Tips to Ace the Job Interview: Passing It in Flying Colours
Imagine waiting outside the office of the person who will give you that job interview. Minutes from now, you’ll be inside face to face with that interviewer who can either make or break your job application for the position you have long been aspiring for.
You may have probably passed all other exhaustive screening requirements, but without getting through with this critical stage of your job application – all may be put to waste.
Below are 10 helpful tips that you can refer to increase your chances of landing the job you want.
Job Interview Tip # 1: Know the company you are applying at.
It is a good idea to do some research about the company you are applying at. You can ask over the phone, or you can look at their websites. Many have now Internet presence and you can easily find information about the company there and their business.
You should have some knowledge about the employer you are interested in. You don’t want to be caught speechless, with questions – “why do you want to work in our company?” or “what do you know about our products and services” - simple questions that a little research would have had answered.
Being able to answer such types of questions will impress your interviewer. It gives the impression that you are always ready for any battle you will be put into – similarly in actual job setting, they will perceive you to be able to do well in the job applied for.
Job Interview Tip # 2: Be prepared.
If you have a scheduled job interview, make sure you have an idea who will conduct it. In this way, you will have an idea on the probable question that you’ll have to answer during the particular interview.
If such would be the HR personnel, expect some general questions about your work experience. There will also be questions that would probably test your way of thinking or how stable your emotions may be on pressured situations.
There will also be questions that will ask you your plans for your career – and what your direction will be, several years from now. It is best to answer this well, preferably with mention to your career goals and how you plan to achieve them. This will show that you are the type who plans, and is proactively making things happen for your career. Being so, will tell that you are a good planner and is assertive.
If such would be the direct superior for your department, expect technical questions related to your field. It is expected that you can provide the necessary details that are directly related to your job.
You are assumed to be knowledgeable on all facets of the current position you are applying, so you may want to review some theories that may be of use. Make sure you can articulate these theories and other practical aspects of your job. Being able to do so will show that you are technically capable for the job requirement.
Job Interview Tip # 3: Dress Appropriately.
This is quite simple, but often taken for granted. Specific industries and certain positions require that you dress up accordingly. Make sure you know what is acceptable according to the company’s standards – and not merely to what you think it to be. How you look still does matter in most cases.
Prepare the clothes the night before or even earlier. Shine your shoes. Make sure you will come for the interview neat and clean.
Women should preferably come in with a conservative suit, coordinated blouse and limited jewelry. There should be a decent hairstyle and sparse make-up. Avoid short skirts that probably won’t fit in a conservative business environment.
For men, a conservative suit is also in order with a white long sleeve shirt. Conservative tie, clean and professional shoes and a neat hairstyle are suggested. If possible make sure to cover body parts with tattoos.
First impressions do have an effect. While there should be no discrimination as well to this regard, but you should leave no room for such to affect your job application. In the real scenario, how you look plays a major part on how interviewers will judge you.
Your appropriate suits or dresses are worthwhile investments for your job and career. Allocate and spend some money for these, eventually and after landing the job you want, you can easily cover up these expenses.
