The idea of interviewing for a job is unsettling for a lot of people. It doesn’t matter if you’re currently unemployed or simply want to switch jobs – interviews are something you should take very seriously, as nothing is more important for landing a job than a good interview. Nevertheless, you’re guaranteed to ace an interview if you follow our simple tips.
1. Feel free to smile
Nothing says more about the candidate’s ability to relax and enjoy themselves during an interview than a sincere smile. A genuine smile and an open attitude towards the interviewers helps you stand out among the rest of candidates, considering that most interviewees are too nervous or anxious to let out a single smile. Feeling like an interview is a torture that you can’t wait to end is not a good mindset for a successful job interview. However, a laid-back attitude and simply enjoying the interview will undoubtedly leave a good impression on your interviewers.
2. Keep your body under control
Experienced HR specialists know exactly when the candidate is too anxious, aggressive or disconnected from the conversation – all they need to see is your body language. It’s difficult to control your body under stressful circumstances, which is why candidates can be often seen slouched in their seats with their eyes darting around the room, constantly scratching their heads or looking at their feet. If you don’t want your body to reveal your true feelings, simply make an effort: sit straight, don’t be afraid to move, use your arms to emphasise some points in your talk, and keep eye contact with the interviewer – it’s the fastest and easiest way to connect with people.
3. Don’t overthink the interview
Finding a job online on JiJi is an important step, but giving a good impression during an interview is even more valuable. Among all of the things that can limit your ability to give a great interview, personal problems, doubts or anxiety are the ones that are the most harmful. Put this personal stuff aside for the interview, and you’ll do so much better. Consider the interview to be the place where both you and the interviewer want you to get the job. Nobody wants you to fail, so simply show your best traits and remember that everyone is on your side.
4. Use multiple directions in your interview
When you’re preparing for a job interview, you may think that the company is looking for one special skill, and this skill is all you talk about during the interview. However, this strategy can lead to you missing other important points in your CV and leaving the interviewee to doubt if you’re the candidate they’re looking for. Instead you need to demonstrate a range of skills, abilities and experience, and put emphasis on that one important skill. And don’t forget that a job interview is not just a way for the company to decide if you can work there, but also an opportunity for you to determine if that’s a place you want to work in. An interview is a 2-way process, and you need to make the most out of it.
5. Don’t downplay your abilities
A job interview is not the right place to appear modest and average. To successfully pass an interview you need to blow your own horn. Turn the interview into a presentation of your talents, skills, abilities and experience, as well as achievements at your past jobs. Since this is the first time the company meets you, they need to know exactly what they’ll get if they hire you, which is why the key to a successful interview is proving you’re the best candidate. Talk about your past achievements and how your skills and experience helped you achieve that, show off your capabilities and explain how those capabilities will help you if you get the job – this strategy has proved to be the most effective.
6. Avoid telling lies
When you’re anxious about an upcoming job interview, it may seem like a good idea to tell a few lies to leave even a better impression on the interviewers. In fact, lying in an interview is a strategy with devastating results. It doesn’t matter if you’re lying about your past experience, education, skills, personal qualities or anything else – the truth will always come out. Not only do you risk losing your job, but you will also be known as the liar around professional circles, which is very bad for your reputation. Instead of lying you should do your best to demonstrate your actual strengths and achievements, and leave your weaknesses behind.
7. Don’t land into the first chair you see
It doesn’t matter if you want to work in engineering, computing and IT, or are simply looking for an internship – the first few minutes or even seconds of the interview can be crucial for accessing you as a candidate. When you’re invited in the room, don’t rush to a chair – let the interviewer sit first. If there is an opportunity to choose your own seat, don’t sit on the side from the interviewer or opposite them – the best idea is to seat diagonally. This move will give you enough personal space and won’t make you feel overwhelmed.
8. Control your anxiety
It’s okay to feel nervous about a job interview, especially if you’ve been out of job for a while. Feeling nervous means you care about landing that particular job. However, find a better way to show you care. Turn that negative energy into a way to present your skills and abilities in a more effective way. Instead of worry and anxiety let interviewers see your energy, enthusiasm and ability to work and think under pressure. Remember that if you’ve been invited to a job interview, the company is already interested in talking to you and possibly give you the job, so it’s your task to let them know you’re the right candidate for the position. Accept the fact that even if you don’t land the job in this company, there are plenty of other job opportunities, and you’ll really shine during the interview.
9. Don’t over-prepare
Any job interview requires some preparation. In addition to being able to talk about your skills, abilities and experience, you need to know a bit about the company, its values, key products, market share and top employees. However, there is no way you can be 100% prepared for every question during the interview, and it’s okay, because what the company wants to see is a real person, and not someone who simply memorized their lines for the interview. Demonstrate your knowledge, but also be ready to think on your feet. Not all of your answers should be perfect – after all, we’re all humans who are just doing our best.
