Tips for Your Next Interview
Tips for Your Next Interview
So, you’re on to your next interview. It’s starting to feel overwhelming, and you’re unsure how to prepare. You feel this is the one, and you’ll get a job offer if you play your cards right.
Preparing for and going through an interview can be tricky, especially if you’re not sure what to do or say. You have to understand that interviews are a chance for employers to evaluate candidates’ fit and future potential before committing to a potential hire.
During the interview process, an interviewer is looking for common qualities that will help to predict future success in the workplace, says Dr. Jordan Sudberg. These qualities include achievement drive, motivation to work hard, attention to detail, flexibility and creativity, and the ability to adapt to change. These characteristics are easily conveyed by reflecting on yourself and your past accomplishments rather than focusing on your achievements on a resume.
As Sudberg points out, the focus is not necessarily on your experience or what makes you qualified for the position but on whether you would be a good fit in the company. Knowing this will help you prepare for questions that are out of the ordinary from previous interview questions you answered during other interviews.
5 Tips For the Next Interview
Dr. Jordan Sudberg outlines the following 5 tips to help you prepare for your next interview and show why you’ll be the best fit for the position.
1. Plan and Do Your Research
Preparing for an interview is a lot like preparing for a test, says Sudberg, starting with researching your potential employer. You should learn as much as possible about the company, whether through online resources or networking with people who currently work there. Next, figure out what you can do to set yourself apart from other candidates, whether it’s through your experience or education.
2. Be Confident
You’re going into your interview to show who you are as a person, not as a resume. To do this, you need to relax and be yourself. It’s natural to be nervous and worry about the outcome of your interview, but if you’re on top of your game, you’ll perform better.
3. Be Honest
Sudberg says that being honest during your interview is always the best policy. No one wants someone who isn’t able to communicate their thoughts and opinions openly with others. If a potential employer calls you up on something, own up to it without trying to sugarcoat anything or make excuses for yourself.
4. Listen carefully to the interviewer
You’ll want to ask the interviewer questions, but you’ll also want to make sure that you’re paying close attention to what they’re saying. If they start talking about a project their company worked on, pay attention so you can maybe bring it up during your follow-up interview.
5. Practice makes perfect
Practice answering common interview questions and asking questions of your own so that when you sit down for your real interview, everything goes smoothly and naturally.
In Summary
Prepare for your next interview by focusing on the interviewer, not just what you will say, but how you want to come across. Be confident and honest to show who you really are and why the interviewer should hire you to their company.