"Job interviews" are not typically thought of as people's favorite types of events. Nevertheless, you can't avoid it if you're looking for work. If you are invited for an interview, it means that the hiring manager has reviewed your resume and it has passed the applicant tracking system (ATS).
Even though there are resume tips and strategies for crafting a compelling cover letter to get past automated technology, the majority of these are still beyond your control. However, the interview is your chance to shine and convince recruiters and hiring managers that you would be a fantastic addition to their team.
- Considering that most corporate positions receive 250 resumes and only four to six are selected for an interview, it’s not easy. But statistics are in your favor of receiving a job offer after at least one interview.
- The secret to acing an interview is preparation. In addition to having a killer elevator speech, you should be ready to respond to the seven most frequently asked interview questions. Beyond what you say, there are a few tricks to "wow" recruiters.
Here are five tips for a successful interview:
1. Choose what you wear wisely:
Research the company culture for which you’re interviewing and be sure to match their style — dress one step up from what you will wear day-to-day on the job. Fun fact: you can get intel on how people dress in the company by looking at their company events on their public Facebook or LinkedIn pages… How does their team look? Take note. But most importantly, wear an outfit that makes you feel comfortable and confident.
Here are a few more tips for choosing what to wear:
- Match your clothing to the climate. If you’re interviewing during the summer months, skip the blazer. It might be part of your power suit, but sweating during the interview will not make you feel confident.
- Check for defects. Remove pet fur, thread, or other lint-like things clinging to your clothing. Check for stains under bright lights. Make sure your outfit doesn’t have any holes. Even the tiniest imperfection can send the wrong message during your interview.
- Choose the right color. The color you wear influences how you are perceived. Blues, blacks, and grays are excellent choices for business-like roles such as consultants, lawyers, and bankers. Show your personality and color using accessories. For creative roles, you can consider brighter colors, like green, purple, or yellow. Always avoid red and brown. Red implies you’re too confident or feisty, and brown conveys that you’re boring, simple, or stuck in your ways.
It is rare for candidates to receive an immediate job offer. It's likely that you will do simultaneous interviews with a number of people. Recognize the roles played by each of your interviewers and adjust your questions and answers accordingly. Colleagues, for instance, are interested in knowing if you'll be a productive member of their team. Supervisors want to know if you can work independently or if they need to hold your hand.
3. Treat everyone at the table the same:
Show mutual and equal respect for everyone sitting at the table. When responding to questions, make eye contact with the person asking the question first, but don’t speak only to them. Use active listening skills, including body language.
Show you’re listening by repeating what is said (not verbatim!) and using facial expressions.
4. Select the best time slot:
Often, you will select between a few time slots for your interview, or you may get to choose entirely. And while it’s tempting to choose first thing in the morning to get it “done and over with,” that’s not the best timeslot.
Note: Avoid firsts and lasts
4. Select the best time slot:
Often, you will select between a few time slots for your interview, or you may get to choose entirely. And while it’s tempting to choose first thing in the morning to get it “done and over with,” that’s not the best timeslot.
Note: Avoid firsts and lasts
First thing in the morning, last meeting before going home, just before or just after lunch, Monday morning, and Friday afternoon are less than ideal. Your interviewer may have other things on their mind during these times, such as what’s for lunch.
Even worse, they might be hungry, ready to go home for the weekend, or get on with their week and rush through your interview.
Avoid pre- and post-holidays and vacations. If possible, don’t select Thanksgiving week for your interview. By that same token, avoid the day after or before a three-day holiday and a few days before a major holiday. If your interview is following a holiday, avoid asking religious-oriented questions, like how was your Christmas.
Avoid pre- and post-holidays and vacations. If possible, don’t select Thanksgiving week for your interview. By that same token, avoid the day after or before a three-day holiday and a few days before a major holiday. If your interview is following a holiday, avoid asking religious-oriented questions, like how was your Christmas.
Just because the holiday is religious-based does not imply that your interviewer celebrates that holiday. Instead, ask how was your long weekend or did you enjoy your time off.
5. Watch your grammar:
Employers are interested in candidates who can express themselves properly. Even if you have to go slowly and correct yourself, accuracy is preferred over ungrammatical fluency.
Other Secrets you should Know;
✓Be prepared for personal questions:
Some interviewers may not know what they can and cannot ask legally. Anticipate how you will handle such questions without losing your composure.
✓Wait for the interviewer to mention salary and benefits:
To research pay scales, refer to salary surveys and information on the Career Services website on in the career library.
✓Don’t expect a job offer at the first interview:
Often you will be invited to a second or even third interview before an offer is made several weeks later.
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