How To Nail A Job Interview In 8 Simple Steps

How To Pass A Job Interview Successfully

The hardest part is over and you have landed that interview you really wanted. The date is set and you are meeting with one or more important decision makers. Now it is time to plan how you will nail the interview.

Interviews are stressful. You entire history is subject to examination under a microscope. You have only a small chunk of time to convince your potential employer why hiring you would be a wise business decision. With a little forethought, a bit of practice and the right attitude, you can walk away from that office expecting good news in the near future.

Of course, you have to present the credentials they are looking for and you have to present all the facts in a professional and near perfect way.  The following are common sense interview tactics:

• Make no spelling mistakes on the resume
• Format the resume beautifully
• Spring for the thick resume paper
• Make sure every detail of your appearance is flawless
• Smile a lot
• Make eye contact
• Firm handshake

In addition to the common tactics, below are 8 aspects of your time in the spotlight that you need to focus on.

1.Do Your Homework

Find out as much as you can about the company and the people who run it. Review past press releases, notable events they have hosted, new hire announcements, non-profits they support and make a list of the most important or interesting points.

The goal is to be able to speak on the company as if you are an expert on them, which shows you have already invested in their business and their continued success. Ask about upcoming goals, plans and milestones for expansion to show your interviewer you are thinking about the growth and future of the company.

2.Rehearse Your Responses

Rehearse your responses but do not make them sound rehearsed. It is important to be ready with quick comebacks for probing questions that might make a lesser candidate uneasy. Definitely have a good answer for the penultimate tough one, "what is your greatest weakness?” or even the popular, "talk about a time when you resolved a conflict on the job.” You will never guess how the interviewer will attack you, so you should prepare for questions that are out of the field. For example, questions like, "what is your philosophy of life?” or "how do you handle stress?”

Practice your best responses based on a few bullet points, so your words sound clear and concise but not programmed. Remember to take thoughtful pauses to allow your interviewer to digest and respond to your thoughts.

3.Make Strategic Small Talk

At the right time especially before you get started or after the formalities, take the opportunity to connect with your interviewer on a personal level. Maybe he or she skis Aspen once a year or grew up close to your hometown. If it feels like a natural transition, use the small talk as a bridge to mention a specific part of your background that might apply to your role in the firm.

Maybe your interviewer has a child who plays hockey, which is funny because you played left center in college, which really helped you learn the value of teamwork. Try to work in a particularly unusual experience that both demonstrates character and makes you stand out.

4.Interview Your Interviewer

No matter how badly you may think you want the job, or how amazing the position sounds on paper, keep in mind that the interview process is a time for both the company and candidate to feel the other out and see if it is a good fit. How much of a time commitment does it involve? What are their specific expectations of you, and do these expectations fit into your lifestyle and life goals?

When you ask questions about expectations, job environment and job mobility, it shows that you value yourself and your time, and that you are looking for a mutually beneficial partnership.

5.Exude Confidence And Congeniality

Confidence is the ultimate companion of success, and congeniality is a surefire way to leave a lasting impression. Employers want to hire people who can positively influence others and are confident in their skills and abilities. In addition, employers want to hire generally pleasant people. Before stepping into that interview room, make sure to have enough personality and warmth to compliment that professional, polished demeanor.

Ease any anxiety by reminding yourself that your interviewers are most likely positive and hopeful about finding a new member of their team as you are about landing the perfect job.

6.Bring Printed Copies Of Your Resume

Yes, you have emailed your resume to the company. According to Mitchell, always bring at least two printed copies of your resume even if your profile is up to date and your Linkedln profile is impeccable. He adds that you should not use the ‘my printer is out of ink’ or ‘my printer died’ excuse.

7.Never Badmouth Your Previous Employers

The best employees are never negative. If asked why you left your previous position, be honest, but do not speak negatively about your previous role, organization or boss. Mitchell states that insightful employers are going to interpret any negativity to mean that you are the problem.

Sometimes there is no way around it, except through it. If there is no way around the negativity, make sure you have a solution or a scenario in which you can do better. Be able to demonstrate that you are working to improve or resolve the situation.

8.Dress For The Role You Want

Dress for the job you want not to the job you have or for the job you are applying. You want to aim for the job one level above the one you applied. That shows the interviewer, subconsciously, that you are looking toward a future with the company.

Mitchell says that "yes we are a direct sales company. We have casual uniforms for our salespeople, but if someone walks in with a suit and tie, or a nice blouse, skirt and heels, that shows me that they have taken the extra effort to look professional. Even before opening their mouth, I can see they could potentially be in management someday.”

Conclusion

Now you have a list of things to do so that you can nail your job interview. If you understand all of the strategies, you will be on your way to success in no time.