16 Job Interview Tips & Tricks To Impress Any Employer

 

Job Interview Preparation Tips & Tricks For You To Make A Great Impression

 

“The toughest thing to handle in your job interview would not be the interviewer or the questionnaire. It will be your own self-confidence. Good luck with your new job.”

– Anonymous

Job Interview Tips & Tricks

Job Interview Tips & Tricks For Aspirants To Impress The Hiring Manager: Interview has become an indispensable part of the career nowadays. Whether one wishes to become a civil servant, a clerk, or an Engineer, he/she must go through the interview process to get his/her dream job. The growth of your career depends heavily on your performance in Interviews, that’s why you should prepare for it carefully.

Today government, as well as private fields, insist on interviews as a perfect tool to sort out the skillful candidates from the crowd of job aspirants so that they can thoroughly examine the talent of prospectus candidates before them. A Job Interview is your chance to showcase what makes you stand out from other candidates.

Why Interview Is Important In Today’s Job World

An interview is an opportunity for both the employer and the applicant to gather information. The employer wants to know if the applicant, has the skills, knowledge, self-confidence, and motivation necessary for the job. He or she also wants to determine whether or not you will fit in with the organization’s current employees and philosophy.

However, the intellectual knowledge of a candidate can be examined easily through the written tests but the level of understanding and personality traits of a candidate can be analyzed only through the Interview. Please, keep in mind, Interview is a two-way exchange of information and it is an opportunity for both parties to market themselves.

Considering the utmost importance of interviews in today’s crazy job market, it becomes essential to prepare for it so that you can impress your potential employer and secure the job. Follow these 15 key interview tips that will surely boost your chances of landing your dream job.

More On Lifelords: How To Get Motivated To Workout And Study

 

What Should You Do Before Facing The Actual Job Interview

1. Make A Great C.V. Or Bio Data For Interview

You should prepare yourself to participate in a job interview when you apply for that job and it starts with your Curriculum Vitae or Bio Data. Before the employer, our biodata acts as our silent representative so it should be prepared with caution considering the actual requirements of a job. Whether we got a call for an interview or not, it is decided by our Bio-Data or Resume. To prepare a good biodata you should remember the following tips –

The most important thing to remember about a Curriculum Vitae is that whatever information you give about yourself, must be absolutely authentic. Because whatever talent and skills you may possess but if, at the time of the interview, the interviewer got to know that the information you mentioned in your biodata is fake, in 90% of cases the possibility of your selection comes to an end.

Always prepare a short C.V. unless recruiters do not demand detailed biodata. Highlight your education, work experience, and specific skills properly. Your name, address, and contact number should be clearly mentioned in your C.V. Many studies indicate that employers while reading a biodata, make up their mind either to accept a resume or not in the initial 30 seconds. So be very careful when you prepare your biodata.

More On Lifelords: A To Z Secrets of My Success

2. Research The Company Or Industry Thoroughly

Got a call for the job interview—congratulations! You should be proud of yourself as you made the first step towards getting your job. Now research the company or organization thoroughly because the interviewer may ask how you perceive the company’s position in its industry. You should also know about the organization’s competitors and how it should best go forward.

Because the more you know about an organization, the better prepared you will be to discuss how you can meet its needs. Some of the characteristics that you should know about an organization are: Where is it located? What is its history? How big is it? What are its products and who does it serve? How is the organization structured? Have there been any recent changes, new developments?

There are a number of ways in which you can access this information. Most medium-to-large-sized organizations publish information about themselves. You can access this info through the company’s website, social media posts, and recent press releases. Use Google or LinkedIn to learn more about the company and your interviewer.

More On Lifelords: How To Be More Confident In Yourself

3. Evaluate Your Ability & Responsibility Honestly

The second step in preparing for an interview is to research the occupation so that you can honestly evaluate your ability & responsibility. In order to present a convincing argument that you have the experience and skills required for that occupation, you must first know what those requirements and duties are. Read the job description thoroughly. If possible, acquire a copy of the job description from the employer (Human Resources/Personnel).

Think honestly – Do I possess the skills which I am expected to have? Do I have a good knowledge of my field? Am I capable enough to take on my new responsibility? Your employer would also like to know how you will execute the given responsibility? And to what level you can commit yourself to the organization?

You need to find the answers to these questions because your future employer expects that you would prove yourself a competent and potential employee in the organization. No employer wants to hire an incompetent person and also not to employ someone who hesitates in taking responsibility.

More On Lifelords: Abraham Lincoln’s Favorite Poem That Changed His Life

4. Arrange Your Educational Certificates

Your educational and experience certificates build your identity in the corporate world. They are the mirror through which an interviewer can observe the level of your academic excellence, talent, skills, commitment, and many other qualities. Arrange your certificates in chronological order so that interviewers could easily evaluate the improvement in your performance as you move forward in your career journey.

Bring an additional copy of all your documents to every interview as interviewers may need them to compare your portfolio with other job aspirants before finally selecting you. Also, have a copy of your resume with you when you go to every interview because if the interviewer has misplaced his or her copy, this extra copy will show them that you’re always prepared. Review your resume before the interview, and make sure that you can explain everything on it.

 

How Should You Prepare For A Great Job Interview

5. Have Strong Knowledge of Your Field

You must have deep knowledge about the field which is related to the post you have applied for. Because if you do not have the knowledge of your domain, what work would you do then? Always clear your basics, as well as must possess the knowledge on a specif topic so that when the interviewer would like to ask questions about your strong zone, you could answer them confidently.

So update your field knowledge beforehand. Sometimes employer demands several years of work experience but the candidate only has 2-3 years of experience. If you got such an opportunity, it is not wise to leave that chance. On that occasion, you should impress the interviewer with a deep knowledge of your field.

Convince them that if aforesaid responsibility is granted to you, you would soon get the required ability needed to accomplish the tasks at hand. No employer could take the risk of losing a hard-working and brilliant candidate only because he/she doesn’t have 1-2 years of experience.

6. Dress Professionally To Maintain Dignity

Make a great first impression by picking good and clean clothes for the interview because your attire exhibits your external personality but that does not mean that you should select fashionable, modern, or costly dresses. Instead, wear the outfits that look decent on you. That displays your image as a civilized and cultured person before the interviewer. Never ever wear casual dresses as it hampers your image. Keep in mind, your dressing sense is crucial in your success.

Plan your interview attire the night before. Dress appropriately for the position that you are applying to. Try to dress like the people who work there. And regardless of what type of clothes you end up wearing, make sure they’re clean, ironed, and fit well. Apart from your dress, you should also be careful about bodily hygiene. Make sure that you are clean, neat, and well-groomed.

Interviewers do notice your appearance, and first impressions are critical in an interview situation. On the day of the interview shave well. Your hair also should be cut and combed properly. Do not use shampoo, scent, and oil having intense fragrance. Do not appear too fashionable by having a long and disorderly beard, mustache, and hair. It portrays a careless image of yours before the interviewer.

7. Practice & Plan For The Interview

You may have heard the famous quote ‘Practice makes a man perfect.’ It sounds true in context to interview also. Preparation increases your confidence and trains you to face the challenging environment in the interview room. Practice mock interviews with your friends or relatives. You can put together senior family members or friends with diverse personality traits to rehearse well before the actual interview.

Recreate the formality of a team interview situation and ask them to fire nonstop questions at you. That will serve as a useful practice session. Ask for serious feedback, especially about weak areas in your answers. Questions about qualifications and work experience are usually generic, so what your mock team asks you is bound to be pretty close to the real stuff.

You can also prepare by reviewing magazine and newspaper articles. Get a good night’s sleep before your interview. You will think more effectively in the interview if you are rested. Also, yawning will not impress anyone. Eat light breakfast or lunch before the interview. If you are worried about your stomach growling, you will not be able to concentrate on the questions.

8. Be Punctual, Check Your Time

Time is very precious – Yours as well as of the interviewer. So always be on time for the interview. It is better to plan your schedule in a way so that you can arrive 10–15 minutes early. It will not only make you stress-free but will give you an opportunity to collect your thoughts and relax also. Being punctual is a good habit and no employer wants an employee who is careless about time. After all, time is money.

Arriving on time shows your interviewer that you are a reliable employee. Whether it is a meeting or interview, being punctual is very important in both situations. Find out the location of the organization. Make sure you have a map or directions as well as information about the nearest bus and railway station. To appear late in an interview depict a negative image of your personality, which ultimately will prove harmful for you.

You May Also Like: Drug Addiction Definition And Treatment Help Guide

 

Top Tips You Must Remember During A Job Interview

9. Prepare For The Common Interview Questions

Giving answers to the asked questions in an impressive and intelligent way is also an art and an interview is the best medium to test it. Practice answering frequently asked questions with your friend or family members. It will not only boost your confidence level but will improve your communication skills also. Actually practicing your answers out loud is an incredibly effective way to prepare. You can also take the help of Interview Guides available in the market.

When you answer a question, look the interviewer in the eye. Be aware of the interviewer’s reactions. If he or she looks confused, ask if you can clarify anything. Be sure you answer that completely. Pause a couple of seconds before you respond to each question, even if you know exactly what you want to say.

Take this time to quickly plan your answer, this helps to avoid misunderstandings and produces much more concise answers. If you don’t understand a question, ask for clarification. This is expected and is preferable to providing an unsuitable answer. If you need time to collect your thoughts – take it. Also, be smart about money questions. Don’t fall into the trap of telling the interviewer your financial expectations.

Note that you can never predict every question that you will encounter. Expect to answer the weird question. Consider each question an opportunity to provide useful information the interviewer needs. Don’t assume anything. You will be evaluated on your answers, not your resume.

10. Refrain From Telling Lie To Interviewer

At the time of the interview, answer the interviewer’s questions modestly. Don’t answer in haste, without listening to the complete question. Do not argue with interviewers. Do not trick them with your dexterity, and the most important thing, never tell a lie to them. Getting caught lying is an instant deal-breaker. If you don’t know the answer to any question, don’t tell a lie. Instead, say clearly and politely that you don’t know the answer.

Honesty is a good policy everywhere. Respond truthfully to the questions asked. Win them over with your authenticity. Being genuine during interview conversations can help interviewers easily relate to you. Employers will feel more comfortable hiring you if they can verify your accomplishments. There is a difference between making the most of your experience and exaggerating or falsifying it.

A falsified resume can cost you the job later. Please, keep in mind that interviewers are more experienced than you, they are smarter than you. Don’t consider them nincompoops, otherwise, it would create problems only for you. Whether they ask about your salary, experience, job responsibilities, always tell the truth. The slightest stretching of the truth may result in you being screened out.

11. Follow Essential Codes of Conduct

Follow essential codes of conduct during the interview. Ultimately you are presenting yourself as a valuable professional to a new job environment. And you can’t do that without minding the basic interview etiquette to get you ahead of the rest of the pack. An interview is the sum total of many parts. It’s not just what you say but how you say it that matters equally.

So it’s good to brush up on more than just your training skills when you do go in for an interview. Practice good manners and body language because your body language sends powerful messages about your personality. It can portray confidence and display interest and engagement during the process. Remember the following points –

Switch off your mobile before entering the room. Welcome the interviewer with a warm smile and maintain eye contact. This is one way of communicating confidence, even if you don’t feel it. If the interviewer offers his or her hand, shake it firmly. If they don’t, it is appropriate to offer yours. Wait until the interviewer sits or offers you a seat before sitting down. If the interviewer is making small talk, participate. Keep your answers short and positive.

12. Make Yourself Mentally Strong

This is the only area, in which most people fail to perform well. In spite of having a good personality, having a deep knowledge of the subject, many people become unsuccessful in interviews because of this single reason that they are unable to make themselves mentally strong. Unable to speak before the interviewer, feeling hesitation, stammering continuously, rapid movements of eyelids, forget all while knowing everything and telling wrong answers unknowingly – these are some problems, which many people face during an interview.

So, ignoring this field will prove a blunder. The best way to get rid of these problems, which arise mainly because of a tense state, is to practice mock interviews with your friends. It will help you to throw out your imaginary fear. Control your nervous habits. Be aware of what your body is saying.

Free your mind from the fear of failure and inability. Do not let stress overpower you. Note that this is just an interview, not a question about life and death. Keep yourself relaxed and confident. Try not to appear bored or anxious. You will surely get success.

You May Also Like: 10 American Horror Stories That Will Terrify Everyone

 

Best Interview Tips To Help You To Get Your Dream Job

13. Present Your Skills & Talent In An Impressive Way

Never make the big mistake of treating an interview lightly. It’s not an impromptu thing where you depend on your improvisation skills. An interview requires careful thought and planning before you take it. Keeping in mind some basic attitudes and presentation techniques will help you sail through it with panache. Present yourself in a way so that employers presume that you are actually ready to take the responsibility and you have started taking initiative in this direction.

Tell interviewers what special talent do you have compared to others? For example – you have a good knowledge of computers, you are emotionally very strong, or you can make the right decisions early. If you are going to be interviewed for a job that demands hands-on work experience, be prepared with examples of your work.

During the interview, you will likely be asked about specific work you’ve completed in relation to the position. Prepare to go into every interview with three to five key selling points in mind, such as what makes you the best candidate for the position.

Also, answer the interviewer’s questions by explaining the key points and that too in a minimum time. It will represent a light but influential picture of your time management skills in the interviewer’s mind and chances for your selection will be improved.

14. Think Positive And Speak Positive

Keep in mind that there is only one chance to make a first impression. Every company wants employees who are goal-oriented, career-driven, enthusiastic, and motivated. Be the employee they want. End the interview on a positive note. The hiring official needs to know that you are interested, enthusiastic, and excited about the position and the company.

Do not speak negatively about your previous employers as it will create a bad impression. Every organization wants to hire problem solvers who overcome tough situations, not fault-finders. If you’re feeling discouraged about your current job, do not discuss it on the interview table, even if the interviewer asks the evergreen question – ‘Why do you want to leave your current job?’

15. Offer A List of References

Offer a list of references and letters of recommendation to the interviewers. Many employers might require you to submit a list of references before or after your interview. In most instances, it is not necessary to include the names and addresses of references on the resume. If you include a reference, make sure that the referenced person knows very well about you.

It is also advisable to add the persons as references, whom the employer can contact easily. If possible add the phone number and e-mail ID of the reference. Never add a person as a reference, about whom you know nothing as it may question your credibility and minimize the chances of your selection.

16. Follow-Up After The Interview

It is always a good practice to send thank-you notes to the interviewers. Send a personalized thank you letter just after the interview. Express your gratitude for your interviewer’s time, and re-emphasize your interest in the position. If the competition for a position is tight, a follow-up thank-you note can mean a lot. If the manager is slow to hire, the arrival of a thank-you note can serve as a reminder about the candidate who’s awaiting the manager’s next move.

It may seem like a small detail, but career experts will tell you that this tried-and-true tactic really makes an impact. If you are sending a thank-you letter to more than one person make sure that each email is distinct from the others, using the notes you took during the conversations. However, remember that you must send the thank-you note within 24 hours of your interview.

Final Words on Interview Tips & Tricks

A job interview is a chance to sell your skills and abilities to the prospective buyer aka employer. And you should leave no stone unturned to catch the moment. If you think only freshers and young job seekers need to prepare for their job interview, you need to think again. Because evidence shows that many a time even the smartest and most qualified job seekers fail to grab their desired job.

Always prepare for the upcoming job interview with a responsible attitude as you will get no second chance to make a great first impression. We hope you have liked this post. The job interview tips discussed here will make a job interview feel much less stressful as you’ll feel more comfortable during the actual interview. Feel free to share this article with your friends and colleagues to inspire and help them as well.

More On Lifelords: 201 Encouraging Quotes For Men And Women

“A job interview is not a test of your knowledge, but your ability to use it at the right time.”

– Anonymous

About The Author

0Shares
error: Content is protected !!
Scroll to Top