Congratulations! You just received word that an employer has reviewed your recent job application, and now they want to schedule an interview with you. Interviews are an essential part of the hiring process. If an employer is interested in your initial job application, they will naturally want to meet before offering a job. As a job seeker, the interview is your chance to showcase your desire and fit for the job.
Want to learn how to ace your job interview? Continue reading for five tips!
1. Read the Job Description (Again)!
The job description will provide helpful hints that will guide your interview. Most job postings mention the responsibilities and qualifications required for your specific role. Therefore, reading (and re-reading) the job description will allow you to understand what the employer is looking for in a successful candidate. Once you realize what the employer is looking for in a successful candidate, take some time to think about how you can meet those expectations.
2. Prepare for Common Interview Questions (Practice, Practice, Practice)
While every job interview can be unique, you can prepare by anticipating common interview questions. Generally, interviewers will ask questions that get you to speak about yourself. In fact, many interviewers start by asking a simple question such as “tell me about yourself.” Use this question as an opportunity to give a professional overview of your experience and career aspirations. Other common questions will generally revolve around your strengths and weaknesses regarding the desired role.
It’s a good idea to think of examples or scenarios in which you demonstrated skills in the past. Consider organizing your responses using the STAR approach (Situation/Task/Action/Result).
3. Think of Questions to Ask the Interviewer
Job interviews are not a one-way street. Besides quality candidates, employers are also looking for people that are a good fit for their team. At the end of your interview, an interviewer will usually give you a chance to ask questions about the position or organization. Having some questions prepared can show the interviewer that you are serious about pursuing this opportunity. However, do not simply ask questions for the sake of asking a question. Keep your questions relevant and meaningful.
A general rule is to ask around three or four questions. Your final question should be about when you can expect the organization to make a hiring decision.
4. Dress for Success
Wear an appropriate outfit to your interview to give your interviewer a good first impression. Even if your interview is virtual, putting on nice clothes will show that you take the hiring process seriously. Research the hiring organization to determine their dress code and follow along. However, business formal is usually a safe bet if you are unsure. Planning out your clothing the night before the interview will also help.
5. Plan Your Arrival
Just like wearing nice clothing, showing up on time helps build a good first impression. Needless to say, you should avoid being late for a job interview. Aim to arrive at least 15 minutes before your interview if it is in-person. Plan out how you will arrive at the interview location ahead of time. Be friendly and courteous to everyone you meet when you arrive at the site.
On the other hand, virtual interviews are becoming more common as well. For online interviews, aim to log on at least five minutes before the scheduled time. To ensure a smooth interview experience, check your equipment beforehand. For example, test your internet connection, camera quality, audio settings, and video background.
Consult the Experts at NIC Online
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