Few people are job interview naturals. Those that are, possess the instinctive knowledge of how to wow and dazzle a hiring manager. Many people, though, do not know what to do. That’s OK. It’s a great idea to practice your interview a few days before your session. Have a friend or relative play the part of the interviewer so you do not go in completely cold.
5 Job Interview Tips
Give your friend or relative sample interview questions and request they come up with a few on their own you’re not familiar with. Record the practice interviews to get insight into your body language, professional demeanor, and other aspects.
It would be good to keep these five things in mind as you prepare for your practice and real job interviews:
1. Research the Employer and Common Interview Questions
Many interviewers ask applicants about their background, how they heard about the position, why they think they are a good fit, and the type of work environment they prefer. Look up typical interview questions and good ways to answer them. If you have no work experience, use volunteer, internship, and school experiences to inform your answers.
Also, research the employer. Know at least the basics: What the employer does, who it serves, what products or services it offers, and how you would fit in.
2. Be Yourself (Within Reason)
Some people go into job interviews projecting a personality or attitude that does not fit who they are. For instance, they might use big words when they normally would not and when it is not necessary. They might try to hide their sense of humor, thinking that humor is not appropriate during an interview.
In reality, many types of humor fit well in job interviews, and big words can make applicants seem stuffy or pretentious when they are not.
Be yourself. If you’re normally warm and kind and smile a lot, don’t try to convey a brisk, businesslike vibe even if you think that is what fits the company better. For one thing, an employer might be disappointed if it hires you and your personality undergoes a radical transformation from the interview.
Another thing to keep in mind is that it takes effort to remember how to act. It will be hard to pretend to be someone you’re not. Be yourself but remain professional. Refrain from cursing, making inappropriate jokes, or checking your phone a lot even if these elements are part of who you are personally.
3. Pay Attention to Body Language
Your expressions, posture, and hand positions could make the difference between you getting hired and being passed over. Elements to focus on include these.
- Sitting up straight rather than slouching
- Leaning forward just a bit when interviewers ask questions and to change your position so you don’t sit stiff
- Maintaining eye contact with interviewers to convey attention and interest
- Smiling at least a few times where appropriate
- Folding your hands one over the other, interlacing your fingers, or resting a few fingertips together. Sit on your hands if you're doing an online video interview and tend to fidget
4. Make Sure You Won’t Be Distracted
Keep your smartphone switched off or at least turn notifications off. You will look unprofessional if your phone rings during a job interview and even more so if you glance at it and answer the call. Even saying, “Excuse me a moment,” and leaving the room to speak on the phone reflects badly on you.
Hunger, thirst, and lack of sleep are other examples of distractions. Try to sleep well the night before, eat a snack or small meal, and drink some water but not so much you constantly have to go to the bathroom.
5. Speak Positively
An initial job interview is not the time to complain about your current job, pay, benefits, or the people in your life. For example, avoid talking about a roommate who left you in the lurch with the bills. Keep your focus on the job at hand rather than talking about other jobs you’re hoping to get.
Lastly, do not inform interviewers that you need to go on vacation right after starting. That pretty much disqualifies you from the list of candidates. If your vacation is non-negotiable, a better time to bring it up would be after you get a job offer. The employer could probably delay your start date.
A little preparation helps you conduct an interview that impresses hiring managers. Be yourself, make eye contact, minimize distractions, and remain positive.
