Congratulations, you got the interview! Now what?
You have probably had interviews before – maybe many – but this time you really want to ace an interview. You need to take control of the interview – here’s how.
1. Be Assertive
Above all, you need to show confidence. Remember, you are selling yourself – not begging for a job. Approach the event as if you are not the only one being interviewed. Answer the questions that they ask completely and honestly, but come prepared with some questions of your own.
2. Be Prepared
Make sure that you do some research on the company. If it is publicly listed, check the stock prices and background financials. If it is international, find out where the company has operations.
You also want to know as much as you can about the interview before you get there. Will it involve a written test (yes, you can ask)? Will it be with a single person and who is that? Will it be a panel-type interview? Find out as much as you can about the interview and interviewers ahead of time.
3. Rehearse Interview Q & A’s
It may sound silly but practice your interview answers. Most interviews include some typical questions such as, “What are your weaknesses?” You need to have an answer ready to turn that weakness into an asset. The more comfortable and relaxed you seem, the more confident you look.
4. Be Candid & Paint a Story
Tell anecdotes about your experiences. These are stories about how you solved a particular problem that should come from your actual past. Support your skills and credentials with examples of results that you have gotten in past jobs. Don’t be afraid to address the “weakness” questions.
5. Be Selective About Time
If you have a choice, your best interview time is late morning on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Late mornings are better as the office is in full swing, everyone has had their coffee and morning emails have been answered, but the after-lunch low has not kicked in and no one is trying to rush out yet. Mondays and Fridays are not so great as Mondays are often dedicated to solving last week’s emergencies and Friday – well everyone is looking forward to the weekend.
All this advice goes out the window if the job is newly listed – in which case you should take the first slot that you can get.
6. Don’t Leave Without Asking
Remember, you are confident and in control. Make sure that you have made good eye contact and confidently stated “I can do this job” and “you won’t be sorry if you hire me.” Ask the interviewer if you have answered all the questions. Ask when they expect to make a decision and with whom you should keep in touch. If you can work it in, try and be the one to ask the last question.
When you have finished, be sure to send a personal email, thanking the “decider” for consideration and telling them that you look forward to hearing from them.
If you prepare and practice – you decrease your anxiety which will make you look more confident and capable.
Reflik is a revolutionary way that jobs find people and people find jobs. Once you get the interview it is up to you, but we can help you find the right job to go for.
by Ash Geria
