Have you ever been to an interview? Did you feel unprepared? Consider these six tips before your next interview to make sure you nail it.
By Olivia Baxter
1. Know Your Stuff
Research the company you’re interviewing for. Understand their culture, values and how they work. Find a way to connect what they do with what you can do.
Need to impress a potential employer?
Be able to pull out a real world example of your work that shows what you would bring to their company. Be confident in your knowledge.
2. Find a Quirk
Find one thing distinguishing you from others and show off. Whether it’s a sense of style or a favorite hobby — capitalize on it. You are a unique individual, and you need to prove it. Add a broach to your favorite blazer or find funky socks to go with your dress pants. Anything you can do to bring a bit of your personality will help.
3. Rehearse
Find examples of typically asked interview questions and have your friends quiz you.
Make sure you’re comfortable speaking and coming up with responses. Think of any questions specific to the job or company you’re interviewing for and become confident in your answer.
Practice in front a mirror. Although it might make you feel uncomfortable, this is a great way to figure out your ticks.
Even if you feel comfortable, your body language might say different. Try to avoid fidgeting, smoothing your hair back, biting your lips and other habitual behaviors.
4. Pay Attention to the World Around You
Being informed of current events is extremely important. Recent events are a good ice breaker and could lead to a number of opportunities for you to show off your skills.
For example, take a recent event and connect it to something related to the company you’re interviewing for. Think “How would this affect this company? What can I do to make this an advantage for this company?”
By doing this you have shown you pay attention to the world around you, and the work the company does.
5. Ask Questions
Once you’ve gone through the interview process, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Chances are the interviewer didn’t cover every single thing you need to know. Try to come up with three to five questions to ask post-interview.
This shows you are engaged and can help you grasp something you might have missed.
Questions could range from clarification to “What do YOU like best about working here?” Try to form a genuine connection with the interviewer and let them know you’re genuinely interested in working for their company.
6. Don’t Forget to Say Thank You
Forgetting to say ‘thank you’ comes across as disinterested so unless you’re not trying to get the position, say ‘thank you’ anyway.
Thank the interviewer for the opportunity and taking time out of their day. If they offer you a position, thank them for the opportunity and express your excitement to start. Gratitude is always well-received and will make a great impression.
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