Most of you wonder how to really ace your interviews, while a lot of you can't figure out where you are going wrong. Here are a few simple (yet 100% effective tips) from an HR professional (i.e. Me!) to really get the interviewer's attention ... in a positive way of course :)!
1. Be there on before time:
We've all heard the importance of punctuality but there are still candidates who show up late. It reflects extremely poorly on the candidate, and most of the time, we decide to not select the candidate. There are always real emergencies of course, so it is better to call/email the person who contacted you and let them know of any unforeseen delays you may be facing.
The ideal scenario is that you get to the location at least 20-30 minutes before the given time so that you can calmly address all pre-interview formalities, and still have time to gather your thoughts.
2. Dress to impress!
The first impression is mostly always the last impression. If you show up looking shabby, the interviewer will immediately take note. I'm not saying find yourself some Gucci or Prada! Just make sure your clothes look neat and clean.
Also, don't forget to make sure you're wearing appropriate footwear! Some people I know judge people by their shoes 😯
3. Learn about the organization
You must do your own research before showing up for an interview. Try to find out lesser-known facts about the company so that you can incorporate them into your answers. Moreover, usually at the end of your discussion, the interviewer will ask you if you have any questions. This is a great time to mention some of the facts about the organization in your research and ask in detail about them.
Try to look for positive facts to discuss so that the interviewer feels a sense of positivity and pride while answering your questions.
4. Know yourself!
Make sure you think about how you want to come off in the interview, and then ensure that your answers are consistent! For example, you can't say that you work well in teams and then say something like 'I prefer working alone' later. Also, know your strengths and weaknesses, and try to think of your unique traits that you can discuss.
Trust me, all of us HR professionals have heard things like, 'I am too obsessed with my work' as a weakness.🤐
5. Stand by your CV!
You should never write anything that you can't back up on your CV. The questions can be about anything related to what you have shared, and the worst thing would be for you to draw a blank while answering about your own experiences! If you have listed your achievements, make sure you revise the details before your interview.
If you have mentioned any technical skills, make sure you know them enough to actually talk about them. 👍
6. Be Confident!
Be confident in your abilities, and know your worth! Even if you don't know the answer to something, just politely tell them that you are not quite sure about it, but you will definitely do your research after the interview.
Moreover, look confident! Your body language talks before you do!
One of my mentors asked me how I was feeling before an interview. I told her I was super nervous. She told me to think about the fact that it is NOT a life and death matter, and that if this one doesn't work out, there will always be more. Moreover, always remember that the organization is putting a lot of effort into hiring someone. If you get shortlisted, that means that they already see something in you 🙂
Just put your best foot forward, and remember that this will not be the ONLY interview of your life (IA!).
Best of luck 😆
Great post! Punctuality is key - showing up early shows respect and preparedness.
These are perfect tips