6 Tips To Ace Your Next Job Interview
Do you have a job interview soon? Follow these quick and essential interview tips and put yourself ahead of the competition.
Tip #1 - Research The Company & The Position
Learn about what the company is about, its core competencies, and how your skills (highlighted on your resume) are the perfect fit for the position that you're applying for. Have examples of you providing quantifiable results for each bullet point that outlines the jobs responsibilities.
Tip #2 - Practice Your Answers
Have answers to the basic job interview questions memorized. You also want to rehearse your answers as well. Imagine being in an elevator and the CEO walks in and you both are going to the 10th floor. If you are able to explain your value added proposition in 15 seconds or less to the CEO of the company with no hesitation, you are well on your way to acing the interview.
"Make something people want and sell that, or be someone people need and sell you." – Ryan Lilly
Tip #3 - Dress To Impress
This is very job dependent but 9 times out of 10 proper business attire is a must. There is a fine line between standing out and leaving a lasting impression and overdoing it but to err on the side of caution, dress slightly above what you believe the interviewer will be wearing but add a littler flavor to stand out from the rest of the crowd. For example, a tailored suit with polka dot socks, a pocket square, and a bold colored tie will work for a man while slim fitting drainpipe trousers with a matching blazer and heels will work for a woman. Men leave the flashy jewelry at home, women, small earrings and a nice necklace will work.
Tip #4 - Arrive 15 Minutes Early
Scope the location out the day of or a couple of days before the interview. Drive to the location and see how long it takes to arrive. Account for any traffic that you may have to get past if it is a morning interview. For zoom interviews, make sure your electronic equipment is in order for the interview. If your internet is down, have a local coffee shop or a bookstore that has WIFI that you can drive to so that you are prepared. Have this done with 15 minutes to spare. You don't want to appear rushed. Arriving 15 minutes early will ensure that you are cool, calm, and collected before your interview.
Tip #5 - Prepare Solid Follow Up Questions
The job interview is a two way interview so make sure you have solid follow up questions prepared for when the interviewer is done interviewing you. You want to also ensure that the company is a great fit for you as well. Try not to ask questions that you can easily find answers to and try not to ask more than three questions if you can help it. Use your best judgment here but don't go asking 21 questions like you're on a blind date because most of those questions are most likely irrelevant anyway. Examples of solid questions to ask are "what are your expectations of ME (point to yourself) be during first 90 days" and "what do new employees find most surprising when they start".
Tip #6 - Send A Thank You Email Within 24 Hours
Remember, you are trying to stand out. From the resume to the interview, your goal is to stand out, to make an impression, and to be remembered (favorably) against your peers. This also shows gratitude and that you're respectful of the interviewers time. A thank you email does just this. Keep it short and simple.
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