Whether a candidate succeeds in an interview depends on many factors, from what steps they take to prepare for an interview e.g., revision into the company and to how they conduct themselves in the meeting.
You may have multiple rounds of interviews before receiving a job offer, so it’s essential to approach each one appropriately. Regardless of the type of interview, you’re expecting, you can follow some general guidelines that may help improve your chances of impressing a potential employer.
We have compiled a list of tips for how you succeed in interviews
Preparation for Interviews
Employers can conduct interviews in different ways including face-to-face, online, or group interviews. Knowing what kind of interview to expect can help you enter the meeting feeling more prepared and confident. Some interview formats that differ from the traditional one-on-one meeting include:
Group interviews: A group interview is when a panel of people interviews you, and usually involves other candidates. This is designed to test your confidence in a group setting and how effectively you work within a team but be mindful of others as they also want to test your listening skills
Phone and video interviews: Find a quiet room where there won’t be any interruptions to do the interview. Make sure the technology you are using works efficiently and practice using it before the interview.
Prepare answers to common questions
- Can you tell me about yourself?
- How did you hear about this job?
- Why do you want this job?
- Why should we hire you?
- What are your strengths & weaknesses?
- What do you know about the company?
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- What is your work ethic?
- What kind of environment do you prefer to work in?
- How do you handle work-related disagreements with your colleagues?
- How would your current employer and colleagues describe you?
- How do you handle the pressure?
- Do you have any questions for me?
- Remain professional from start to finish
The hiring manager isn’t the only person you need to impress. Be polite and respectful to everyone in the building. This includes the person who greets you as you enter and the assistant who serves you a coffee or tea before the interview.
Build rapport with your interviewer
Your interview is your opportunity to create a connection with your potential employer. While the interviewer may ask questions for the majority of the meeting, you can still use each question to turn the interview into a more comfortable conversation. Try to make a personal connection with your interviewer while remaining professional.
Be authentic
Practice and preparation may help you have a successful interview, but it’s best to act like yourself when you meet with your interviewer. Be positive, assertive, and confident, but also remain candid and concise in what you say. Focus on telling the truth when answering questions, using real-world examples from your career.
Remember to follow up
Write a short email after the interview to thank the employer for taking the time to meet. You can reiterate important details mentioned during the interview, such as your enthusiasm for the position and organization. This can help employers remember you and contact you regarding the next steps.
Check out Libby’s advice on our TikTok Channel too!
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