Top tips to ace job interviews!

1- Learn about the job

First of all, you should make sure that you are aware of everything that the job entails and what would be required of you if you had to be chosen. Make sure you have what it takes to work there and what skills and experience are required. Familiarise yourself with the company’s mission statement and vision, a good place to find such information is the company’s website.

2- Prepare questions

It is much harder to succeed if you go unprepared. Prepare some questions that you are likely to be asked by the interviewee. Common questions recruiters ask are;

Why did you choose this company?

Why do you want this job?

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Why should the interviewer choose you?

3- References, experience and qualifications

What do you do when you want to sell your car? You go into every positive detail it has, all the extras and basically show the value for money. In my experience, in an interview, you have to do exactly the same, sell yourself!

Prepare everything you have that will make you stand out of the clutter including past work experiences, references and qualifications. In a genuine way, boast about your positive qualities and reasons why an interviewer should choose you. In the end, it’s all about whether you offer the value for the salary given in return.

4- Dress to impress

Check the formality required, and make sure you dress accordingly. Most of the time, a formal suit is adequate. Also, make sure you groom yourself well and avoid things such as piercings, showing tattoos, weird hairstyles, etc. With that being said, it does not mean that you should do this for all jobs, as some jobs do not mind things such as tattoos and piercings.

It is also important that you do not change yourself entirely, find a job that you fit in comfortably without making too many unwanted changes.

5- Location

This depends whether you will be having a face to face interview or via phone or skype. If the interview will be held online or via telephone call, make sure that you have no background noises or interruptions. Prepare a paper with answers, just in case you will need them as reference through the internet. Furthermore, even if the interviewer will not be seeing you, it is recommended that you still dress formally for the interview, as studies show that it might help you being more confident.

When it comes to using personal skype or similar accounts, ensure that your username is not too abnormal. Avoid offensive or childish usernames to give to the interviewee. If need be, create a new account and use it solely for interviews. In addition to this, make sure that your online profile is presentable. You will be surprised how many employers judge interviewees, through their social media profiles.

6- Relax

It is very normal that you have some butterflies in your stomach and filled with excitement, which is very positive, as it helps you strive harder to get the job. What is negative however, is if it hinders your performance during the interview. Keep calm and believe in yourself. Confidence is key, as if you do not believe you can do it, why should they? Be prepared for what they expect from you and show them what you are worth.

GOOD LUCK!

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