How to Ace an Interview

The best approach to ace an interview is to always prepare for it. It may sound like something that we do but that is not always the case. There are many applicants who turn up for an interview without knowing about the company and its industry. By being prepared for your interview, you will also tend to show up less nervous for an interview.

Here are a few steps to help you prepare before going for the interview.

1. Think about why you want the job. List at least three reasons and be prepared to tell them to the interviewer.

2. Practice makes perfect ! Get one of your family members or friends to help you practice a few interview sample questions and check your body language eg. handshake.

3. Research the company. It is always a good idea to know as much as you can about the company and the position that you are applying for. That way you are able to explain why you are the best person for the job. Use as many ways as you can to help you with finding the information from using the Internet to contacting the main office.

4. Know yourself and your work history. Review your resume and be prepared to answer any questions about your qualifications, skills and work experience. Envision how you can add to the value of the position and the company. Try to collect letters of references and work samples to prove your accomplishments in the past.

5. Prepare questions of your own to ask. Interviewers are happy that we ask questions and will be impressed if we ask them questions such as ‘Where does this job position fit in the company as a whole?’ It shows them that we are keen about the company and are interested to know more about them.

On the day of the interview, here are some tips to help you. Remember first impressions count and during the first five minutes, the outcome of the interview greatly lies on the impression that you set out to make during that time.

1. Dress and grooming. Dress appropriately and make sure that your attire fits within the office. If you are not sure, call the office and ask. Shirts/dresses and skirts/pants should be neatly pressed. Hair and fingernails should be kept tidy and clean. Avoid the use of excessive jewellery, make-up and cologne.

2. Be punctual. Arrive for the interview 15 minutes early – not too early or not too late. Consider if there might traffic the day before and plan your route accordingly.

3. Shake hands with the interviewer. Make sure that your handshake is firm and projects confidence. Make eye contact with the interviewer when you do so. Make it a point to remember the name of the interviewer as it will show them that the interview is important to you.

4. Body language. Ensure that your posture is straight and that you are not in a slouched position while seated. Making good eye contact with the interviewer also helps.

5. Communication and listening skills. Speak clearly and at an appropriate pace so that the interviewer will not feel like you are rushing the interview. Listen carefully to the questions that the interviewer asks you during the interview and if you are not sure about, you can ask the interviewer to repeat them as he/she is there to help you. Remember the interviewer is as nervous as you are and wants the position to be filled as quickly as possible. Try to be as positive as you can about the interview and remember always to smile.

After the interview is over, there is the follow- through. It is good to send your interviewer a thank you letter summarizing and re-highlighting your skills. Thank the interviewer and request if it will be ok to contact them in a week’s time.