Whether it’s your first time or you have faced them earlier, interviews are always difficult. You never know if you’ll be suddenly tongue-tied, or baffled with a question for which you have no answer. In today’s competitive job market, employers have high expectations, and it’s often difficult to even make it to the interview stage. This problem is common among young folks, who are recent graduates with little interview experience and grapple with the transition between the school and the professional world. Honing your interview skills will give you a leg up on the competition. With following tips prove to your future boss that you are worth their job.
1. Follow up
As soon as you get out of the room, jot down important things about the discussion. What all questions were asked, how you responded to each question, which were good, which could have been answered more effectively where you need to improve. This will help you prepare for the next time. You can send a thank you letter to your interviewer. Yes, interviewers expect it. This polite gesture will subtly remind them of you and reiterates your interest in the position. Express your thanks for the interview and time they took out for the meeting. Restate your interest in the opportunity. You can even answer the question you missed during the interview. This will give an edge over other candidates since most don’t follow this.
2. Demonstrate your skills
This is the opportunity where you have to sell yourself before you can sell anything else. Be tactful, courteous, sincere, polite and knowledgeable. Show energy, sense of humor and try to develop a rapport. Discuss your qualifications, experience and why you are the right candidate. Emphasize your ability to work well with others and your willingness to respect company policies. Make a point about what you can bring to the company. Have at least three strong points about yourself that you can relate to the company and job offered.
3. Body language
It is important what you say but it is equally important how to say it. Make an eye contact, the interviewer will pick upon your body language. May be you will feel that your heart is ready to leap out of your chest, but don’t sound nervous anywhere, specially with your body gestures. Don’t stare blankly, instead use slight nods and hands to explain your answer. Don’t ramble or fidget or stammer, answer calmly and fluently. Rather than slouching back in your chair with folded arms or looking at the floor, lean forward when making a point. Use your hands while answering to explain. Avoid nail-biting or shaking your leg. All this show that you are nervous and confused. Don’t rub or touch your nose, it indicates you’re not honest with your answers. Make sure you don’t deliver any wrong non-verbal cue.
4. You responses count
Pay attention and listen carefully to the interviewer. Answer the questions, honestly. Answer clearly and completely with enough information. Do not use slang or incomplete sentences. If you are confronted with a difficult question, try to appear calm and confident. Ask them to repeat the question if necessary. Take a moment to think before you respond instantly. Collect and organize your ideas rather than baffling and regretting later. If you are unsure about any answer, ask them for hints instead of answering it wrong. You can ask questions about job and the company. You have to sound positive and self-assured.
5. First impressions make a difference
First appearances are extremely significant in interviews. It is in the initial few seconds that the interviewer subconsciously decides whether they like you or not or whether you are fit to be a part of their team or not. So make sure you ditch that gum and put your phone to silent before entering the interview room. Make sure to have a confident smile on your face. Greet the interviewer. Offer a firm handshake. Be friendly but not too casual. You are here for a professional meeting and not to make friends. Maintain a balance between professionalism and modesty.