Acing That Interview

Nancy Anderson
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Acing your next job interview can make the difference between snagging a job now or getting ignored by employers. Make your next job interview a total success with proper preparation on every level.

Refine your Appearance

Men and women should both wear professional attire to make a strong impression during a job interview. Men and women should be neat and well-groomed, and jewelry and other accessories must be kept to a minimum. You should also completely cover any tattoos, and remove any facial piercings.

Rehearse your Interview

A trick to acing the job interview is to rehearse your interview early. Ask a colleague of a family member to help you conduct a faux interview by asking you fundamental interview questions. Record the interview so you can examine your performance later, and then make the necessary improvements to do your best during the real interview.

Stay Calm and Focused

If you want to excel during your interview, it is important to keep calm and stay focused. Some interviewers intentionally pressure candidates to see if they respond well under pressure, but just stay calm and answer questions using your common sense and industry knowledge as a guide. Hiring managers who are looking for resilient candidates who can stay calm in a stressful work environment will find your resolve impressive.

Be Positive

A job candidate with a positive attitude is more likely to make a good impression in any job interview. Showing your upbeat personality can make you stand out more when other candidates are a bundle of nerves during the interview process. In addition, candidates who are positive individuals during the interview are seen as a good fit for more socialized work environments.

Check Your Handshake

The handshake is often an overlooked element by young job seekers, but its importance should not be downplayed. Job candidates who offer weak handshakes may be judged as unreliable, imbalanced, or even incompetent workers. Be sure to give a firm handshake, but do not exert so much pressure that you appear to be testing the interviewer.

Be Ready for Any Type of Interview

Modern-day employers may use a number of different methods to interview candidates, but you should be prepared for any type of interview that comes your way. In a video chat interview, a hiring manager may assess your demeanor and environment to make judgments about you while asking you interview questions. Be sure that your surroundings are spotless and distraction-free, and use quality equipment with a solid Internet connection. Employers who conduct interviews over the phone often study the tone and responsiveness in your voice, so be sure to speak clearly and confidently. In a group interview, it is important to share the spotlight and show that you can collaborate well with a team.

Remember to make the fundamental preparations for any job interview, and you can perform well. Job seekers who ace the interview are in a better position to land employment much faster than other candidates. Use your interviewing knowledge to your advantage to stand out in a great way and snag the job.

 

Photo Courtesy of Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos.net


 

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  • Cecilia M.
    Cecilia M.

    Good advice! I would add, find jobs that you can be passionate about. Your enthusiasm during an interview will greatly help you sell yourself into the job. Always ask interviewers what they are looking for in an ideal employee, so that you can target your answers and point out how your skill set will address the employer's needs. It will also give you a clue to the company mindset. Remember, you have to work there everyday, fit in, and be productive.

  • Carol W.
    Carol W.

    I agree with Rachell!

  • Michael Robinson
    Michael Robinson

    Great tips, particularly regarding the phone/Skype interviews

  • Rachell B.
    Rachell B.

    I'm usually rubbing my hands together and nervous with a blank face to a response to questions asked. Why?

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