Job interviews can be intimidating and nerve-wracking experiences, even for the most experienced candidates. They are often the deciding factor between you and the many other qualified candidates going for a position.
So to help you and give you an edge over your competition, we have developed our Top 10 job interview tips, discussing everything from what to wear to body language and much more.
Table Of Contents
How to Make A Good First Impression
Research The Company
Before your interview, it's important to research the company. This will help you understand the company's culture, values, and mission.
It will also give you a better idea of what the interviewer may look for in a candidate.
When researching the company, visit the company website and read any news articles or press releases about the company.
You can also check out social media sites like LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram to learn more about the company.
By doing your research, you'll be able to ask informed questions and demonstrate that you're a good fit for the company, and this will also make you stand out from other candidates.
Read The Job Description
To be successful in any job, it is important to learn about everything you will be doing. This means being proactive and taking the initiative to research the job description before and after being hired.
Before beginning a new job, it is helpful to read up on the position and what will be expected of you.
This way, you can get off to a successful start and have a better understanding of what your responsibilities will be.
Additionally, stay up-to-date on changes or new developments in your field by reading industry news or taking courses related to your job role.
Once you are already in a job role, take any job shadowing opportunities to shadow other employees or ask questions when needed. Observing how more experienced employees carry out their duties is also beneficial.
What Type Of Interview Will You Be Doing?
Not all companies are the same; they all have their own methods of interviewing candidates, so make sure you find out how yours will be carried out.
For example, some companies may invite you to meet with people at the company on your own, or you could have a meeting with several people at the same time.
Furthermore, you may have a phone interview or a zoom interview. Inquire with the recruiter or the HR manager about the interview format in advance; knowing this information can prove helpful and sets you up to succeed.
If your format is video, then read our zoom video interview tips guide below to help you prepare.
How To Make A Good First Impression
In a job interview, first impressions are key. Here are our suggestions to make sure you make a good first impression:
1. Wear professional clothing that will impress your potential employer.
2. Show up on time. Being late indicates a lack of respect.
3. Bring copies of your resume and references. Having these shows that you are prepared and organized.
4. Be confident and positive. Smile, make direct eye contact, and sit up straight. Showing confidence will put the interviewer at ease and make them more likely to want to hire you.
5. Ask thoughtful questions about the company and the position you are interviewing for.
This would demonstrate you're interested and dedicated to learning more about the company if you were to be hired.
What to Wear For a Job Interview
When it comes to job interviews, there are a few things you can control. One of those things is what you wear. Your clothing choices should be professional and convey that you are taking the interview process seriously.
Putting on your interview outfit is your first step in getting into character, so to speak, and can put you in a good frame of mind too.
Although the dress code at your interview may not be as formal as some other companies, you should still look your best.
Make sure to wear a smart and professional outfit, and make sure your hair is neatly groomed.
There is a considerable amount of stage management involved in interview preparation. Whether we like it or not, As I mentioned above, first impressions do count and are very important.
We all know that if we look our absolute best, our confidence goes through the roof, and we will present the best version of ourselves to any potential employer.
If you want to stand out from the competition and make a more professional impression, aim to dress one level above what you usually wear.
Here at SJR London, we recommend keeping it basic and wearing a smart black business suit.
This will show that you take your career seriously and are ready to take on whatever comes your way. And if polishing your shoes and wearing a tie gives you an edge over your opponents, it’s definitely worth the effort!
To read our full article on what to wear for a job interview in retail, click the link below.
Body Language Tips To Help You Nail The Job Interview.
The way you carry yourself says a lot more than you might think. Body language is an important part of any first impression, so ensure you send the right message with your posture, eye contact and more.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to body language in a job interview:
1. Make eye contact and smile. This shows that you're confident and interested in what the interviewer says.
2. Sit up straight and avoid fidgeting. It shows you're paying attention and are comfortable in the situation.
3. Lean slightly forward when speaking or listening. This shows that you're engaged in the conversation and eager to participate.
4. Don't cross your arms or legs. This shows that you're closed off and defensive.
5. Keep good posture, but don't over-compensate. If you tend to slouch, try to sit up straight and tall.
Check out our full guide on body language interview tips below.
How To Practice For An Interview
Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially if you're not prepared; we suggest combating this through mock interviews.
A mock job interview can help you feel more confident and comfortable during a real job interview. It can also help you learn more about the expectations of the role you are interviewing for.
Mock interviews are one of the best job interview techniques potential candidates can use.
They are conducted just like real interviews, but with someone not hiring for the position. This person can be a friend, family member, or career coach.
They will ask you well-known interview questions and give feedback on your responses.
You can use this opportunity to practice your elevator pitch, learn more about what to expect in an interview, and get feedback on your interviewing skills.
Mock interviews are a great way to build confidence and ensure you are prepared for your next big opportunity. To get a deeper understanding of mock interview practice, click the link below to read our full guide on this topic
Job Interview Questions And Answers
A job interview is your opportunity to sell yourself as the perfect candidate. You're probably thinking, how do I answer common interview questions, or what should I say when the interviewer asks me to describe myself?
Don't worry; when you practice these typical job interview questions a few times and have strong answers, you have a high chance of convincing them that you're the right person for the job.
Here are some of the most common job interview questions and answers:
1. Tell me about yourself.
It is the most common interview question and can be difficult to answer.
However, your answer should give the interviewer a brief overview of your professional background and highlight some of your skills and accomplishments. Try to keep your answer under two minutes.
2. What are your strengths?
When answering this question, focus on qualities that will make you successful in your interviewing role.
3. What are your weaknesses?
Be honest as you answer this question; however, do not include any negatives that will impact your ability to perform the job.
For our in-depth article on job interview questions and answers, Click the link below.
Common Job Interview Mistakes To Avoid
During your job interview, you want to ensure that you do everything right.
Unfortunately, many job seekers make common mistakes that can end up costing them the job. Here are some of the most common job interview mistakes to avoid:
1. Trying to memorize a script.
It’s important to be prepared for your interview, but memorizing a script is not the way.
It makes you sound robotic and unnatural. Instead, focus on preparing key points you want to make sure you hit during the interview and always remember to be your normal self.
2. Coming across as arrogant or entitled.
You may have the skills and experience required for the job, but if you come across as arrogant or entitled in your interview, the employer will not want to hire you.
Be confident without being cocky, and let your qualifications/experience speak for themselves.
3. Misrepresenting your skills and experience.
It is easy for job seekers to get caught up in the excitement of a new job opportunity. Misrepresenting your skills and experience on your resume can be tempting. However, this is a big mistake that can cost you the job.
How To Recover From A Bad Job Interview
It's common to have a bad job interview. It happens to almost everyone at some point. Here are a few tips on how to recover from a bad job interview:
1. Don't beat yourself up.
It's not the end of the world, and you're not the first to have a bad interview. Just take it as a learning experience and move on.
2. Learn from your mistakes.
What did you do wrong? What could you have done better? Make sure you avoid making the same mistakes next time.
3. Stay positive and keep trying.
Just because one interview didn't go well doesn't mean you'll never get the job you want. Keep your head up and keep applying for jobs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we know job interviews can be daunting experiences, but by following our job interview success tips and with the right preparation and attitude, you can make sure you stand out from the crowd.
Try to keep your responses concise, and make sure to ask some questions of your own.
Remember that you are selling yourself, so stay positive and emphasize how you fit into the company's culture. It's also a good idea to practice interview skills with someone else beforehand.
By following these key interview tips, you will be prepared for anything that comes your way in the interview process.
If you need any more help or advice regarding looking for a temporary or permanent job or the interview process, be sure to contact us here, and we will be happy to help.