Your resume gets you in the door, but the interview seals the deal. A job interview can be a nerve-wracking experience for even the most extroverted, confident of applicants. But if you go into it prepared and looking and feeling great, you have no reason to worry. If you know why you want the job and why you’re the right person for the job, your interviewer will see that. Here are some tips to ensure you nail your interview.
Run a background check — on yourself
Thanks to the wonders of our digital age, it seems that most of recorded history is available through an online search — and that includes your history. Most potential employers search the web for potential candidates using search engines and social media, so beat them to the punch so you know what’s out there. If you learn from your research that there is anything libelous floating around on the internet about you, you may want to consider working with a reputation management firm. This is a team of legal and analytical specialists who can track down the identity of whoever is publishing false and damaging information about you, and take action accordingly. Ideally, this would be done before you start sending out your resume, but if there is anything potentially harmful about you posted online, be sure to address it before agreeing to an interview.
Even if that search comes back clear, you still have some work to do. Polish up your LinkedIn profile so you can dazzle HR teams before you even walk through the door, and set social accounts like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to private mode. Most of us have at least one regrettable photo or posting we wouldn’t want anyone in our professional circles to see, so avoid the issue by kicking up your privacy settings.
Do your research
Part of being a successful job applicant is being able to articulate why you’re the right fit for a particular job at a particular company, not just why you’d be good for the job. Being able to mesh with the vision and workplace culture of the specific company is vital. That’s why you must start any interview by thoroughly researching to company. The Balance suggests checking employer review sites, including Glassdoor and the company’s own website.
Practice the typical questions
It’s not worth preparing for off-the-wall interview questions. You can’t possibly predict them. You can, however, prepare for the classics. These include, but are not limited to, questions about your strengths and weaknesses, times you solved a problem, your last job, and where you see yourself in the future. You can’t prepare for everything, but you can get a handle on how you plan to answer basic inquiries.
Dress (and style) to impress
It’s hard to overcome a bad first impression, and a good first impression can help carry you over any minor mistakes. Grooming and personal hygiene play a huge role in that. It’s not that the majority of interviewers only want to hire pretty people dressed in fancy clothing. The main reasons you’re focusing on looking great are that it will boost your confidence and help you perform better, and it shows that you’re serious about the process.
Don’t be afraid to answer technical questions
If you’re interviewing for a job that requires specific expertise (and you probably are), you may field some technical questions — your interviewer trying to test you a little bit. Don’t shy away from answering these, even if you don’t 100 percent know the answer. Most of the time, they are testing the process, not the answer. As one top recruiter says, “Try to work your way through the question as much as you can. Your thought process is often more important than answering correctly, so tell them what you’re thinking.”
Ask your own questions
Asking your own questions — whether about salary range, work environment, long-term goals, company mobility, etc. — shows that you are engaged. It’s important to come across as genuinely interested in more than just landing a job and getting paid.
Follow up
Don’t just go home and wait for a phone call. Sure, the interviewer probably said, “We’ll let you know,” or something to that effect, but what they really meant was, “I want to see if you truly want this job.” A call is nice, but an email will suffice. Thank them for their time, the opportunity to interview, and ask if there’s anything more you can do to show them you are the best person for the job.
Ultimately, you should remember this about all stages of the process: before the interview, research and practice; during the interview, be honest, forthcoming and highly engaged; and after the interview, follow up. That dream job is within your grasp. Ace your interview, and it’s yours!
Interview Preparation Resources
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