How to Nail a Job Interview

Performing well in a job interview is a skill that modern job seekers must have to secure employment in a competitive job market. If you are well-prepared and present yourself well, you can have a great job interview, land a second interview, or even score the job.

Review Your Materials

Make sure you have all of your materials organized and on-hand for a great job interview. Double check to ensure that your contact information is up to date on every document. Bring a job portfolio to the interview to offer concrete elements showing your achievements, performance statistics, sales records and other influential information that reflects your competence and skill as an employee.

Rehearse Your Part

One way that you can nail an interview is to rehearse long before the interview date. Starting early gives you enough time to perfect your interviewing skills before you meet with the actual interviewer. Ask a trusted friend or colleague to play the role of hiring manager by asking you interview questions. Be sure to quiz yourself on both seemingly simple and complex questions so you are better prepared. Think of simple, powerful phrases to repeat during your job interview that sound good and represent you well. Record yourself during the job interview rehearsal to evaluate your verbal and nonverbal cues, and make changes if necessary.

Dress for Success

It you want to have a great job interview, you need to arrive dressed for success. Your style of dress often affects other people’s perceptions of your personality, so wear neat, professional attire to your job interview to complement your career attitude. Women should wear modest makeup and men should be neatly groomed when attending a job interview. Make sure to cover up any tattoos and remove piercings for a more refined appearance.

Mind Your Manners

Minding your manners during an interview ensures you make a polite impression. Remember to deactivate your cell phone and any other devices that can cause distractions during an interview session. Offer a firm handshake to the hiring manager before your begin, and maintain soft and friendly eye contact. Speak clearly and succinctly, but steer clear of using slang words to express a point. Lean in a little during the interview to show that you are genuinely interested and that the interviewer has your full attention. After the interview is over, don't forget to send a thank you card to the interviewer, and they are likely to remember your great job interview long after the session is over.

The best way to nail an interview is to make a fine impression from the start. Remember that every job interview is an opportunity to shine and receive the job of your dreams, so aiming to have a great job interview improves your chances of employment. Learning how to sell yourself with confidence helps employers to see the best in you and your potential as a company employee.

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