Tips for a Successful Interview
How to nail a job interview and finally get the job you’ve always dreamt of
Congratulations on being called back for an interview, this is a major step in your application process, and because we’d love for you to land the job of your dreams, we wrote this helpful post.
In this article, we’ll share the best job interview tips that will come in handy in any type of interview. Including what to expect in an interview, how to behave, what to talk about, what to bring, and more.
1. Know Which Type of Interview You’ll Be Facing
There are different types of interviews you can face when being called back, which is why learning the differences between them can help you properly prepare for when the time comes.
You could be called for a phone or video interview, a group interview, an out-of-office interview, a performance interview, or a traditional one-on-one interview. And each one has a specific set of useful tips you should know.
Here are some details about each type of interview that will come in handy as well as some job interview tips:
Video/phone interviews. With this type of interview, make sure to find a quiet place with good lighting and a clear background (video), and with a good signal (phone). Speak with confidence and in a slightly elevated tone, but not screaming.
Group interviews. These allow recruiters to observe how you get along with others, if you know when to speak and when to listen as well as if you know how to stand out without bringing someone down. -
Out-of-office interviews. They typically take place in a restaurant or cafe and tend to be a little more relaxed, but this doesn’t mean you can behave like you’d do when you go out with friends.
Performance interviews. These allow recruiters to have a better understanding of your performance in certain tasks. You should practice beforehand.
2. Be Polite & Respectful With Everyone
One of the most valuable job interview tips you can follow is to be polite and respectful with everybody you encounter from the moment you set foot where the interview will be taken place.
Remember people’s names and how they’re pronounced as well as keep a friendly but professional manner when addressing them. Pay attention to your recruiter’s name as well as their secretary’s. If you don’t know them, simply call and ask.
Having an overly-confident attitude or not being polite to staff or other employees will only make recruiters want to cancel your interview on the spot. Plus, it does not serve you any good as a person.
3. Learn About The Company
If you’ve searched “how to nail a job interview” desperately on the internet, and don’t know what to do, this tip will help you out.
You cannot, and we repeat, cannot, go to an interview without knowing anything about the company you wish to enter. Of course, you don’t need to know every single detail about it, but having information about recent awards or certifications they obtained, their work policy, current partnerships, and similar can help you be seen as a suitable candidate.
Recruiters not only look for great candidates but for well-informed individuals who care about what the company does.
Research the company’s LinkedIn account as well as their social media profiles and their website to find relevant information. During the interview, you might be asked something about the company, or you might see an opportunity to comment about something the company recently did, which will show hiring managers your commitment and eagerness to work with the company.
4. Engage In Small Talk
When you step into the interview room, you won’t be speaking about business right away, so be prepared to engage in small talk. You can talk about the decoration of the space, the location of the company, or even the architecture of the office.
Apart from this, you surely will be asked something about your life and it not might be a specific question. The terrifying question, “So, tell me a little bit about yourself” might make an appearance, so be ready to answer quickly but not rushed. Take your time to elaborate and briefly talk about who you are, what you like to do (hobbies), and similar.
Don’t spend a lot of time talking about yourself unless they specify you can take as much time as you want. After you give a brief introduction of who you are, they can ask more specific questions or get right into business.
5. Bring Copies Of Everything
A good piece of job interview advice is to be prepared for everything, and that includes being asked to hand in a copy of your resume, cover letter, references, and more.
Whether your recruiter asks for them or their secretary, you should always bring various copies of your important documents. It is always best to be prepared and bring things just in case than being asked for something and not being able to deliver it.
If you want to be absolutely sure of what to bring, simply call the person you arranged your interview with and ask.
Bring a notebook and a pen to write down as much as possible after your interview or if you need to take notes. It is not recommended that you take notes while the recruiter is speaking unless it is absolutely necessary.
How To Nail A Job Interview Conclusion
In this post, we shared the best tips for a successful job interview that will help you land the job of your dreams. The most important job interview tip we’d like you to remember is to be yourself. It is normal to be nervous and express it to your recruiter, but as the interview progresses we guarantee you’ll be calmer. Always be polite and respectful before, during, and after your interview and to every person you encounter. You can also ask the recruiter for brief feedback after the interview is over to analyze your performance.