10 Tips For A Successful Job Interview
- Do your research on the employer, hiring manager and the job opportunity.
- You should understand the requirements of the job and the background of the person interviewing you.
- Take a look at the organization’s website, search engines, research tools, and your network of contacts.
- Ask our expert advisors at M&M to guide you.
- Prepare responses to expected interview questions.
- Personalize your responses by focusing on specific examples and accomplishments.
- Do no memorize your responces but rather outline talking points.
- Dress for success.
- Wear clothing that is clean, pressed, fits well and is appropriate for the job placement.
- Avoid smoking and wearing strong scented perfumes just before the interview.
- Arrive on time for the interview.
- There are no valid excuses for arriving late for an interview.
- It is advised to arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled interview time to finish any paperwork and get settled.
- First impressions are last impressions so make them count.
- Be polite and offer warm greeting to everyone you encounter.
- Make a strong first impression by standing tall, smiling, making eye contact and offer a firm handshake.
- Be honest, confident, well-directed and concise.
- Respond truthfully to the interview questions keeping in mind you are selling yourself so stay focused in outlining your skills and experiences which make you an ideal candidate for the job.
- Have a powerful body language.
- Poor body language can be a distraction which can be the deal breaker for getting the job.
- Positive forms of body language can include, eye contact, smiling, nodding, attentive listening and a good posture.
- Ask meaningful questions…Always!
- Even if your interviewer was thorough it is always important to ask questions to show your interest and knowledge in the position.
- It is helpful to prepare the questions in advance.
- Sell yourself all the way to the end of the interview.
- Not always is the most qualified applicant guaranteed the job which makes it that much more important to be the best at responding to interview questions and demonstrating why you are the ideal candidate for the job.
- As the interview winds down, don’t be hesitant in asking about the next steps in the hiring process and the expected time the interviewer is to make a decision.
- Be sure to thank the interviewer in person and e-mail.
- A little common courtesy can go a long way.
- Writing a simple thank-you e-mail following the interview might not land you the job but it will give you an edge over other applicants.