READ TIME – 5 MINUTES
Securing a job interview is like hitting the jackpot. It’s your chance to showcase your skills, make a great impression, and land the job you’ve been dreaming of. But did you know you’re up against an average of 118 other applicants for the same position? That’s why you must be at the top of your game to stand out from the crowd. In this short blog, we’ll show you everything you need to know to ace your job interview and boost your chances of getting the job.
Before Your Interview
Preparing for a job interview requires careful consideration beforehand. One of the most important areas to focus on is your knowledge about the company you are applying for. Did you know that 47% of recruiters would reject a candidate with little company knowledge? Therefore, you must do sufficient research before your interview. A great starting point is to explore the company website and look for pages like “About Us“. When learning about the company, gather information about its products and services, company culture, competitors, and unique selling points.
It’s important to choose an appropriate outfit before the day of your job interview. 71% of employers wouldn’t hire someone who doesn’t follow the dress code. Wearing professional attire is crucial to present yourself professionally during an interview.`
According to a recent survey, 35% of recruiters consider an unprofessional email a deciding factor in rejecting a job application. Therefore, ensure your email is professional when applying for jobs. To create a professional email, it is best to keep it simple and use only your first and second names. For instance, you may use Firstname.lastname@outlook.com as your email address.
When applying for jobs, you should monitor your online social presence. While having an online presence can showcase your skills and interests, it can also backfire if employers stumble upon inappropriate or unprofessional content. 9.92% of companies use social media to look up candidates. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep your social media profiles clean and professional if you want to make a good impression on potential employers.
A career change can be a beneficial next step in your career path, whether it’s to better align with your interests and skills or to provide more opportunities for advancement. It’s vital to carefully consider your reasons for wanting to make a career change and ensure that it aligns with your long-term goals.
Once you have identified the reason behind your desire for a career change, it is necessary to determine whether you want to switch industries or only roles. Switching roles is relatively easier than changing industries. However, changing industries is not uncommon, as long as you possess a good set of transferable skills and a willingness to invest in your personal development.
Once you’ve decided to switch industries or change your career, you must consider whether you can afford to do so. It is crucial to consider the long-term financial impact a career change could have on you.
During The Interview
When you attend a job interview, it is essential to pay attention to your overall confidence. It’s known that it only takes seven seconds to make a first impression, so you must be at the top of your game from start to finish. Your tone of voice, facial expressions, and eye contact are all factors you should keep in mind. Research shows that nearly 39% of candidates fail to leave a good impression because of their lack of confidence. Therefore, it is crucial to demonstrate your genuine interest in the opportunity by speaking confidently and with enthusiasm. At the same time, you should maintain eye contact with the interviewers whilst communicating, as 67% of recruiters believe that eye contact is crucial to making a good impression.
One of the most common mistakes made during job interviews is providing unclear and rambling answers. To avoid this, it is recommended to rehearse some answers to common interview questions beforehand. This will enable you to prepare more compelling and impressive responses for the interviewers. Alternatively, when asked a question, take a few seconds to think about a good answer before responding. Make sure to link your answer back to the question asked. While speaking, you need to avoid mumbling or speaking too fast to ensure that you are understood.
During your job interview, it is crucial to remain focused and attentive. It is recommended that you either turn your phone off or leave it outside. Losing focus during a job interview is not only impolite, but it also indicates to the interviewer that they are not your top priority, which will not benefit your chances of success.
Towards the end of the job interview, you will typically be allowed to ask any questions you may have. You must take advantage of this chance, as it can demonstrate your genuine interest in the position and the company. When you are given the opportunity, inquire about the everyday duties of the role or the company culture, as this can enhance your interview.
Interview Tips
- Be Punctual – On the day of your job interview, you should set off earlier than necessary to ensure a smooth journey. The last thing you want is to make a bad impression by not being there. It’s recommended you arrive 10/15 mins before.
- Try To Relax – The last thing you need when you’ve got job interview to smash is interview nerves. If this becomes the case, remember to relax and practice deep breathing. If you struggle with interview nerves take a quick read of this blog!
- Be Specific – Interviewers love it when you provide specific answers with detailed examples. Try to use STAR when answering questions. (Situation, Task, Action, Result) This will set you up for a compelling answer when talking about previous work or experience.
- Stay Positive – Throughout your job interview, it’s critical to stay positive. Showcasing your positive attitude during your interview will help help you make a good impression. Employees like candidates with positive attitudes because they tend to be reliable, good problem solvers and pleasant.
By now, you must have sharpened your job interview skills and be feeling more confident than ever before. You’re all set to ace your interviews with ease. Remember, with proper preparation, interviews are nothing to worry about.
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