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But how do you prepare for a job interview and what are some tips to help you succeed? In this article, we will share 15 essential tips for a completing a successful interview.
1. Learn about behavioral interviewing techniques
Behavior-based interviewing is when the interviewer asks you about how you handled past situations at work. The idea is that your past behavior can predict your future performance. For example, you might be asked: “Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer. How did you handle the situation and what was the outcome?”
To answer these questions effectively, use the STAR method to tell stories with a clear Situation, Task, Action and Result. For example: “I was working as a sales associate at a clothing store when a customer came in and complained that the sweater she bought was defective. She was very angry and demanded a refund. The situation was challenging because we had a no-return policy for sale items. The task was to calm her down and find a solution that would satisfy her and the store. The action I took was to apologize for the inconvenience and explain the policy in a polite and professional manner. I also offered her an exchange or a store credit as an alternative. The result was that she accepted the store credit and thanked me for my help. She even bought another item with the credit and left the store happy.”
2. Prepare for the type of interview
Depending on the role and the company, you might face different types of interviews, such as phone, video, panel, group, or one-on-one. Each type has its own advantages and challenges, so you should prepare accordingly.
For example, if you have a phone interview, make sure you have a quiet and comfortable place to talk, a reliable phone connection, and a copy of your resume and notes in front of you. If you have a video interview, test your camera, microphone, and internet connection beforehand, dress professionally, and choose a neutral and tidy background.
3. Make time for practice
Practicing your answers out loud is an incredibly effective way to prepare for an interview. You can say them to yourself or ask a friend to help run through common questions and your answers. You’ll find yourself gaining confidence as you get more used to saying the words.
You can also record yourself answering questions and watch the playback to check your body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions. You can also use online tools like Interview Simulator or Big Interview to practice with realistic scenarios and get feedback.
4. Prepare answers to common questions
While you can’t predict every question that will be asked in an interview, you can anticipate some of the most common ones and prepare your answers in advance. Some of these questions are:
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why are you interested in this role/company?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- How do you handle stress/conflict/teamwork?
- What are your short-term and long-term goals?
- Why did you leave your last job or why do you want to leave your current job?
- What are your salary expectations?
To answer these questions effectively, focus on highlighting your relevant skills, experience, achievements, and motivation for the role. Use specific examples from your past work or education to demonstrate how you can add value to the company and solve their problems.
5. Remain professional from start to finish
Your professionalism is not only judged by how you answer the questions, but also by how you behave before, during, and after the interview. Here are some tips to show your professionalism throughout the process:
- Be polite and greet everyone you meet
- Research your interviewer/s
- Ask questions
- Be honest
- Practice active listening
- Present professionally and practice positive body language
- Send a thank-you note after the interview
6. Get insider details
One way to stand out from other candidates is to show that you have done your homework on the company and the role. You can use the company’s website, social media posts, and recent press releases to get a solid understanding of their goals, values, culture, products/services, customers, competitors, and challenges.
You can also use platforms like Glassdoor or LinkedIn to get insider details from current or former employees or people who have interviewed with them before. You can learn about the company’s work environment, benefits, interview process, and common questions.
7. Dress for the job
Your appearance can make a difference in how you are perceived by the interviewer. You want to dress for the job you want, not the job you have. This means choosing an outfit that is appropriate for the industry, the company, and the role.
For example, if you are applying for a job in a conservative field like finance or law, you might want to wear a suit and tie or a dress and blazer. If you are applying for a job in a creative field like design or media, you might want to wear something more casual and colorful.
The general rule is to dress one level above what you would wear on the job. For example, if the employees wear jeans and t-shirts, you might want to wear khakis and a polo shirt. If the employees wear business casual, you might want to wear a suit and tie or a dress and blazer.
8. Prepare for small talk
Small talk is an important part of building rapport with your interviewer and breaking the ice before the formal questions begin. It can also show your personality, communication skills, and interest in the company.
To prepare for small talk, think of some topics that are relevant, appropriate, and positive. For example, you can talk about:
- The weather
- The traffic
- The company’s recent news or achievements
- The interviewer’s background or role
- Your hobbies or interests
Avoid topics that are controversial, personal, or negative. For example, don’t talk about:
- Politics
- Religion
- Money
- Health issues
- Complaints or criticisms
9. Be punctual
Being punctual is a sign of respect and professionalism. It shows that you value the interviewer’s time and that you are serious about the job. It also gives you time to relax and get ready for the interview.
To be punctual, plan your route and transportation ahead of time. Check the traffic and weather conditions and leave early enough to account for any delays or unexpected situations. Aim to arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled time.
If you are running late for any reason, call or email the interviewer as soon as possible and apologize for the inconvenience. Explain the reason for your delay and give an estimate of when you will arrive.
10. Bring copies of your resume and portfolio
Even if you have already submitted your resume and portfolio online, it is a good idea to bring copies of them to the interview. This way, you can easily refer to them during the conversation and highlight your relevant skills and achievements.
You can also use them as a backup in case the interviewer does not have them on hand or there is a technical issue with their device. Having copies of your resume and portfolio shows that you are prepared, organized, and professional.
11. Ask insightful questions
Asking questions at the end of the interview is not only an opportunity to learn more about the role and the company, but also a way to show your enthusiasm, curiosity, and intelligence. It can also help you determine if the job is a good fit for you and your career goals.
To ask insightful questions, avoid those that are too basic, obvious, or already answered during the interview. Instead, focus on those that are specific, relevant, and open-ended. For example, you can ask about:
- The expectations and responsibilities of the role
- The challenges and opportunities of the role
- The culture and values of the company
- The goals and vision of the company
- The next steps in the hiring process
12. Follow up with a thank-you note
Sending a thank-you note after the interview is a simple but effective way to express your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the role. It can also help you stand out from other candidates and remind the interviewer of your qualifications.
To write a thank-you note, follow these steps:
- Send it within 24 hours of the interview
- Use email or snail mail depending on the company’s preference
- Address it to each interviewer by name
- Thank them for their time and attention
- Summarize your main points and why you are a good fit for the role
- Mention something specific that you discussed or learned during the interview
- Ask any follow-up questions that you have
- Close with a call to action and a sign-off
13. Negotiate your salary
If you receive a job offer from the employer, congratulations! You have successfully impressed them with your skills and personality. However, before you accept the offer, you might want to negotiate your salary if it is not what you expected or desired.
Negotiating your salary can be tricky, but it is worth trying if you feel that you deserve more than what they offer. Here are some tips to help you negotiate your salary effectively:
Research your market value. Before you start negotiating, find out what is the typical salary range for your position in your industry and location. You can use some online tools like Glassdoor or Salary.com to get an estimate of your worth based on your skills, experience, and education.
Be confident and polite. When you negotiate your salary, be confident in your value and what you can bring to the company. However, don’t be arrogant or aggressive. Be polite and respectful of the employer’s perspective and budget. Express your gratitude for the offer and your enthusiasm for the role.
Use a range instead of a single number. When you state your desired salary, use a range instead of a single number. This gives you more flexibility and room for negotiation. For example, instead of saying “I want $60,000”, say “I’m looking for a salary between $55,000 and $65,000”. Make sure your range is realistic and based on your research.
Focus on the value you can add. When you justify your salary request, focus on the value you can add to the company and the role. Highlight your skills, achievements, and potential contributions. Use specific examples and numbers to show how you have helped your previous or current employers achieve their goals.
Be prepared to compromise. Negotiating your salary is a give-and-take process. You might not get exactly what you want, but you can still get a fair and satisfying deal. Be prepared to compromise and consider other factors besides money, such as benefits, perks, bonuses, flexible hours, remote work, etc.
14. Handle tricky or illegal questions
Sometimes, you might encounter questions that are tricky or illegal in a job interview. These are questions that are irrelevant to the job or that discriminate against you based on your personal characteristics, such as age, race, gender, religion, marital status, disability, etc. However, not all interviewers who ask these questions are malicious or intentionally trying to discriminate against you. Some might be unaware of the laws or just trying to make conversation or get to know you better. So how do you handle these questions? Here are some possible strategies:
Refuse to answer. You have the right to refuse to answer any question that is irrelevant or illegal in a job interview. You can politely decline to answer by saying something like “I’m sorry, but I don’t think that question is relevant to the job” or “I prefer not to answer that question as it is personal/private”. You can also redirect the conversation to something more appropriate by saying something like “What I can tell you is that I have the skills and experience for this role” or “Can we talk more about the expectations and responsibilities of this position?”
Answer with caution. Sometimes, refusing to answer a question might make you seem rude or defensive. If you feel comfortable enough, you can choose to answer the question with caution. You can either give a vague or general answer that does not reveal too much information or turn the question around and ask why it is important for the job. For example, if you are asked about your age, you can say something like “I’m old enough to have the qualifications and experience for this role” or “How does age relate to this position?”
Report the incident. If you feel that the interviewer was deliberately trying to discriminate against you or harass you with illegal questions, you can report the incident to the human resources department of the company or to an external authority. You can also consider whether you want to work for a company that tolerates such behavior.
15. Be yourself
Last but not least, be yourself during the interview. Don’t try to pretend to be someone else or say what you think the interviewer wants to hear. Instead, be authentic, honest, and confident in who you are and what you can offer.
Being yourself will help you showcase your personality, strengths, values, and passions. It will also help you connect with the interviewer on a human level and make a lasting impression.
Remember that an interview is not only about proving your skills and experience but also about finding out if you are a good match for the company and the role. You want to find a job that aligns with your goals, values, and passions, and that will help you grow and thrive.
Conclusion
Job interviews are a crucial part of the hiring process, and preparation is essential. To prepare, learn behavioral interviewing techniques, practice answering out loud, and answer common questions. Highlight relevant skills, experience, achievements, and motivation for the role. Maintain professionalism throughout the interview process by showing proper behavior before, during, and after.
Get insider details from current or former employees or people who have interviewed with the company. Negotiate your salary based on market value, politeness, and enthusiasm. Handle tricky or illegal questions with caution, report incidents, and be authentic. Remember that an interview is about more than just demonstrating your talents and expertise; it is also about finding a job that corresponds with your goals, values, and passions.
