Study the Role You Have Applied For
If you’re not sure how to prepare for an interview, now is the time to consider your long-term strategy. Remember – you are vying with many other people for the same position. It’s a dog-eat-dog scenario – and you need to demonstrate to the interviewers that you are the most ideal candidate for the role.
It doesn’t matter what type of interview you’re attending; the same tips and strategies apply.
For example – you need to take a few moments to learn about the role you have applied for. After all, if you are ill equipped with learn about the position, then what else are you ill prepared for? Interviewers are searching for detail – and you need to provide it.
Don’t just learn about the role. You also need to justify why you are the ideal person to fit that role. You must have answers prepared, evidence to hand, and have the right professional demeanour that the company is looking for.
Monitor Body Language
Often, candidates are so consumed by their answers that they forget how to communicate effectively to the interviewer.
In other words, you must start thinking about the following 5 factors:
- Your attire – is it suitable and formal for the interview?
- Greeting – shake hands, approach with a smile, and engage with small-talk.
- Language – choose diplomatic, tactful language throughout each answer. Do not argue or start disagreeing or debating issues during the interview.
- Seated appropriately – don’t slouch or look too relaxed. Sit up straight.
- Conclusion – ask questions, shake hands, smile, and thank them.
This sounds obvious, but many people get “lost” during the interview and forget many of these key criteria – all of which will be assessed by the interviewer.
You need to remain conscious of your behaviour and demeanour and act appropriately, maturely, and professionally throughout the entire interview – start, middle, and conclusion.
That is what delivers the very best results.
Practice Interview Questions
Finally, candidates should always practice interview questions.
The more interview questions you practice, the more prepared and polished your answers will sound during the interview. Pack your answers with evidence, not fluff or intelligent-sounding language.
If anything, keep complex words and jargon to a minimum, unless specifically asked about a technical question. Don’t try to sound smart or intelligent – it comes across as patronising, snobby, and elitist. It just isn’t a good look.
Not only this, but you also need to consider formulating your own questions to ask to the interviewers. At the end of the interview, you will probably be asked – “do you have any questions?”. The wrong answer to this, all the time, is “No”. The right answer is, “Yes, I have a couple of questions if that’s okay?”.
Then, once they signal that they are happy to hear your questions, fire away. However, make sure your questions are relevant to the position you are applying for in the company. Don’t ask questions about how many days holiday you’ll receive, or what the salary is like. Keep the questions purely on a professional basis about the specifics of the role itself. That way, you simply can’t go wrong.
By implementing these fundamental tips and strategies, you will maximize your performance on the day of your interview and, with enough luck on your side, pass it and secure your next career position.