For most corporate jobs, there are about 250 applicants. Only four to six will snag an interview, and only one will get hired. An interview process to be nerve-wracking. And it is especially challenging for first-timers. However, with the right type of preparation, you’ll sail through the interview with ease and confidence. Consider the following tips if you want to increase the likelihood of securing that coveted job offer.
Update and Know Your Resume
The interviewer will use your resume as a starting place for their interview questions. With this in mind, invest in developing a superior one. Offering outdated or incorrect details will quickly derail the interview and hinder you from getting the job. When bringing your resume up to date, consider your template. Whether you’re preparing an ATS-friendly resume or a standard one, you’ll benefit from a carefully formatted, well-rounded resume. Writing experts at WriteVersity can write, edit, and format a top-notch resume in native English for you if you feel you are stuck with this task.
Next, make sure you know your resume from front to back and top to bottom. According to CareerThinker.com, you’ll need to be prepared to discuss any information you’ve provided the interviewer. Review your resume line by line for accuracy and think about how you might answer questions related to your background.
Responding to an Interview Request
When you receive an Interview request, it’s essential to respond promptly and professionally. Express your gratitude for the opportunity and confirm your availability for the proposed date and time. If the suggested schedule conflicts with your existing commitments, politely propose alternative times that work for you. Remember to double-check the interview details, including the location (if it’s an in-person interview) or the video conferencing link (for remote interviews).
Additionally, take this opportunity to inquire about any specific preparations or materials you should bring to the interview. This proactive approach demonstrates your enthusiasm and commitment to the role.
Discuss What You Can Offer the Company From Your Experiences
Incorporating your past job experience into the job at hand is critical. The company is looking for an employee that meets their needs and benefits the business. You need to show that you are a valuable addition to the company’s workforce.
When formulating examples of your previous success, you can apply the STAR technique. When the interviewer asks you to cite a sample of your experience, remember the following:
- Situation
- Task
- Action
- Result
Think of the specific situation and details that set it into motion. Then, offer the task or responsibility you handled. Provide actions or steps you took, and relate the result or outcome of your actions. This framework supplies a clear path from your past responsibilities to the present position.
Practice But Not Too Much
An example from TheMuse.com describes a candidate that over-prepared for the interview. The candidate did not appear genuine and offered delayed responses as the person attempted to remember all the rehearsed answers. The applicant seemed robotic, and in the end, was not offered the job.
It’s a wise decision to prepare for potential interview questions and rehearse your answers. You can do this individually or ask a friend or family member to help. But be aware of your limits. You want your personality and personable traits to shine and not fade because of memorized lines.
Be Aware of Body Language
Nervous behaviors can include fidgeting, tapping your foot, failing to hold eye contact, and checking the clock. It’s normal to be tense, but these habits can be very distracting to the interviewer.
Body language in an interview is essential because your emotions can manifest as signals that detract from your words and give the interviewer a false impression. Instead, you want your body language to support and enhance what you’re saying.
One technique for overcoming your body’s reaction to stress is to practice breathing exercises. These exercises can help calm your nerves in the days leading up to the interview.
Avoid Overconfidence
Confidence in an interview can do wonders. It certainly gives you a higher chance of getting a job offer. However, overconfidence can actually destroy your employment opportunities. Too much confidence can imply arrogance and a lack of humility.
Edge Recruitment states these traits can show up as talking over the interviewer and not actively listening. Companies know that overconfidence can create problems later on in the workplace. So, it’s to your benefit to develop your confidence but not so much as to turn off potential employers.
Conclusion
The job interview process can be challenging and tense for any candidate. The most effective method for calming nerves and increasing success is preparation. Instead of becoming overwhelmed by worst-case scenarios, practice allows you to focus on leaving the interview a top contender. Follow these tips, nail the interview, and soon you’ll be preparing for your first day on the job.
