10 Things You Must Do to Ace a Job Interview
The basic guide in passing a job interview
I find it amusing when I interview an applicant and can't give a good answer to a simple question such as "tell me something about yourself."
They falter, they stutter, they keep pausing and struggle to come up with something to say. It only shows that the applicant failed to prepare, and it also shows their personality and work ethic.
When this happens, it's really a turn-off, especially if basic common questions are not adequately answered. It may seem relatively insignificant, but a bad impression will affect the interviewer's attention when you start answering the major questions.
In a job interview, your first goal is to get the interviewer's attention, and that is to make and leave a good impression. Secondly, it is to prove that you are the best candidate for the job.
To address these two things, your answers to the basic questions must make sense, and you have to be spontaneous, if possible, without stuttering and pausing too long.
Your answer to the major questions must always be relevant and concise. It must meet the interviewer's expectations, and it must show that you know what you're talking about.
When answering questions about your experiences, expertise, and skills, as much as possible always come up with real experiences and stories to back up your answers.
Stories will arouse your interviewer's interest and will validate your answers and claims.
After interviewing several applicants through the years, I've come up with these basic "must be done" things that will help you pass your interview.
Remember during the interview, there are things you can control and things that you can't. So focus on the things you can control and forget the rest.
Take note, this guide will not guarantee that you will get hired. But if properly followed, it will increase your chances of getting chosen.
1. Anticipate Questions That Will Be Asked
Preparation is the key in acing a job interview, yet most people will not bother doing this.
You must anticipate the questions that will be thrown at you so you can prepare the best answers to these questions. These are the things you can control, so take advantage of them.
Anticipate all the questions that the interviewer will ask. Always study the basic questions and come up with the best answers. Don't just answer for the sake of answering them.
Always be the best you can be.
2. Practice Answering Questions in Front of a Mirror
Practice, practice, practice like your life depends on it. You’re trying to apply for a job right?!
There is no replacement for practice.
After listing down the most anticipated questions, you can come up with, write down the best answers to each and start practicing. Go in front of a mirror and start answering the questions. Start talking, visualize you're in front of a panel.
You don't need to memorize the answers, although it would be best if you could, if not just be spontaneous. If you get lost, instead of struggling to find the next words, state an example or tell a story.
Observe yourself and fix what needs to be improved. Your gestures and posture should be refined. Keep on practicing until you are organized and spontaneous in speaking.
3. Dress Appropriately and Arrive Early
I can't emphasize the importance of doing these.
Always dress appropriately for a job interview. First impressions last. This might be the first and the last time the panel or interviewer might see you. So make it count by dressing properly.
Arrive earlier than expected. This will give you ample time to acclimate yourself for the interview. Rehearse the basic questions and keep yourself neat and tidy.
Tardiness is not a good impression and nobody wants to interview a person who is stressed out and full of sweat.
4. Bring Additional Copies of Resume
Don't forget this to include in your "to-do list." Bring at least four copies which you can give out upon request. Your resume will also assist you in filling up forms in case they give you a company application form.
Expect the unexpected. Sometimes HR will fill up the interview panel just when the interview is about to start. Having extra copies will address these unexpected rare occasions.
5. Don't Forget to Breathe
Take a breather, especially if you are nervous. You will start feeling weird and awkward at first. Your heart will beat fast and your voice will shake. This is quite normal, especially for first-timers. Just pause and breathe before continuing. And if things get worse, excuse yourself to use the bathroom.
Use the Rest Room if Needed. Don’t be ashamed to ask. If your heart is beating fast and you could hardly speak, this is the time to excuse yourself. Go to the restroom, stretch, and breath.
6. Always Tell the Truth
Never ever tell something that is not true. Don't tell bedtime stories that will ruin who you are. Always tell them the truth. You can bend things a little bit like your gross income but don't try to pretend to know something which you do not. This includes falsifying documents just to prove you qualify for the position.
Only answer what they ask you. Don’t say things that are not really relevant or say things that will arouse more questions. Always remember KISS (keep it simple stupid).
7. Do Your Homework
Try to research the company. Find out who runs it. Get as much information as you can. This will help familiarize you with the company. It will give you an idea of what questions to ask, and it will also help you assess if it's really worth applying to this company.
“The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.” — H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
8. Bring Water
Not all interviewers will offer you water. If the interview will be lengthy or if there will be a series of interviews from HR to upper management, you need water to quench down your thirst and dry throat. So always bring a bottle of water.
The biggest mistake you will do in a job interview is to ask what the company has for you. Rather always emphasize what you can do to help the company grow.
9. Ask the Question to Be Repeated if Needed
If you don't understand a question or if you are struggling to come up with a good answer, the best way to buy your time is to ask the question again and ask them to clarify it. Don't try to answer a question that you don't fully understand.
10. Keep on Smiling
A smile is a very powerful tool. It helps put others at ease with you and conveys friendliness and confidence. It will convey a good lasting impression and make you a likable person. But don't plaster a smile on your face. Smile naturally as you answer questions.
Sample of Common Interview Questions:
- Tell Me Something About Yourself.
- What Can You Contribute to the Company's Growth?
- Why Do You Want This Job?
- Why Should We Hire or Choose You Among All the Candidates?
- What Can You Contribute to the Company?
- What Are Your Greatest Strengths and weaknesses?
- How Much Salary are You Expecting?
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