This is something everyone can definitely relate to. We have all been through the harrowing stage of job hunting. Whether you are a fresh graduate or a seasoned veteran, you will surely have to look for a job at some point in your life. It could be your very first job after graduating or it could be a transition to a new position in an entirely different industry.
Whatever the case may be, you do not want to go into the meeting room unprepared after getting through the screening process and being called for a job interview. This is the final hurdle you need to cross to in order to land your dream job, and you want to make sure that everything is perfect to leave a positive impression on the mind of the interviewer.
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We have 10 tips and tricks for hopeful job seekers to help them ace their job interview. Our advice is applicable for any type of position in any type of industry. There is a common formula for all job interviews, and we have deciphered it and found ways to boost your confidence and raise your chances of getting hired. Job interviews may be daunting, but following these tips will make things so much easier for you and secure your dream job.
We have decided to arrange the tips in chronological order, from pre-interview to post-interview. By organizing them in this manner, it will help you approach the job interview in a systematic manner and follow the procedures accordingly. They are by no means listed based on order of importance.
Rather, we begin with what you should do prior to the interview, what to do in the actual interview, and ending with what needs to be done afterward. This makes it very easy for readers to follow and get the most out of this guide.
BE WELL PREPARED
Tip #1 – Research the Organization
When you originally applied for the position, you must have done some form of research on the company and incorporated some facts and figures into your cover letter to impress the recruiting department. That’s what got you into this position, the opportunity to attend a job interview.
Some time has passed since then, so perhaps a lot of that information has escaped your mind. Now you need to regain all of that information, and more. This first tip may be the most important tip of the bunch; hence, it is in fact the longest.
Far too often, people focus too much on the job title and responsibilities but lose sight of the bigger picture – the company that you will be working for. It is paramount that you understand the ins and outs of the organization to impress the interviewer. You need to let them know that you are highly interested in them, not just the position. Anybody can know a lot about the position; that is the easier part.
The harder part is knowing about the organization in detail before you even start working there. Mentioning some interesting facts you found in your interview will score you major points and tell your interviewer that you know how to find information without any guidance.
Here is what you can do.
Study the Company Online
Go Through Their Website. All companies nowadays have a corporate website, which contains all of the important information about the firm. A complete description of their products and services, management team, local and global strategies, mission and vision, corporate responsibilities, and a myriad of other things can be found on their site. We highly recommend that candidates go through them in depth. It is common practice for interviewers to ask questions like, “What is our company’s mission and vision?” and, “Which products and services are we known for?” Failing to answer them will cut your interview short. You want to keep in mind all of the important information, to convey that you are interested in the company and fascinated by what they do.
Check The Company Presentation. Companies make this process easier for prospective candidate by providing a company presentation for everyone to see online. Make sure you read the company presentation and acquire all of the key information – markets, products, services, brand image, etc. There is a lot to learn from them that will aid you in the interview. Stating facts straight from a company’s presentation tells the interviewer that you actually took the time to read about them, what they have achieved thus far, and where they are headed.
Read the Annual and Financial Reports. In addition to the presentation, companies also publically release an annual report and a financial report, very detailed documentations elaborating on a firm’s key activities and revenue streams, respectively. The annual report is intended for shareholders to have a better understanding what the company is doing and what they plan to do in the near future. You may not be a shareholder, but you are a potential stakeholder, somebody who is interested in learning all about the organization’s activities. When asked about the key activities of the firm, being able to successfully mention most of them will score you major points in the interview. You need to comprehensively know what they are doing and why they are doing it.
On the other hand, the financial report includes balance sheets and income statements listing the annual revenue of the firm as well as the revenue streams, where the money is coming from. If you know the market share of the company in the particular segment or industry, you can inform the interviewer about them. More points in your favor.
How to Deal with Startups and Smaller Firms
Smaller companies, particular startups, typically do not have a detailed website with a ton of information. Since they are small, with limited employees and smaller projects and operations, and in some cases very new, there is sometimes a dearth of information on their site, lacking insight on key activities and annual revenue.
They definitely have a mission and vision statement outlined, but sometimes lack other crucial information, such as list of partners, markets, etc. This is where it might be tricky to acquire information about them.
However, you need to make use of Google here. A quick search would usually result in news about the company from other reliable sources. Reading articles on them will bring you up to speed on what they are doing and what they expect to achieve in the future.
This will greatly help you in the interview, as it tells the interviewer that while they may be small, you took the effort of getting to know as much as you could about them.
Use Social Media Platforms and Networks
Smaller organizations tend to rely on social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, YouTube) to address their core audience and inform them of recent activities and events. Following them on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and other platforms they may use will keep you up-to-date on their activities and you can mention this in the interview.
This will give you more information to work with in the interview and it will demonstrate your ability to acquire information that is difficult to find. In the 21st century, there is no excuse to not use social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn. Follow the news on these networks to increase your chances of landing that dream job. Start following the company now to always be informed of the latest happenings at the firm.
Larger corporations have followed suit and have begun to use social media platforms to interact with customers as well. Leveraging the power of online publishing platforms will help you acquire more information about a company, both big and small. With YouTube, people can now watch interesting videos about companies – their profile, projects, and activities.
Things have become so much easier now, so it would be a grave mistake to not take advantage of all of these channels. Learn as much as you can about a company before the interview, and you will be set.
Tip #2 – Research the Role
You have done extensive research on the company, but don’t get too excited just yet. Knowing about the company is only a part of the equation. Now you need to do the same for the position you applied to.
While it may seem obvious, many candidates do not give enough time to properly research the role they want to undertake. Some act a bit too pretentious, thinking that they know all about the position because the title is quite evident. However, that is not a very good way of knowing what needs to be done.
When you are asked, “What do you think you will be expected to do in this position?” and if you happen to draw a blank face, it will be very embarrassing. You got yourself in this position and you could not even answer what the job responsibilities are. You do not want to fall in this trap.
Study the Job Advert
We suggest to study the job description repeatedly to determine what needs to be done based on the responsibilities listed. Most job adverts clearly state the job duties of somebody looking to take on the role. Get well acquainted with each of the points listed so that you completely understand what needs to be done.
The interviewer knows what is listed in the job advert, so they expect the candidate to cover most, if not all, of what is written. If the job responsibilities resemble what you did in school, then you have it fairly easy. In case they do not, then you need to learn at least the basics of what you may be unfamiliar with. Familiarize yourself with those duties so that you at least everything that was mentioned in the advert.
Google any alien terminology to get a crash course into that particular topic to at least inform the interviewer that you know the basics of that point. Everything else has to be on point, so that is entirely in your hands. Study, study, study! Make sure you know at least one thing extremely well, and your interviewer will already know what you are good at have a position in mind for you.
Examples of Ambiguous Job Descriptions
We said that most job adverts are clearly written. However, there are some advertisements that are a little bit vaguer. For instance, take this key point mentioned in a job advert where the company was looking for somebody who “can work independently and also be a teamplayer.” Those are two conflicting traits. On one hand, you need to be able to work by yourself without any help from others.
On the other hand, you are expected to be a member of a team and work with others. So will you be required to do both? Which one is more prevalent for this position? Many questions arise when such a vague description is posted.
Another example is a job advert saying, “We are looking for somebody who is flexible and steadfast.” While both are admirable traits to possess and will surely come in handy, they are at odds with one another. Being flexible means that you are open and willing to do a variety of tasks, whereas being steadfast means that you are firm and resolute in your position.
Do you see how this can be quite confusing for somebody to wrap their head around? Again, more questions asked than answered.
Leverage Your Professional Network Connections
In such scenarios, it is best to ask your professional network for clarification. If you know anybody who holds the same position or even a similar one, ask them to clarify any confusions you may have. They can provide much needed insight into what could be expected from you in a given role.
Try to google other companies in the same industry offering the same position and read up their descriptions. As long as the industry is the same, then the responsibilities are usually the same, too. Sometimes those other adverts might be written more clearly, giving you a better idea of what is expected from you.
Call the Company Directly
Another thing you can do is to call the HR department of the company and ask for clarification. Most job adverts have the contact information of the hiring manager listed in them.
Rather than emailing them, since they expect job applications and not inquiries, pick up the phone and call them directly. Phone calls are usually reserved for inquiries so might as well take advantage of the opportunity.
A hiring manager is usually very cooperative since they want the best of the best to be hired by the company. By helping a candidate resolve any misunderstandings in the job advert, the company has a higher chance of recruiting the right candidate.
You can be that right candidate by taking the initiative to ask them questions about the position before the actual interview. Be polite in this regard, and you will surely be rewarded with an inside tip or two.
Tip #3 – Know Yourself
A very typical scenario that candidates will find themselves in an interview is to talk about themselves; they need to answer questions like “Tell me about yourself” and “Name your strengths and weaknesses.”
Many candidates fail to clearly define themselves and answer these questions successfully. More often than not, people take for granted that they can easily describe themselves when asked to do so.
However, when the time comes, many of us are at a loss for words. You need to be able to look deep within yourself and reference past experiences to talk about your strengths and weaknesses. Knowing yourself will help you answer those tough interview questions and give your interviewer a clear image of who you are as a person.
Develop Your Elevator Pitch
An elevator pitch is a brief summary of any product or service that is being sold. Typically used by marketers, this is also used by job seekers because they are marketing themselves to the interviewer. You need to be able to sell yourself from the very first second you meet someone. The company needs convincing that they require your services and expertise. Your elevator pitch describes who you are and what skills you can bring to the table. It has to hook the interviewer, and your bait is your content.
The entire speech should last roughly 60 seconds. While that might seem a bit short to cram a lot of information in, a well-prepared elevator pitch can easily be done in under one minute. You need to be succinct and go straight to the point. Introducing yourself is all about saving time and getting to the main points without talking about peripheral things.
See a great example of Will Smith in one of my favourite movies of all time.
Key Points to Possibly Consider
If you had an interesting childhood of moving from place to place, talk about how this has shaped your view of the world and made you more multicultural and open-minded. This will surely play a role when trying to fit into a diverse company.
If you are a fresh graduate, talk about how your outstanding school results propelled you to this position and how you applied your theoretical knowledge in practical real-life situations.
If you happen to have years of experience under your belt already, talk about specific accomplishments in your previously held positions. Mention some metrics, because everybody loves quantified data.
Components of an Elevator Pitch
A typical elevator pitch consists of an introduction, an opening statement that paints an image of who you are. Typically, this is your job title or profession.
Then you move on to the main content: your skills and competencies. Your skills need to be tailored in such a way that the company can benefit from them. Using your knowledge of the company, you can customize your skills and mention the ones that are relevant to the company and the industry.
Lastly, you need to state your goals and your motivations. A good company may find a way to motivate you on the job when you are struggling, but you need to be motivated to achieve great things from the get-go. Align your goals with those of the organization, and the interviewer will be inclined to bring you onboard as you have piqued their interest.
Strengths and Weaknesses
So you got past the whole elevator pitch, which usually is something you say at the very beginning of an interview, after the icebreakers.
At some point in the interview, you will be asked to mention your strengths and weaknesses. It is usually the latter that everybody has trouble with, but the former is not as straightforward as it may appear.
Strengths
By now, you should know what you are good at. Look back at your professional career and think of the things that you excelled in. Think of all of your impressive achievements and see what you did to make those things happen. Those are your strengths. If you happen to be a fresh graduate, recall your education and highlight specifically what you were very good at. Certain traits must have played a big role in projects, so talk about those.
Most importantly, try to connect your strengths to the job responsibilities of the role. If it is a sales position, mention how you have great communication skills and can create bonds with people with ease. Mentioning something like your proficiency with some obscure software or programming language may not be relevant to the matter on hand. The interviewer wants transferrable skills only, so stick to those that actually come in handy for the job.
Weaknesses
One of the questions we fear the most is “What are your weaknesses?” Many do not think deeply about this, act a bit too arrogant, and say that they have none. That is a big no-no in an interview. Nobody is perfect; everybody has some weakness they need to be aware of. Only by accepting that we have some weaknesses are we then able to work on them to make them our strengths.
If you happen to be technically very gifted, excelling in mathematics and possessing critical reasoning and analytical skills but lack in public speaking capabilities, mention this. It is completely okay to own up to your deficiencies, that is a sign of character.
What is even more important is that you are doing something to improve them. Tell your interviewer how despite your lack of ability in something, you find ways to improve them. Mentioning that you take online courses shows that you do not stop learning even when you have already graduated.
Tip #4 – Dress for Success
So you know about the company, the position, and yourself. Now you have to look to the part. As you researched the company, you may have already gotten a sense of the company culture. This tells you how the working environment is and what employees are expected to wear on the job.
When an interviewer first lays eyes on you, they need to know that you mean business, though this does not always mean wearing formal business attire. While it may be the safest choice, the times are changing and there is a shift towards business casual attire in startups and creative industries.
Knowing this beforehand will give you a slight edge and put you on the front foot in the door at smaller companies and in tech or creative industries. Having said that, it all depends on the position and the company, so dress accordingly.
Dress for the Job
Traditionally, workers were categorized into two groups – white collared and blue collared. White collar workers held office positions in administration, management, or anything of that nature. They typically wore a suit and tie.
Conversely, blue collar workers did manual labor and wore dark clothing to hide the dirt. Nowadays, the lines have blurred and such terms are not used as often, but knowing which category your job falls under helps to determine what you should wear in an interview.
Examples:
If you are interviewing for a field job, where you will be involved in a factory or a construction site, wearing a suit in an interview may not convey the sense that you understand the position. Sure, it is always nice to dress up to make a good first impression, but studies have shown that employers nowadays care more about you fitting in rather than looking very dapper. For such jobs, we advise that you wear something practical that would suit a field job. This tells the interviewer that you are ready to start immediately.
If you are interviewing for a managerial or sales position, then you definitely need to dress up. This is an office position, where everybody needs to look professional. In order to match the professional attire of your interviewer, you need to also wear formal business attire. We recommend wearing a suit for such an interview. A dark colored suit paired with a white dress shirt and a dark pair of shoes is a perfect combination as it is easy on the eyes. It is not about being fashionable, but understanding what pairs well together in business attire will help you a lot at work.
Nowadays, there is an emergence of startups, particularly in creative and technology industries, where the attire is normally business casual or smart casual. This allows the employees to express themselves creatively, not only in the work they do but in how they dress, too. When interviewing for a creative position, like a graphics designer, wearing a suit might be overkill. The company strives to deviate from that image, and wearing a suit might be displeasing to the interviewer. Study the company and wear something that is casual yet clean and appropriate for a creative or tech company. Wearing a short-sleeved shirt with dark denim jeans and a pair of sneakers or boots will convey a sense of creative expression, something that an interviewer wants to see.
These are just some of the examples of what to wear depending on what position you are applying to or what industry you are joining. Nevertheless, always study the company and the position to accurately determine what you can wear.
First impressions make or break your chances of securing that job. To be on the safe side, it is always better to overdress than underdress in moments of uncertainty.
IN THE JOB INTERVIEW
Tip #5 – Pause and Think, then Talk
The moment has finally arrived when you are in the limelight, in center stage for the world to see. Well in this case, for the company, particularly the interviewers, to see. You are in the boardroom with the interviewers and are being bombarded with questions. In the heat of the moment, many candidates are a tad bit overexcited and respond to a question without thinking too much about it.
Rather than jumping the gun and uttering whatever comes at the top of your head, take a moment to process what you just heard and contemplate how to structure an articulate response. It only takes a few seconds, and it works wonders.
Listen Carefully and Speak Slowly
Listen carefully to every single question the interviewer is asking. Even if you think you already know what they will ask, do not rapidly fire an answer. Use the time given to you to listen intently. Only having heard the entire question should you then deliver your answer. Some questions are easier than others and do not require much thought, whereas others are more challenging and require some thinking time.
E.g., questions like “Tell me about yourself” or “In XYZ school, what did you study and why?” should be answered with ease. However, questions like “What are your strengths and weaknesses” or “What do you expect to gain from this position?” require more time to answer. Always pause after every question, think for a few seconds, and then speak your mind.
It might appear unnatural to sit there, think, and not say anything for a few seconds but that is actually how a conversation goes. In any conversation, it is all about maintaining a steady tempo while also being able to tell a story. Taking time to speak shows that you have good communication skills and you took the effort to structure your thoughts.
In the heat of the moment, many end up speaking at a higher pitch than usual and speak much faster than at normal pace. Do not fall into this trap as once you get sucked in, it can be very difficult to get out. Save yourself and do not speak too fast or full of energy at all times. Slow it down and speak at a mild tempo with a deeper voice if you must.
Doing so will give your interviewer time to actually listen to what you have to say and it keeps the conversation flowing at a smooth and steady rate. The worst thing you can do is speak very fast to somebody who is speaking at a modest pace. Match your pace and pitch with that of the interviewer and you will notice that things flow smoothly off the tip of your tongue.
Tip #6 – Show Signs of Enthusiasm
You have only one chance to make a good first impression, so you better make it count. Even if you had to make a long flight to reach the company and attend the interview, do not show any signs of weariness.
Freshen up in the restroom and you will be energized for this important moment in your career. You must convey enthusiasm and happiness when you meet your interviewer because they are happy to see you. You must do them the favor and show mutual interest in them.
Things to Do and Avoid
Do not show signs of fear or lack of confidence when meeting your interviewer. We know that it can be quite daunting to meet a high-ranking member of an organization whose job is to gauge you in a short amount of time. Express your happiness that you want to interact with them and show confidence in answering any questions they may have.
Be enthusiastic and ecstatic that you are there being interviewed by them. When meeting your interviewer, make sure to stand up straight, give a firm handshake, smile, and maintain eye contact. This is a sign of respect. Maintain eye contact throughout the interview as it shows that you are paying attention to everything that they are saying. They are giving you their precious time, so please give them yours by looking them right in the eye.
Smile to convey happiness, but do not overdo it. Remember that this is an interview, so be enthusiastic yet reserved, too. Nod from time to time to indicate that you are listening to and agreeing with what they have to say. You are clearly not a robot, so there is no need to just sit there with a blank face and make no movements whatsoever while they are talking. Loosen up a little bit to make yourself comfortable. It will work wonders on your mental state in the meeting room.
Positive body language is a great way of showing keen interest in the position and the company. Sitting with your arms crossed may be comfortable for you, but it is a sign of a lack of interest. Sit with your hands on the table and maintain an open body posture while speaking. This shows the interviewers that you are open to everything they have to say and that you are addressing everyone with keen interest while speaking.
Tip #7 – Exemplify Your Answers
Oftentimes, candidates will answer a question bluntly, stating only the facts but not adding any substance. By substance, we mean examples to elaborate the answer. Examples have the power to highlight your successes and uniqueness. You do not want to be that person that gives one-line answers to questions.
Facts are very important and the interviewer knows this, but they want to hear examples of your achievements in relation to the position at hand. Rather than simply stating an objective fact, add real-life examples to add some color to your responses. This makes the conversation more of a two-way lane where both you and the interviewer can talk back on forth on a particular example.
The interviewer wants a complete picture of a potential hire, so the best way of doing this is by exemplifying all of your results. This makes things easier for the interviewer and it clearly puts you in better light.
Examples:
Rather than simply stating, “I have strong communication skills,” mention a moment in your career where you used your persuasion skills to seal a sweet deal in your previous position. If you are applying for a sales position, then communication is key. You need to be able to exemplify your results by telling a story of a situation where you came through and landed a great deal for your company. Negotiation skills are very important, but you need to convince your interviewer about that. Actually, this is a good way of telling the interviewer that you do indeed have amazing communication skills, since you have to convince them. Persuasion is not an easy thing to do, but if you can successfully persuade your interviewer, then you almost have one foot right in the door.
Instead of saying, “I have good time management skills,” talk about a moment in your life when you had to deal with a lot on your plate in a short amount of time. Having good time management skills is also a sign of having good multitasking skills, since you need to be able to juggle multiple things simultaneously and complete tasks within the deadline. Give examples showing that you worked on multiple tasks and found ways to structure your work. Even if you had only one task to deal with, show them that you completed the assignment ahead of time. This shows that you never procrastinate and always find ways to save time. This will surely come in handy for your employer.
Do not simply say, “I have good leadership qualities.” Give an example of when you led a team of coworkers on a project, delegated tasks to individuals, and created the overall project plan to be executed. A good leader is able to motivate others when the going gets tough, so talk about how to reinvigorated the spirit and morale of employees who lost their motivation in a difficult task. If you are able to elaborate these traits with examples, then the interviewer is already able to picture you in a scenario at their company doing the exact same thing. Speaking of motivation, a good leader must also be motivated to learn new things that they may not be experienced in or comfortable with. Always finding ways to learn new things on the job is a sign of a good leader. Provide an example where you did this and your interviewer will be very impressed.
Tip #8 –Build Rapport
Communication is a two way street, and a job interview is just that – two people talking WITH each other. You are not talking TO your interviewer, but rather engaging with them to try to get them on your side to understand your perspective. Establishing a bond in a short amount of time is key to landing the job.
For many, a job interview may seem like an intense meeting or interrogation, where the tension is so thick you can cut it with a knife. For you, it does not have to be. If you play your cards right, you can turn it into a friendly conversation.
Turn your Hobbies into an Asset
There will be a part of the interview where the interviewer may ask, “What are some of your hobbies?” or “When you are not working, how do you spend your free time?” This is your moment to shine and display your personality and uniqueness, setting you apart from everybody else. Nobody wants a workaholic who constantly thinks about work all the time. Companies want employees who have a life apart from work, pursuing other interests that fulfill their life and make them a complete and well-rounded individual.
Talk about how you love to read fiction books to enhance your imagination when diving into a fascinating world. In creative and tech companies, you have to regularly think outside the box and use your imagination to come up with an ingenious solution to a problem. Fiction is all about being creative so reading books of that nature will get prepare you to already have that mindset. This is something an interviewer will notice and find ways to harness it and utilize it for the good of the company.
If you live the life of the adventure, talk about your traveling experiences when you visited countries where people speak a different language than your own. Experiencing various cultures on your travels shows that you are able to interact with people from different backgrounds. This will make you an excellent fit in a diverse team of individuals. Perhaps you tried to learn bits and pieces of other languages on your journeys. Mention this and see your interviewer’s interest piqued in a matter of moments. With companies going global, this will be perceived as being a positive asset.
Empathize with the Organization
Many corporate websites have a section called Press Release, where they list the latest news of the organization. Things such as latest developments, new deals and signings, and the hurdles and challenges the company is currently facing are all posted there. When given the opportunity, mention some of the issues the organization is facing and how you to intend to solve some of them in your position.
This makes the interviewer think, “This person understands our problems and wants to do something about it.” You are not just filling a vacant position; you are a long-term investment for the company so your compassion to solving their problems will help them in the end. When you take the corporation’s problems to be your own, then you can dedicate yourself completely to their cause.
This will definitely score you major points in the eyes of the interviewer.
Tip #9 – Always Ask Questions
So you finally got through the whole interview unscathed and you feel very good about yourself. You feel like you did pretty well and can breathe a sigh of relief, but it is not over quite yet.
After the interviewer has asked all of the questions, now it is your turn to put on your interviewer shoes and ask some questions. The tables have turned and the interviewer is now ready to ask any lingering questions you may have to clarify the job details.
Do not squander this opportunity to ask thoughtful and insightful questions about the company and specifically about the role. Asking intelligent questions gives them the impression that you are interested in your career growth with respect to the job on hand.
Ask Thoughtful Questions
There is an art to asking questions. That is what the interviewer has been trained to do, to ask thoughtful and meaningful questions. A quick Google search will reveal many popular questions you can ask an interviewer that will show them that you are serious about the position and the company. You might even stump some interviewers because they will not see questions of this magnitude coming. They are not necessarily difficult, but rather very thought-provoking and engaging, especially considering that you have not yet secured your job.
We advise you to read the company website and social media platforms very thoroughly and carefully. Any information that can be found online should not be asked for in the interview. The interviewers know what exists online, so they expect you to already know those things. What is important for you to know is what is not available online.
Ask questions to get answers you cannot find on your own. The interviewer will provide great insight into the company and the position to help clarify any confusions you may have.
Examples of Good Questions
What will I be expected to do on day 1?
What will be my tasks and goals in the first 60 days?
What do you expect me to achieve in the first 6 months?
Describe some amazing qualities a candidate in this position has had in the past that allowed them to excel.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) in this position?
How do you feel working at this company?
Describe the company culture here.
What will my career progression be like in this position?
Will I receive support to pursue further education later on in my career?
What will be the biggest challenge that somebody will encounter in this role?
These are just some examples of good questions that you can ask at the end of an interview to clarify things and have a better idea of how the company views you and what your career prospects are. We recommend googling other salient questions you can ask in an interview.
The ones listed here are generic and applicable to all industries. Perhaps you may want to find something specific for your given position or industry to make an even deeper impression.
Examples of Bad Questions
While there are some questions that are definitely considered good and stand out above the rest, such as the ones stated above, some are just absolutely rude and inappropriate to ask. You do not want to kill your chances of securing a job by asking a bad question.
Perhaps the interviewers will be very kind and still answer them for you, but deep down inside they have already given you a red mark. Whatever you do, stay away from asking these questions.
What is the salary for this position?
What are some of the benefits I will receive?
How many holidays will I get every year?
How soon will I be promoted?
Do you want to see my references?
These come off as self-centered and unprofessional. Stay away from these questions. They will ruin your chances of landing your dream job. Steer clear and you are good to go.
THE AFTERMATH
Tip #10 – Follow Up
So the interview has finally come to a close. You give a firm handshake and make eye contact with the interviewer as you bid farewell and leave the premises. What do you do now? Is there anything to do? Well of course there is!
The entire interview process is not yet complete. You need to follow up with the interviewer as a gesture of good faith but moreover, to remind them of your outstanding performance in the interview. A thank you email expressing your gratitude goes a long way, reminding the company that you are serious about the position.
We recommend returning from the interview and writing the email that very same day. Spend a few minutes writing a letter or appreciation and gratitude to the interviewer for giving you an opportunity to work with them. Let them know that if they need to know anything else, you are ready to provide any such information at any time.
Also, check in from time to time to be kept informed on the status of your application. It shows eagerness and readiness to work. The last thing you want to happen is that they forgot about you. Not because of your interview performance, but because of their workload.
A quick reminder every once in a while goes a long way. It may come off as desperate at first, but it actually convey dedication and passion to get the job.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Interviews can be daunting to the uninitiated, but after reading this thorough guideline on how to improve your job interview skills, you are no longer an amateur. You now know exactly what it takes to ace an interview. It takes a lot of preparation and hard work. You need to know the company, the position, and yourself very well.
You need to convey a sense of enthusiasm and joy while being interviewed and build rapport with the interviewer to get them on your side. You must provide examples whenever you can to elucidate your responses and you need to talk slowly and pause in between your speeches. Do not forget to ask meaningful and insightful questions when it is your turn to wear the interviewer’s shoes and always follow up after the interview.
You can never be 100% prepared for every single question that an interviewer may throw at you. They could throw a curveball at any moment with an outlandish question and catch you off guard. You need to hold your composure and remain calm, cool, and collected. Always be confident in the face of adversity, and nothing can stop you in acing that job interview.
This guideline will help boost your confidence and prepare you for a variety of scenarios you may encounter.
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