Even the most confident individual can feel unsure and nervous when it comes to job interviews. The prospect of sitting down in front of someone new and being put on the spot can be extremely intimidating and often leads to feelings of anxiety. However, the interview process doesn’t have to be something to fear. Follow the tips below to ace your next interview and leave an amazing impression!
1. Be prepared.
The first step to acing your interview is going into the room as prepared as possible. In the weeks leading up to the big day, spend time researching the company and its mission. Try to get an idea of how long the company has been around, how many employees make up their workforce and who is a part of their executive leadership. Building familiarity with these details can make a big difference in your performance and give you the opportunity to impress your potential employer.
2. Do your research.
If you know who you will be interviewing with, taking the time to learn about them will pay dividends. A quick Google search can yield plenty of helpful results, and as many employers are active on LinkedIn. Learning about their background can be extremely beneficial. Pay attention to the schools they attended, the degrees they obtained and their position within the company. Keeping these details in mind can make formulating questions much easier and provide the opportunity to forge a connection around shared interests.
3. Get a good night’s rest.
While it can be tempting to stay up late the night before the interview, getting a full 8+ hours of sleep will ensure you wake up refreshed and ready to conquer the day. Before bed, spend a few minutes reviewing information about the company to strengthen your ability to remember important details. When you wake up, start off the morning with a light, but filling meal and plenty of water to stay hydrated.
4. Remain calm.
In the moments leading up to the interview, take a few deep breaths and relax your muscles. Going into the room in an anxious state can cause you to feel shaky and out of breath, creating tension and impacting your performance. Remember that you were invited to the interview for a reason and have all the skills you need to succeed.
5. Make a great first impression.
Enter the room with your head held high and with a smile on your face. Make strong eye contact with your potential employer and offer a firm handshake. Introduce yourself with confidence and begin the interview by thanking them for taking the time to meet with you. Though these small details may seem insignificant, forging a great first impression can make a huge impact on your success throughout the interview.
6. Remain clear, concise, confident and charismatic.
During the interview, remember the 4 C’s: Clear, concise, confident and charismatic. When answering questions, be sure to provide answers that are brief but meaningful, and pay attention to social cues to ensure that you are not spending too much time on your responses. Confidence and charisma also play a huge role in your performance, so maintain eye contact and smile when appropriate.
7. Ask questions.
While the primary purpose of an interview is to share information about your own experiences, it is always a good idea to come prepared with a variety of questions. You can leverage these questions to show your knowledge of the company, allowing them to see that you prepared in advance. For example, asking why your interviewer chose to stay with the company for a certain amount of time allows them to take the spotlight and share something that they are passionate about.
8. End with gratitude.
At the end of the interview, show your appreciation for your interviewer’s time and offer another firm handshake. If applicable, offer your business card and invite them to connect with you if they have any further questions. Within the next few days, it’s always a good idea to send a follow-up letter thanking them again and confirming your interest in the position. Regardless of the outcome, always remember that each interview is a wonderful opportunity for personal and professional development.
