When it comes to interviews, there is no “one-size fits all” that works. Each interview is as customized as it can get and finally it is down to the two parties involved and the way they react. However, certain guidelines dictate the general flow of a job interview and today we are going to dwell on the 5 interview tips that will help you land your dream job:
Know your role:
It is very important to be thorough with the job description shared with you. Be prepared with your questions regarding the role, expectations, and responsibilities. Furthermore, you should also be able to connect your current job responsibilities to the role on offer and be able to explain the same to the recruiter.
Having a clear idea about the role and the firm shows the recruiter that you’ve done your homework and are interested in the given profile.
The STAR method:
During your interview, it is almost certain that the recruiter will ask you about your achievements in your current or past jobs.
Hence, practice your storytelling using the STAR – Situation, Task, Action, and Result method which helps in building a natural flow to your narrative.
Be Enthusiastic:
The way you react to situations speaks volumes about the type of person you are. Hence, it is very important to work on this trait and come across as an enthusiastic person. For example: Whether you perceive an issue at work as a “problem” or a “challenge” shows a lot about your perspective towards work and using the right words will help you get the job.
Keep your cool:
While this is an obvious thing, many people often ignore this. It is of utmost importance that you keep your cool during the interview. Interviewers sometimes intentionally put you under stress to see how you react and a negative reaction can deeply hurt your chances of getting the job.
Ask Questions:
Another obvious but overlooked factor that job seekers ignore is asking questions. An interview is not an interrogation. It is a two-way interaction and recruiters prefer people who ask questions.
Try to ask questions about your team, their day-to-day routine, and career path from the position you’re applying for, etc. to show the recruiter that you’re interested.
Acing the virtual interview:
The ongoing pandemic has forced recruiters to resort to virtual interviews. While the mode of the interview has changed, it is very important to treat this like you would treat an in-person interview. Therefore, the above-discussed points must be kept in your mind while sitting for a virtual interview.
Furthermore, to ace your virtual interview, the following tips may help:
- Test your connection before the interview to ensure your internet, camera, and mic are working.
- Minimize distractions and find a place where you’re not disturbed during the interview.
- Even though you’re giving the interview from home, always dress appropriately. Shabby appearance is a huge turn off and will hurt your chances of getting recruited.
Follow these simple tips, prepare your answers in advance, and go get that job that you always wanted.