Your resume wowed a prospective employer, and you’ve got that foot in the door. But, the job’s not in the bag yet—you have one round (or more) of interviews before you can gauge if a job offer is imminent. Now, if you’re great on paper, but lack the confidence to prove you deserve to be there, it’s probably because you’re capable but are a nervous interviewee.
Fortunately, there is a way around those apprehensions. Read on to know how you can ace that interview:
Knowledge is power, and confidence
If you’ve heard the saying ‘Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt’; when it comes to interviews, this rule does apply. Which is why, it’s always better to do your homework. Read up about the company, understand what they’re all about, and be up to date with any of their accomplishments or news. Remember, the more you know, the more confident you will appear. However, if you don’t know the answer to something, it’s best to admit that you’re not aware and promise to read up about it afterwards.
Dress to impress
You’ve definitely heard the saying, ‘Dress for the job you want, not for the one you have’. This is not a cliché for nothing. After all, when you’re being interviewed, presentation definitely matters. And remember, no matter how casual the work culture may seem, when it comes to that job interview, make sure that your attire appears professional. It doesn’t have to be business formal, but a crisp shirt and trousers is always your best bet.
Master the art of conversation
An interview is 60 per cent you answering questions—whether it’s the run-of-the-mill, ‘Tell me about yourself’, or ‘Where do you see yourself in five years?’, questions. But, it’s also a lot about how you listen to what an interviewer is saying. When you master the art of conversation, you’ll ace those warmup questions, but you’ll also be geared up for the more serious, tougher question. Remember, think before you reply, and be polite and respectful with your responses.
Be on time
It’s always best to be early or on time, but never late when it comes to a job interview. If you feel you may be running late, you might want to intimate them with a legitimate reason. However, if you expect rush hour traffic, it’s recommended you leave well in advance. You can always kill time at a coffee shop while you brush up on your information about the company.
Always be honest
While it’s okay to embellish a little, when it comes to skills and potential, it’s always best to be honest about what you bring to the table. If your CV shows any gaps or too many job switches, as much as the thought may worry you, be honest about your sabbatical or job changes. Besides, potential employers tend to do a thorough background check, so any discrepancies will invariably- surface. If they come from you at the onset, your chances at keeping the job when you do get it, is far higher.
And remember, always thank them for their time, and tell them you’ll look forward to your next meeting. But, do follow up. When you follow through on your word, it shows diligence and consistency—qualities that are undoubtedly desirable to any potential employer.