Once you've received that call or email to confirm you have gotten the job interview, you’re closer to the job than ever. Now you just need to impress the interview. Let’s take a look at how you can stand out by nailing the interview.
Introduction
We unconsciously form opinions of people pretty much as soon as we meet them and first impressions matter. This means that you need to get the introduction right. Be friendly and project confidence, even if you feel like the furthest thing from it. Look the interviewer in the eyes, be polite and give them a firm handshake.
Hygiene
It has to be said: your personal hygiene matters. Shower, shave, get a haircut, put on deodorant, clean your nails and polish your shoes. We do these things as much for other people as we do for ourselves.
It's very important to dress professionally and appropriately. That doesn’t mean you have to wear a suit, but make an effort. Clean clothes, ironed and pressed. It’s all about those first impressions.
Do your research
If possible, research the company and what they do. Get a sense of what their strategies and business plans are, what their vision is and what their company values are. If you can, research the interview team - find out what they like and what they do. If you share a hobby, mountain biking for instance, you may want to mention the last time you did it. Don't mention that you found this out by Facebook stalking them, but it can be helpful and put you a little more at ease if you share common interests.
Ask the right questions
Towards the end of the interview, you’ll be asked if you have any questions. The worst possible answer is “nope, that’s all.” If you say that, you’ll look like you didn’t take the time to find out anything about the company and what they do, and that you don’t care that much about the job.
Here are a couple of questions you could ask:
- Where do you see the company going in the next 10 years?
- What would make someone a really successful candidate for this role?
- How are decisions made here?
- How does [current issue] affect your business?
- What are the top 3 things about me that interested you?
Nail the follow-up interview
Interviewers are likely to see a lot of people. You want them to remember you. The same day, send a thank you note to them via email. This will serve as a reminder of you, especially if they interviewed many candidates that day. It might not guarantee you the job, but it can’t hurt to try.
Getting your job interview right is just as important as nailing your CV and cover letter. You need to make a good impression are really sell yourself as the perfect candidate for the role. With these tips in mind, you should have no trouble.
