Are you looking for a job but aren’t sure if you’ll be hired? Is there a position you just have to get? Here are some tips to help you ace that next interview!
Research the company/industry you have in mind
Your interviewer may ask questions about the company’s mission and values, what the company has been up to lately, or recent changes in the company itself. For this reason, research the company you are applying to, and try to ask yourself questions you think the interviewer may ask. The more you know about the company you are applying to, the higher your chances of nailing that interview.
Clarify your selling points
To guarantee your success, work on your first impression. Come in with positive energy and shake the interviewer(s) hand. Then, prepare yourself with a few points on why you are fit for the job. Interviewers may receive hundreds of résumés and applicants, and it is your job to prove to them that you are a better fit for the company. Have an example for each of your selling points and show enthusiasm! Interviewers look for interest, and this willingness for the position can be what differentiates you from the other applicants.
Practice the common questions
I’m sure you have heard of common interview questions, such as “what is your biggest strength,” or even “tell us an example of a time you…” These questions may seem simple, but are hard to answer on the spot. To prevent yourself from fumbling in an interview, try watching recent YouTube videos or read a few books on common interview questions and how to answer them. Look for questions that you will most likely be asked based on your age or work experience.
Also practice the “behaviour-based” questions
These questions take up most of the interview. This is the moment you are asked to describe experiences about certain behaviours that are important for the position. For example, you may be asked what you did when you made a wrong decision, how well you worked under pressure, or how you approached a task with limited information. The SAR (Situation-Action-Result) method is useful here. Reword the situation presented, explain the actions you took, the consequences of these actions, and what you learned from the experience.
Have some questions ready for the interviewer
An interviewer may ask you if you have any questions at the end. If you answer with “no” or “not really”, it may seem as if you are not interested in the position you applied for. Instead, try to prepare at least two questions for the interviewer, such as “what do you look for in a potential candidate?” or “what are the best things about this company?” You can also come up with a few questions throughout the interview. Don’t be afraid to ask in the middle!
Send thank-you notes
Putting aside the results of the interview, thank-you notes are always a good way to give thanks to the company for their time. These should be sent to the company within 24 hours of the interview. You can send one by e-mail or mail, depending on the preferences of the company. Make sure to include specific details about the interview, such as “I was interested about what you mentioned about the…” This way, you will increase your chances of leaving a lasting impression in the interviewer’s mind!
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