No question, job interviews are one of the most stressful parts of our life. They can keep us up for nights beforehand, sick with worry. Then, when the day finally arrives, one wrong move can wreck everything. From prepping beforehand to what to the day after the interview, here are some great tips for every step of the process.
Research, Research, Research
Research is a no brainer. Knowing about the company, its history, and its leadership will not only set you apart from other candidates, but it helps you feel confident and ready! However, don’t stop at the company. Take a look at their competition, what sets where you want a part, and how can you help? If you’re working in human resources, or something similar, look online for what current, and former, employees say about working there.
Of course, you’ll want to prep by researching some common interview questions as well. Plus, once you know more about the company, you’ll be able to narrow down the list to the ones most likely to come up. Afterward, practice those questions! Make sure you have professional, thoughtful answers that will set you apart.
Get Ready Ahead of Time and Arrive Early
The night before your job interview, pick out the outfit you want to wear, set your alarm, and get a good night’s rest. That’s because you want to ensure you get to the interview early.
Arriving early is one of the best ways to make sure you feel confident and look great in front of your potential employers. Most importantly, you show how much you care, not just about the position, but also about your interviewer’s time. Meanwhile, planning to arrive early ensures that you have a cushion just in case something goes wrong. Can’t find parking or the receptionist asks you a million questions? Well, now you’re not late, because you planned to arrive early!
Remain Calm
Job interviews are inherently nerve-wracking. After all, quite a bit rides on them! Unfortunately, that pressure can often lead to you to answer questions incorrectly or, worse, put your foot in your mouth!
So, try and remain calm during the job interview. Now, prepping always helps everyone feel confident, leading to less nervousness. However, don’t forget to take a few seconds before the job interview to center yourself. Closing your eyes for ten seconds, and taking a few deep breaths will clear your mind and bring down your heart rate. You got this!
Develop A Connection
One piece of advice everyone gives is “stand out.” But, how do you do that? Well, one great way, according to those who interview often, is to develop a connection with your interviewer right away. For instance, use their name during the interview. If you’re bad at remembering, bring a notepad and jot it down (you’ll need it later, anyway).
Also, use the information you found out about the company and its culture. Or, better yet, if you can, make some small talk and discover something you both enjoy. According to Indeed, people often hire those that they like and fit in well with the company culture.
Follow Up Afterwards
One of the best things you can do after a job interview is follow up. Once again, this sets you apart from the competition and demonstrates how much you care about the position, company, and interviewer’s time.
So, the day after the interview, send a follow-up email. Express your gratitude for the chance and time to interview, as well as reiterating our interest in the position. Plus, you can use this as an opportunity to slip in any details you might have missed during the interview.
Following these simple tips, you are sure to smash all your future job interviews!
Sources: Finance101, LifeHacker.