Scared about your interview? Here’s how to ace it!
Interviews can be quite scary to think about. The idea of not knowing what to expect can make you feel unworthy of applying in the first place. However, remember that the first impression you make on the interviewer is often more important than your actual qualifications. Along with your experience and education, your composure, attitude, fundamental social skills, and ability to communicate are also assessed.
Do you want to ace your next interview and land that open position you've been looking for? Here are some pointers to get you started.
Do Your Research
Before you even step through the door, you must first study everything you can about the organization you're applying to. Prepare for the interview by extensively reading the website, following their social media feeds, searching Google for any intriguing or relevant results, reading reviews, and researching the LinkedIn profiles of anyone who will be participating in the interview. Take notes to assist you come up with questions that show you care about the organization and what they do. The more you know, the more empowered and confident you will feel.
Dress How You Want To Be Addressed
Your interview attire should always be professional, comfortable, and make you feel secure. Before deciding what to wear, research the workplace culture and how individuals dress. The interview dress code rule of thumb is to always dress somewhat nicer than that of the professional dress code and the position you're applying for. You want to appear neat, polished, well-groomed, and well-dressed. Also, if you never wear suits but want to for the interview, practice wearing one beforehand. Before you leave the house, make sure your shoes are shining and that you don't have any blisters.
Prepare Adequately Beforehand
You should know the name, spelling, and pronunciation of the interviewer. Make extra copies of your résumé and a reference list. Bring a copy of your transcript as well. Carry your papers in an orderly fashion. It might be used during the interview. Call ahead and ask the secretary if you don't know the name. Make a mental note of the secretary's name in case you need to contact her again. Secretaries have influence over hiring decisions.
Practice Interview Questions
A list of a hundred or more popular interview questions can be found in any interview questions and answers website. While you won't know what questions will be asked, you may improve your chances of succeeding by researching popular job interview questions and preparing 50- to 100-word responses. Prepare to respond to questions such as:
Why should we hire you?
What is your biggest flaw?
In five years, where do you see yourself?
What would your current/previous employer say about you if I called?
Tell me about a time when you conquered a challenge.
Replicate the body language of the interviewer
Feel free to lean forward in your chair and place your hands on the table if your interviewer is doing so. He's unlikely to notice if you're mimicking him. The "chameleon effect" is a psychological phenomena that discusses how people like each other more when their body language is similar. It should appear as if you are "dancing" with the other person. Otherwise, it may appear that you are uninterested in what they have to say, that you are not a team player, or that you are lying.
Ask the interviewer some questions
During the interview, ask questions to ensure that this employment opportunity is a good fit for you, based on your current job goals, ideal working environment, business culture, and other essential considerations. Try thinking about what you want to know ahead of time, from corporate culture and organizational goals to professional development and advancement prospects.
Be on time
Arrive 30 to 45 minutes early and take a seat in a neighboring cafe or bar. This way, you'll almost certainly avoid situations that prohibit you from coming on time, and you'll be able to cram your notes while waiting for your interview time.
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