The job interview is one of the most stressful parts of the hiring process. You’re in a room with someone who could potentially be your new boss, and you don’t know if they’ll like what they see. That’s why it’s so important to make a good impression from the start: if you can get past the nerves, this is an opportunity for you to show off your skillset and convince potential employers that you’re worth hiring. Here are some tips on how to do just that:
Research the company.
It’s important to research the company. This can be done by looking up information on their website, checking out their social media pages. You should also ask friends or family members who work there for advice about what to expect during an interview and how you should dress for it!
If possible, try to get an inside look at how the company operates by reading about them in the news.
Prepare some thoughtful questions.
When interviewing for a job, it’s important to ask questions that will help you get an idea of what the person thinks is important. You should also prepare some thoughtful questions so that they don’t come off as too personal or invasive. Here are some examples:
Have a practice run with a friend.
This will help you become better at the interview process.
The best way to prepare for an interview is to practice answering common interview questions. There are plenty of websites that have lists of common questions, but they can be hard to read if you don’t know what they mean. That’s why we put together this list of commonly asked open-ended and behavioral interview questions. By practicing your answers, you can improve your chances of nailing the real thing!
Dress appropriately.
Dress for the job you want, not just “the job that pays well.” You could be a receptionist at a hotel or a business owner in your own store if you want to work with people and make money.
If the industry is competitive, dress in accordance with it; if it’s not competitive, then wear something more casual that reflects this fact (for example: jeans and t-shirts are okay; khakis and button down shirts are not.
Get a good night’s sleep and eat breakfast.
Sleep is important for your brain function. If you don’t get enough sleep, you won’t be able to think clearly or make good decisions. So make sure that when you go in for your interview, you’ve gotten plenty of shut-eye and eaten a good breakfast so that when it’s time for the interview itself, your mind is at its most alert state possible. Don’t eat too much or too little, just right!
Be on time!
Being on time is the most important thing in an interview. If you’re not there when the interviewer arrives, they will know that you’re not serious about this position. It’s very awkward for both parties if a candidate arrives early and then gets distracted by something else while waiting for their interviewer.
If possible, try to arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled time so that there won’t be any confusion about whether or not you actually intend to show up!
To avoid being late:
Be authentic; don’t talk yourself up too much, or pretend to be someone you’re not.
When you’re interviewing for a job, it’s important to be yourself and not pretend to be someone else. This can help you avoid getting caught up in the moment, which is why it is so important to have an authentic approach when talking about yourself and your experiences.
If there is something that makes you nervous or uncomfortable, don’t try to hide it!
Demonstrate your skills, but only in response to questions.
When it comes to demonstrating your skills, don’t be afraid to show them off. You may want to bring in a few examples of what you’ve done, but only if the interviewer asks specifically for them. Otherwise, keep it simple: “I’m great at organizing projects.”
It’s also important not to oversell yourself too much during an interview. As long as they hear enough positive things about your work history and interests, and as long as they see that you’re able and willing to do the job well; you’ll get hired!
Follow up with an email thanking the interviewer for their time.
If you prepare, relax, be yourself and follow up well, chances are you’ll land that job!
Good luck!