Shine at your next job interview! Discover our guide with 9 interview tips

Job interviews are the place where all of your hard work pays off. During this phase of the application process, you’ll have the opportunity to sit down with a company representative and explain why you’re the best candidate for their open position.

Job interviews can make or break your application, so it’s essential to ace them. This involves ample preparation, excellent interview etiquette, and follow-up. If you’re feeling nervous about your next interview, it might be helpful to review some time-tested interview tips for success. 

In this blog, we review some helpful techniques for acing your interviews. We’ll cover the following topics:

• Interview preparation and employer research

• How to present yourself when going in for an interview

• Effective communication and body language techniques

• How to stay positive and enthusiastic

• What to do after the interview concludes

1. Do your homework

Before you meet with a recruiter or HR manager, it’s important to do a little preparatory research. Make sure to review the job listing that you replied to and look over the responsibilities of your potential role. Take note of the required skills and qualifications and think about how you can display or describe them during the interview.

It’s also helpful to do some independent research on the company you want to join. Go to its website, read reviews, and explore its social media pages. This can give you a clearer understanding of the company’s culture and will allow you to speak with understanding during the interview. It can also help you locate any red flags regarding the business and help you formulate questions for the interviewer. 

2. Practice your answers

Once you review the content of the job listing, you’ll probably have a better understanding of what the interviewer will ask. Once you do, think about possible questions and how you might answer them. If you need additional help, you can look online for practice interview questions and answers in your field.

While it’s helpful to practice, you don’t want to seem like a robot in your interview. Try not to develop a script for all your answers. Instead, identify key points that you want to raise and think about how you can display your qualifications effectively and in a natural way.

3. Dress for the job you want

The way you dress makes an impression on the people around you, especially in professional settings. We’ve all heard “dress for success” or “dress for the job you want” at some point in our lives, and this is good advice when going to an interview.

This is where your research can come in handy. Once you know more about the company culture and its dress code, you can determine the best outfit for the big day. While it’s important to present yourself well, most companies have embraced a fairly dressed-down ethic. While a suit and tie might be right for some interviews, you won’t have to dress formally for most.

4. Plan ahead

Before you go to your interview, speak with the recruiter and ask what you’ll need when you meet. They may ask you to bring a resume, your portfolio, identification documents, or other items with you. It’s also helpful to ask about the precise location of the interview so that you can arrive on time. If you need directions or parking tips, be sure to have that information at least one day in advance. On the day of the interview, be sure to get up a little early and give yourself extra time to get to the meeting spot.

5. Practice your nonverbal communication

When speaking to others in person, body language can be as important as what you say. The way you stand, act, and greet others can tell an interviewer a lot about you. Before you go into your interview, it’s important to consider and improve your nonverbal communication, including body language.

Try to display confidence and positivity by maintaining good posture and making eye contact with the people talking to you. A smile can also go a long way toward building positive relationships with the people you meet. 

6. Ask plenty of questions

Your interview is the perfect opportunity to find out whether a job is right for you. Remember that the meeting goes both ways. While the interviewer is determining your suitability for the job, you can also size up the company. 

The best way to find out whether a job is right for you is by asking plenty of questions. Although it might seem nosey, getting clear answers ensures compatibility between you and your future employer, which is better for everyone in the long term. Consider asking about the following topics:

• Pay, including how much you’ll earn, whether the pay is negotiable, pay schedule, and how raises are assessed

• Benefits, including time off, parental leave, health insurance, and the cost of benefits

• The expectations of the role

• Your future trajectory at the company, including potential promotions

• Company culture and values

• Team structure 

• Schedule flexibility, including remote and hybrid options

7. Stay positive and polite

Positivity is a great way to make a good impression on your interviewer. Try to project confidence and enthusiasm, and describe what attracted you to the role and the company they work for. Use your research and mention things that you like about the company’s operational structure, mission, and values. If you know anyone else who works for the company, you can mention them and their positive experiences.

When speaking about your previous jobs, avoid negativity and don’t speak poorly of former coworkers or supervisors. This can often leave a bad impression on your recruiter. Instead of focusing on things you don’t like, explain how excited you are for new opportunities.

8. Take notes if necessary

If the interview goes well, your interviewer will likely provide you with some important information about training, onboarding, and the next steps. If this happens, it might be helpful to have a notepad and a pen to take notes. Record important dates, as well as contact information, and salary figures. If there’s anything else that you might want to know later, feel free to write it down, as it conveys interest and engagement. 

9. Follow up

If you don’t hear back from a company right away, there’s no reason to panic. They may have multiple candidates to interview before they make a decision. If it’s been a little while, feel free to email the recruiter and ask if you can take any steps to continue the process. This ensures that you stay top of mind with the hiring staff and shows that you really want the job. 

Key takeaways

1. Prepare for your interview by reviewing the job listing, doing some research, and practicing your answers to potential questions.

2. On the day of the interview, make sure you’re well-dressed and that you have all the necessary documentation.

3. During your meeting, stay positive and respectful and be mindful of your nonverbal cues.

4. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about pay, benefits, and company culture, and make sure to take notes.

5. Once the interview is over, try to follow up with your contacts and see if you can take any further steps.