Job interviews are a necessary yet stressful step to obtaining the job of your dreams. Candidates who are prepared for interviews and armed with research and questions about the company have a better chance of impressing hiring managers and detailing their skills and experience. Improve your performance and nail the interview with preparation and attention to detail from the moment you walk in the door to the moment you accept the job offer.
Both prepare and rehearse well before the day of any job interview. Research employers and interviewers when possible and know the successes and operations of the businesses. Candidates who can pose questions to interviewers that are relevant to business operations show that they are prepared and knowledgeable about the company and industry.
Spend ample time reviewing potential interview questions and responses. Prepare a few accomplishment stories that highlight your achievements in past jobs that are relevant to the potential position. Align your skills to those necessary for the job, and tailor your responses to highlight the experience you have that matches the position description. Consider practicing your responses with a trusted colleague or friend to help evaluate if you are communicating your skills and experience specifically and professionally.
Focus your responses during job interviews on your professional life instead of divulging information about your personal life. Information about marital status, age, family situation and personal hobbies can lead to potential discrimination. If your hobbies, interests or volunteer work are related to the job, share a few examples without divulging too much personal data.
Pay close attention to your hygiene, dress and body language before and during job interviews. Make eye contact with the interviewer while talking and keep hand gestures and fidgeting to a minimum. Offer a firm handshake when entering the meeting room and smile often throughout job interviews to show your enthusiasm and positive attitude. Avoid wearing clothes and accessories that are too bright or distracting. Your goal is to have the interviewer focus on what you are saying and how your skills match the desired skills of the position rather than noticing dangling earrings or noisy jewelry.
Seek out strategies to relax and mask nervousness. Interviewers are more impressed with candidates who show confidence in their abilities. Take deep breaths, avoid talking too fast and smile when nerves creep up to relieve some tension. Interviewers expect interviewees to be slightly nervous, but candidates who are jittery may seem like they have something to hide.
Close out job interviews with a genuine offer of appreciation for the interviewer's time and ask about the timeline for hiring. Within 24 hours of interviews, send a handwritten thank you note or an email to interviewers to thank them for their time. Re-emphasize your skills, experience and enthusiasm within the note to show that you are interested in landing the job.
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