We all know job interviews can be incredibly stressful. There’s so much on the line and only a very small window to show you’re the person they need for the job. So how can you stand out from the crowd?
Preparing in advance will help you feel calm and confident, and help you stand out from your competition. Here are 5 tips to help you ace your next job interview.
RESEARCH
The more you know, the more you will stand out. Before you even leave for the interview, take time to research the company and position. Learn little details that the person interviewing you may not even know and find ways to work them into the conversation naturally. This knowledge will not only give you the chance to showcase how dedicated you are to the position but also how much time and energy you’ve invested in getting to know the company.
PREPARE YOUR INTRODUCTION
All job interviews start with questions like: “Can you tell me a bit more about yourself?”. Prepare an answer that summarises who you are and where you’re from. Avoid clichéd responses like telling them you “like having fun” or that you’re a “hard worker”.
These kinds of phrases are overused and show the interviewer that you haven’t thought beyond the standard responses.
DON’T JUST ANSWER – ASK.
Interestingly, a job interview isn’t necessarily all about you. In fact, interviewers want to determine how strong of a fit you would be with their company and the particular department you would work in. Make sure you have a list of prepared questions (“how much will I make” and “how much vacation time will I get?” should not be on this list). Great options are:
- “What key objectives will this position need to achieve?”
- “What is a typical day like in this position?”
- “What attributes are you most looking for in your new hire?”
Establish trust
Really tough to do with someone you’ve just met. If you can’t establish trust, exactly, establish authenticity. Be who you are–the professional version. Give your interviewer a great “gut feeling” about you. If they can’t trust you yet, give the attitude that you are someone they can and want to trust.
How? Act comfortable, be honest, and monitor your body language. Try to get a sense of work-related interests or hobbies that you enjoy.
You have a short amount of time: make it good.www.iibmindia.in
