101 Interview Tips to Ace Your Next Interview

Jan 17, 2020

Do you have an important interview coming up?

This guide of 101 interview tips is sure to help you ace that interview!

It’s conveniently broken up into different sections so you can spend time on the sections you need to improve on the most.

Let’s get started!

Interview Basics

Be focused and concise in your answer.
Have an answer to “tell me about yourself” ready to go, but don’t make it sound too rehearsed.
Be well-versed in your career history.
Be open to the unexpected.
Don’t say you’re a perfectionist.
Know what your biggest weakness is and how to turn it into a strength.
Tailor your responses to the interviewer’s hidden motives.
Don’t speak negatively about your current (former) place of employment.
Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification.
Go beyond the bullet points on your résumé.

How To Be Remembered

Own your individuality so the interviewer will remember you.

Make a great first impression.
Be nice to every person you meet in the office, from the receptionist to the interviewer.
Hold the door for people in the office and practice chivalry.
Ask insightful questions.
Have fresh breath.
Apply extra deodorant and make sure you’re not perspiring.

Dressing For Success

Your clothes should speak on your behalf. They’re an extension of your personal brand.

Dress for success.
Wear a good pair of shoes.
Have your suit dry cleaned a week before.
Wear glasses if you have them.
Have your clothes tailored.
Learn to use an iron.

Fashion For Beginners

While you shouldn’t look like the next cover of Vogue, you should be able to assemble an appropriate outfit for the setting.

Wear something memorable.
Avoid loud colors and distracting accouterments.
Don’t wear anything sparkly or shiny.
Wear a watch.
Keep your makeup professional and natural.
Keep your hair out of your face and firmly in place.

Organization Hacks

Setting yourself up for success is simple, but effective.

Put the interview time into your phone’s calendar and set a reminder.
Lay out your clothes and supplies the night before.
Bring a briefcase and a relevant portfolio.
Know exactly where everything is in your bag.
Bring a copy of any literature you submitted as part of the application.

Communication Skills

There are standard rules of communication that you cannot simply ignore, especially in an interview.

Be authentic.
Be confident.
Be relaxed and calm.
Remember the importance of body language.
Enunciate your words and have great diction.
Make eye contact.
Actively listen and be engaged.
Don’t talk too much.
Practice your smile.
Be a copycat.
Practice proper posture.
Don’t use too many buzzwords to sound smart.
Don’t ramble.
Use your sense of humor to break any tension.

Marketing Yourself

The bottom line of the interview is that you must sell yourself and your skills.

Have all your literature proofread beforehand.
Print out extra copies of your résumé.
Have business cards ready with you.
Have references to give if asked.
Keep testimonials at the ready.
Have samples ready to share.
Let the interviewer know if you have a website.
Own your experience and don’t self-criticize.
Have something to offer, regardless of experience.
Be able to market your education.

Professionalism

Professionalism is the true mark of a potential employee. It also helps you get a promotion later down the line.

Arrive 15 minutes early.
Look presentable from the moment you step into the office.
Don’t chew your nails.
Don’t be too familiar.
Use sophisticated language.
Don’t be arrogant.
Don’t appear desperate.
Make sure your grammar and spelling are pristine.
Turn off your phone or put it on silent.
Practice a proper handshake.
Do not flirt with anyone in the office, even after you’re hired.
Take notes on what the interviewer is saying.

Reducing Nerves

Are you in control of your nerves? Do you want to reduce them?

Check out Glassdoor for reviews and hints on what to expect.
Pamper yourself.
Get sleep the night before.
Eat before your interview.
Overprepare for the interview.
Take a test drive one or two days in advance.
Try to get the inside scoop of the company from someone you know and browse the company’s website.

Before The Interview

When you want a job, sometimes you can get lost in the preparation before the interview.

Do mock interviews.
Conduct research on the employer, hiring manager and job opportunity.
Review common interview questions and prepare your responses.
Visit their social media channels.
Get the adrenaline pumping.
Embrace prior rejections and use them to change what went wrong.
Know why you want to work for the company.
Complete anything they’ve asked of you prior and get confirmation.

After The Interview

The decision isn’t made in the office two seconds after you leave. Other candidates are vying for the same spot, but you still need to stand out.

Thank the interviewer.
Ask for the interviewer’s business card.
Ask to connect with the interviewer on LinkedIn.
Be realistic about your salary negotiations.
Sell yourself and close the deal.
Be open to interning with the prospect of being hired after.

Top Secret

Everyone always looks for the silver bullet on their way to success. Usually, there isn’t one. But, I have a few interview tips that will get you a leg up on the competition.