How to Win your Job Interview?
Job interviews are not easy, especially if your interviewer is an expert on the company's specific requirements. And while most of us would make it to a second round of interviews with flying colors, some applicants seem to steal the show at their first go-round.
We can't guarantee that you will land your dream job just by reading this post - but we can tell you how to avoid turning off your interviewer and what to do if you don't come across as a perfect fit for the position.
1. Know the Company's Culture
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's surprising how many potential hires don't know something as basic as the company's job descriptions in advance. If your interviewer asks you to walk him through a creative account and you stumble at the crucial point where you explain why you'd be fit for the job, then he has every right to lose interest and move on.
2. Ask Questions
Even if you're not prepared for an HR interview, you should make sure that your voice is heard during the conversation. Because let's face it - if an employer is really interested in your skills, he'll be asking yourself what they are since this will be part of his initial screening process.
3. Be Ready for an Unorthodox Interview
Don't be afraid of asking about the company's culture and how you could fit in. Sometimes this type of interview can be just as important as a technical one when it comes to getting a job offer, especially if you want to work in an innovative industry where adaptability is key.
4. Don't Waste Your Time with Clichés
Although some questions may sound too obvious or even come off rude, they are great ice breakers that help you build rapport with your interviewer and find out what his culture is like. Ask about the company's mission statement, goals and workplace policies, such as how often the team meets and how it communicates with each other.
5. Be Yourself
Everyone knows that an interview is one of the most nerve-wracking situations you can ever face - and if you don't come across as yourself, then your interviewer will be able to tell. We've all seen co-workers who turn into completely different people when they think someone from the company is watching them - so don't be that person!
6. Do Some Research
We're not saying you have to go all out and overthink your answers, but if you don't know the company's market position, please do some research before your interview. This should present you with a good overview of what the company does and how it is different from its competitors.
7. Be Prepared for a Follow-Up Call
If your interviewer starts asking for references (let him know that you're allowed to give your references in writing if he would like them to call them instead) or asks you to demonstrate your soft skills through an actual call back-up, then be ready. It means that he's interested, but will want to talk with a few people about your candidacy. It definitely doesn't mean that you're out of the picture just yet!
8. Avoid Darkness and Distractions on a Video Call
If you are having a video interview, you should make sure that your background is as simple and uncluttered as possible (preferably only one solid color behind the camera.) It is also good to have an area between you and the door so nothing feels closed in or claustrophobic. Also make sure that you aren't wearing clothes with logos on them (you never know who might be watching!) or anything else distracting in the background.
9. Look Your Best
Even if we're talking about a remote interview, you'd better believe that your image matters! Even if you think the company has no idea what your potential co-workers look like, it can still have an impact on their impression of you. So make sure you don't wear clothes that are wrinkled or unkempt - even if they are comfortable.
10. Turn off Distractions
You don't want to be answering your phone or looking at Facebook posts during an interview - make sure everything is turned off and/or password protected so there is nothing to distract from the conversation at hand.
11. Ask For Time to Prepare
We're not saying you should call up the interviewer the day beforehand and ask for a couple of hours to get ready for your interview - but if you don't have it, mention it! It's not smart to come across as unprepared during an interview. Also, be sure that you are well-prepared - as opposed to just knowing the company's mission statement.
12. Stay on Topic
This one can be hard to master for people who don't have their thoughts together, because it is easy to get distracted by the interviewer's questions and veer off-topic. When you are in an interview, you are there to discuss your candidacy with a particular job - so be sure that this is where your conversation stays focused. This can help avoid misunderstandings and keep the conversation on track.
13. Add Pizzazz!
You should never forget that while winning over your interviewer is incredibly important, chances are good that you will have other interviews before you get hired (or not. If you don't land the job, then there are countless other jobs to apply for). So make sure your interviewer knows that you are enthusiastic and put together a few extra little details that make you stand out. For example, if your interviewer has a cat (and who doesn't?) ask how he gets along with it or if it's an indoor or outdoor cat.
14. Be Genuine About Your Weaknesses
Again, even though this can be difficult to do on camera, simply admit when you think an aspect of your candidacy may not be perfect (or at least not up to par with the other applicants). Your honesty will show your interviewer that you know how to take responsibility and that you are willing to improve yourself if given the chance.
15. Throw in a Curve Ball
When in doubt, close with a question of your own. This can make you stand out as an applicant and show your interviewer that you are not afraid to ask questions - especially if they are relevant.
16. Avoid Asking About Salary and Benefits Too Early
While this is surprisingly common, it actually makes sense to wait until the end of your interview so that you can find out what the company really thinks of you - at which point salary negotiations, etc., can be all but closed off.
Conclusion:
Applying for a job is not an easy task and there are many things that you can get wrong along the way. It's no wonder so many people make it seem as if landing a job is impossible! But with the help of these tips, you now have everything you need to ace your next interview - and ultimately, get hired !
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