6. Anticipate Possible Questions and Have Answers Ready
During an interview, there are very predictable questions that get asked. Preparing yourself with the best possible answers to those questions will give you an edge over unprepared candidates that may get caught up on a more insightful question that doesn’t have a clear answer. Being confident is key, so practice your answers and deliver them without hesitation or question!
5. Be Punctual
If you have been scheduled on an interview, don’t be late. In fact, don’t even be on time. Be EARLY. If you are not at least 10 -15 minutes early to your interview, you’ll be up against candidates who were that early. It will look better to potential employers if you show that you’re organized and punctual. At the same time, avoid being 20 or more minutes early, because then it looks like you’ve got nothing better to do than wait.
4. Wear Appropriate Dress and Exude Confidence
When dressing for your interview, keep in mind what position that you’re interviewing for and who you’ll be interviewing with – it is appropriate to dress nicely regardless of the position, but you don’t want to look like Will Ferrell in Step Brothers, dressed in tuxedos for a filing clerk position. Formal dress is recommended for office setting job interviews, especially when interviewing for higher, corporate hierarchy positions.
3. First Impressions Last
When walking into an interview, make direct eye contact with the receptionist and anyone else in the room. Greet them warmly with a smile and introduce yourself first to the receptionist. State your reason for being there and ask for your interviewer by name. In most cases, the interviewer won’t be immediately ready for you so introduce yourself to the other applicants. This shows great personality and networking skills.
2. Study the Company and the Market
In addition to the preparation that aught to be done before an interview, you should do some more intense preparation by looking over whatever financial information and corporate news releases you can find concerning the company for which you are applying. In addition, research the competition and the similar industries biggest companies. Knowing the market from an inside perspective will make you appeal to the higher-up’s of the company.
1. Smile!
As simple as this sounds, just smile during your interview. It is contagious and it shows that you are comfortable with the interviewer and interview process. If you are notably nervous, it can speak volumes about your preparedness for the position. Smile and be friendly regardless of your nerves – it will tremendously improve your first impression and the overall feel of your interview.
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