have a little humor, compliment the place, be friendly to the interviewer. Remember that HR hires people, not robots. So, don’t forget to be kind.
5. Ask Questions
Usually, at the end of the interview, you will be asked if you have any questions. A good step to impress the interviewer is by asking them a question. Try asking a savvy job-related question like, “What would you say is the best thing about working here?” or “What have previous employees done to excel at this position?” Asking these types of questions show that you are thoroughly interested in the job and that you care about hearing the interviewer’s input.
6. Follow Up
This tip is extra, but I always recommend to send a thank you email after an interview. Include in the email that you are grateful for their time interviewing you, and also let them know that you are awaiting the following steps in the process. Kind words make anyone’s day. This email makes interviewers feel like their time was worth the while, that you are detail-oriented, and that you are definitely a candidate to keep in mind.
Now, go out there and ace your interview!