We’ve all been there- hyperventilating before an interview, wondering what we will be asked and how badly we are hoping to screw it up in front of a panel of people who always seem to think you are wrong. Believe it or not, there is an intense psychology that works when you are giving a job interview, and most people make the mistake of not being able to understand that very psychology. Lucky for you, today I am going to tell you the best tips on how to nail a job interview, and when you are done with this list, you are likely to get better results from next time onward.
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A lot of people think that what matters is what you say in an interview. However, the truth is that even though what you say is important, the way you behave is as important. Your body language, attitude and the things that are communicated to your interviewers can determine whether you bag the job or not, even if the things you say aren’t on point. Here some fail safe tips on how to nail a job interview, which should help you henceforth.
- Know everything about your designation
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This is one of the easiest and best ways to make sure that you impress the people who are interviewing you. When you know everything there is to know about your designation, you come across as confident and well-prepared.
Of course, it is not possible to know everything about your position, but some basic level research can do a world of good for you. For example, find out the requirements that the position calls for, and see which ones are you adept at. Pick out the skills that you have which are perfect for your position, and make sure you mention them when you are giving your interview. This will give you an upper hand over the others who are applying for that position.
- Don’t be afraid to make small talk
Exchanging pleasantries when you first walk into an interview is something that comes naturally. However, what people don’t understand is that when you are doing an interview, strategic small talk can help you establish a personal connection with the people you are talking to. Firstly, find something that you like doing which demonstrates your skills, but also shows that you are a versatile person who is not merely job-driven. For example, if you enjoy traveling or skiing or some other sport, pepper that into your conversation when you are speaking.
Secondly, make sure you include your small talk at the right moment, and not randomly. So that your speech doesn’t sound rehearsed or pre-planned. This makes you come across as interesting and genuine at the same time.
- Dress properly
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When people say that the first impressions is always the last impression, they usually mean your appearance. When you walk into a room full of people who are waiting to judge you, you have to make sure that you look confident, apart from just being confident. Do not wear things that might offend the people who are taking your interview. Examples of things that you should avoid completely includes graphic T-shirts, clothes that reveal things like your chest hair or the like, and other pieces of clothing which might be offensive to some people.
Stick to formals, in bright, friendly colors, which can have a huge psychological impact on the people who are seeing you. Make sure you shower well, and essentially dress like you are trying to impress the most important person in the world.
Suggested read: 12 Trendy Outfits We Are Dying To Wear To Our Next Job Interview
- Make sure you have the right body language
When you are giving an interview, your interview is not only listening to things you are saying, but also noticing the way you are behaving, the way you are acting when you are not speaking and the way you are moving when you are trying to explain something. Most people are very nervous when they are giving an interview, which they unconsciously show to their interviews through various movements such as cracking their knuckles, tapping their foot on the ground, sweating, etc.
The more you fidget, the more you distract your interviewer from the things that you have to say. This is one of the cardinal rules of an interview. Focus on your breathing and concentrate on the things that you want to say during your interview.
- Always follow your skills with examples
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People tend to say a lot of vague random things that they think will impress the interviewer. However, you are one person giving one interview for one time. The person on the other side of the desk however, has seen thousands and thousands of candidates just like you, and they have probably heard all of the things that you have to say to them. In order to stand out and be remembers, make sure you use examples when you are talking about your skills, so that your interviewer knows that you are not merely making up stuff to impress them.
For example, if you are talking about your dedication to the job and your ability to meet deadlines, give examples of some critical situation that you handled with expertise at your precious job, or even in daily life, to show that you do in fact, have the skills that you are talking about.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions
When you are giving an interview, certain things become important, such as the status quo that you share with the person who is asking you questions. You might think this is unnecessary, since the person who is asking you questions will always have the upper hand since they get to decide whether you have made the cut or not. The more you fumble, fidget and act boring, the more the status quo shifts in their favor.
Your aim should be to reach an equilibrium with the person on the other side of the desk. If they are asking you questions, do not be afraid to ask them questions in return. You can ask them about them about the potential of the company, what your prospects are there and the kind of job environment they can offer you. After all, you are here for a mutually beneficial relationship, and when you ask certain questions, you increase your own worth and value, making them value you more in turn.
- Punctuality
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Being on time is more important than you think it is. Half the time people, people miss out on potential job opportunities, because they are tardy, or because they arrive last minute, or because they keep rescheduling their interview. When you are going to work in a company, the first thing people motive is whether you are on time and dedicated to your work or not. The first time this is demonstrated is in the interview.
Make sure you are on time when you are about to go in for an interview. In fact, it is best if you arrive 30 minutes before you are supposed to go meet the people who are going to talk to you about your job. This not only shows that you are punctual, but also dedicated and dependable.
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- Observe your interviewer
Sometimes people fail to nail interviews because they miss out on valuable body language and facial cues that their interviewer is trying to give them, because they are obsessing about whether they are behaving the right way and saying the right things. A very important part of giving an interview is reading the vibes of the person who is asking you the questions, because that can tell you a lot about how you are coming across, and you can tailor your own behavior accordingly.
For example, if you give an answer, then you can check the facial expressions of your interviewer to see whether they are satisfied or not convinced or whether they want you to elaborate further. If you can pick up on these cues without the other person being very verbose about these pointers, then you will get brownie points for also being perceptive.
These were some basic tips to show you how to nail a job interview. Sometimes, your resume and your skills are not enough. The way you present yourself, and the way you behave when you are being interviewed is also imperative to the final outcome of professional interactions such as these. Even if you don’t have the best skills of the lot to qualify for the job, your attitude and the way you speak to your interviewer could determine whether you get the job or not.
It is all about being confident in the things that you have to offer, and not getting intimidated by the person who is sitting across you. Always remember that you are not the only person who has to give an interview, and the person who is taking your interview is also human and has probably been through the same gruelling process. Once you are confident about yourself, there is nothing stopping you from getting the job of your dreams!
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