Everyone wants to have a successful interview that will lead to a job offer.
Whether you’re just starting out in your career or have years of experience, interview preparation is key. And there are some important things you can do before, during and after your interview to help increase your chances of getting a job offer.
Let’s dive into some valuable job interview tips that you’ll want to use for your upcoming interviews.
Tips for what to do before the interview
1. Practice and prepare
One of the best things you can do to prepare for your interview is to practice beforehand. Whether it’s with yourself in the mirror or with a friend, record a mock interview and then watch it and take note of how you speak, your tone and even your hand gestures. Your interviewer will be observing everything you do and say, including your body language, to gauge if you are the right fit for the job.
It’s also good to anticipate questions the interviewer could potentially ask and prepare your answers in advance. This will help you get in the right mindset for your interview.
2. Do some research on the company
Knowing your background information on the company you’re applying to will show the interviewer that you did your homework and are keenly interested in the role. Show off what you know about the company and some of their main projects, or what they are working on that you could help with. This will also help you stand out amongst the competition as not many candidates research the company beforehand.
3. Choose your interview attire
Whether your interview is online or in person, it’s good to pick out what you will wear the day before. This will help save time and cross one thing off your to-do list.
Make sure you choose attire appropriate for the role and company you are applying for. And regardless of the details, it should be a given that wearing clothing with rips or distracting logos is a big no-no in any interview.
4. Create a list of questions to ask the interviewer
An interview is an opportunity for you and the interviewer to get to know each other – so don’t be afraid to ask questions! In fact, you can and should ask questions at the end of the interview. Not having a list of things to ask at the end shows a lack of interest in the role and could cost you a job offer.
Tips for what to do during the interview
1. Be punctual
As said by author Eric Jerome Dickey, “Early is on time, on time is late and late is unacceptable.” You never want to be late for an interview. If your interview is in person, plan to arrive early and wait at a nearby coffee shop or in your car. If it’s online, make sure your computer devices are working properly before the interview. Try a test call to make sure your video, microphone and sound are all working properly.
2. Practice good body language
As mentioned before, body language is an important part of how you present yourself. Make sure you demonstrate confident and open body language that shows you are engaged and interested in the conversation with the interviewer.
3. Keep your answers concise
Even though you may want to share the details of your projects and achievements, it’s good to keep your answers as concise as possible. An interview is only for a limited amount of time, so don’t waste it on irrelevant projects or skills. Focus your time and answers on things most relevant to the role and job description.
Tips for what to do after the interview
1. Write a thank you email
Writing a thank you email shows that you appreciate the interviewer’s time and energy. It’s an opportunity to reiterate your strengths and remind them of why they should hire you.
The thank you email is also a chance to follow up after the interview to see where they are in the hiring process.
2. Keep an open connection
Regardless of the result of their decision, it’s good to keep an open connection with the interviewer in case another opportunity opens. You never know where your connections could take you.
For more tips, see our blog on how to prepare for your next job interview.
Published on August 5, 2022.
