Preparing for a job interview is one of the most nerve-racking parts of the job search process, whether you’re a first-time job seeker or a seasoned professional. Not only should you be able to present your credentials well, but you should also prove that you’re a great fit for the role and the company you’re applying to. However, it doesn’t have to be such an ordeal. With these ultimate job interview tips, you can be well-prepared to confidently attend your interview.

These job interview tips cover everything you need to give yourself the best chance of successfully convincing potential employers that you’re the right person for the role. Keep in mind that companies consider many things when choosing the best candidate. As such, the scope of your preparations shouldn’t be limited to the interview itself.

Before the job interview

Many candidates think about how to prepare for the interview itself but don’t pay enough attention to what they need to do beforehand. You may have already covered some of these things when you sent your application. But it pays to brush up on all the information and details that can help you be your best during your interview.

(Read more: 12 Important Things To Do 24 Hours Before Your Job Interview)

1. Research the company.

Since you have already applied for the job, you may already have a basic idea about the company you’re applying to. But, it’s best to familiarise yourself with the most essential information about the company ahead of the interview. You will most likely get asked what you already know about their nature of business, mission and vision, and company culture. Confidently answering them about what you know will be a plus point and send a message that you’re genuinely interested in being a part of the organisation.

2. Learn as much as you can about the role.

As with the point above, it’s best to know as much as you can about what the role you’re applying for entails. This allows you to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses against the competencies and qualifications demanded by the job. It will also help you pin down information missing in the job listing, if any, and bring them up during the interview. 

3. Find out the type of interview you will be attending.

As we’re still in the age of hybrid and remote work, there’s still a good chance that you will be asked to attend an online interview. Make sure to note the type of interview and any pertinent details way ahead of the scheduled date.

4. Prepare for common interview questions.

Hiring managers will base many of their questions on your professional and sometimes personal background. However, they will always ask you common interview questions to break the ice and get some initial insights about what you can contribute to the company. You can prepare for these as thoroughly as you can and customise your answers for each role or company you’re applying to.

(Read more: Best Answers to 14 Common Job Interview Questions)

5. Brush up on your interview skills.

Whether it’s your first job interview or not, it’s always a good idea to brush up on your interview skills. Career experts mention many of these, but there are three that should never go missing from your list. Be confident but not arrogant. Be positive, even when talking about a challenging situation. Express interest without showing desperation. Others to keep in mind are non-verbal communication and knowing the contents of your resume by heart.

Practise your interview skills using JobStreet’s free Interview Tool.

6. Write down the questions you want to ask.

After extensive research about the company and role you’re applying to, you may have some questions you want to ask in the interview. Don’t forget to note them down. Don’t be afraid to ask questions – hirers and managers appreciate it since it shows that the candidate is genuinely interested in joining the role. 

7. Prepare what to wear so you look appropriate and professional.

Prepare what to wear, so you look appropriate and professional.

Of course, how you present yourself plays a big role in giving the best impression during the interview. Make sure that you dress both appropriately and professionally; research the company’s dress codes, to be sure. Avoid wearing ill-fitting clothes or something that makes you feel uncomfortable, as they will surely distract you throughout the day. 

During the job interview

During the interview itself, your goal is to convince your potential employer that you’re the right candidate for the job. As such, you must be able to highlight your strengths, soften your weaknesses, and create the best impression. This is where all the preparations you made beforehand will be useful.

1. Tell interviewers about yourself.

“Tell me about yourself” is something you will always encounter in a job interview. This is why job interview tips always include suggestions on the best way to answer this question. Basically, you should keep it short, mention your focus areas, and highlight your strengths.

2. Doing an online interview? Use the best gadgets available to you.

If you’re scheduled for an online interview, make sure you’re using the best gadgets and secure your Internet connection. These will ensure the call goes smoothly and you can communicate clearly with your interviewers. Also, it will help ensure that you can pull up documents, links, or presentations in case they ask for them during the interview.

(Read more: 10 Best Online Interview Tips to Help You Land a Job)

3. Be aware of your body language.

Non-verbal communication plays an important part in the success of your job interview. The interviewers can see if you’re struggling or nervous through your body language. So, it’s best to be mindful of small things like hand and arm placements, gestures, and facial expressions that you make during the interview.

4. Answer with honesty and authenticity.

While you should definitely express your interest in the role and enthusiasm for joining the company, always answer truthfully and genuinely. Believe it or not, the interviewers can tell if you’re making things up or pretending about what you know. Don’t exaggerate your achievements and credentials. Avoid promising what you can’t deliver.

5. Ask about the next steps.

Before the interview ends, ask about the next steps, so you know what to expect. Clarify with the hiring manager if you need anything else to submit or prepare for the next part of the hiring process. You can also ask when you expect to hear back from them, but don’t be pushy about getting an exact date. 

After the job interview

Finally, the interview is done, and the waiting game starts. This is where you must keep a delicate balance between exercising patience and keeping in touch with your potential employer.

1. Thank the interviewers and/or hiring manager.

A day after the interview, send an email to the interviewers and/or hiring manager, thanking them for making time to get to know you better. Also, let them know that you are looking forward to the next step and ask if there’s anything else they may need from you.

2. Send supporting documents, if necessary.

If they asked you to send any supporting documents or requirements, send them in promptly. This will help speed up the hiring process on their end and move you to the next stage faster.

3. Evaluate your interview performance.

Do you feel that you didn’t do so well in the interview? Is there something you wished you had mentioned but didn’t? Identify any improvement areas so you may do better in the next interviews. 

4. Follow up with your interviewers.

Haven’t heard from the hiring manager within the timeline they specified, make a professional follow-up and do it only once. Give them a call or email them to ask about your application status and if there’s a new hiring timeline. 

5. Get in touch with your character references.

Did you include some character references in your application? You should give them a heads-up that you already had your first interview, as someone may contact them about it. 

6. Be prepared to wait.

Waiting to hear back from the company after an interview can be distressing. But it’s best to be patient and prepare for your next interviews. Be comfortable with the wait and follow up only through the specified process and timeline. 

Summary

In a nutshell, being ready for this big day in your career is a multi-faceted endeavour. It’s about understanding what you need to prepare beforehand, being as confident as possible, and keeping in mind the things to avoid during the interview itself. The process also doesn’t end after the interview, so don’t forget to put together a post-interview checklist as well. With the job interview tips above, you should be able to give yourself the best chance of landing your dream job!

Looking for more tips and tricks to impress potential employers and ace your next job interviews? #SEEKBetter jobs in the country today, starting with creating or updating your JobStreet profile! Lastly, check out the Career Resources page as well for more tips on job searching, self-improvement, and career advancement!