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How to ace an interview?
Learn, how to ace your next interview (tips and sample answers)?
Submitted by Mehak Aggarwal, on January 23, 2023
We all get really nervous before we sit for an interview. The pre-interview jitters get the better of most of us, and can also potentially sabotage our chances to prepare well. Since most of the time we don't know who would be sitting in the interview panel or how the interview would go, we don't know how to prepare well for the best outcome. We have a couple of simple but effective tips for you, that could help you land your dream job.
Effective tips to ace an interview
1) Assume everyone you meet in the office is an interview
Everyone you meet in the office, and everything you do is part of the interview process. Right from the moment you walk in, be on your best behavior. Whether you are interacting with the receptionist or the interviewer, be respectful. Do not be rude to anyone and don't act like a high-headed person. Even if you are being introduced to the boss, assume that he has not seen your resume and make a good, lasting first impression.
2) Always be on time
Punctuality is very important. If you show up late for an interview, the interviewer would feel like you are not serious about the job. Multiple factors can potentially delay you, ranging from bad weather to traffic, so pan out your schedule. If you reach on time, you will have plenty of time for some last-minute preparation, and it will make a good first impression on your employer.
3) Dress well
How you present yourself shows how your commitment to your job. You should always dress well, and as per the position you are applying for. If you are properly groomed, it will leave a good impression on your potential employer. Your clothes should be ironed and clean. Do not wear clothes that can be deemed inappropriate, and always pay attention to your shoes. Your shoes should be polished and your accessories should be minimal.
4) Be well prepared
You don't want to go for an interview underprepared. Try to find out the name of your interviewer, and get some information on them. Your resume should be updated and well-written. Before you sit for the actual interview, practice the questions you would like to ask the interviewer. Your behavioral patterns hold a lot of importance in the eyes of the interviewer, so make sure to be as prepared as possible.
5) Show your interest
If you are applying to a company, you want to be a part of it. It is important to show the interviewer that you are interested and passionate about the job. Don't get overly excited, but show that you are excited to be a part of the team. Tell them why you want the job or why you are passionate about the field/job.
6) Show your expertise
There would be numerous opportunities for you to show your expertise to the interviewer. Be humble, yet confident about the things you know. You can try to include examples from your past experiences to emphasize these points. Tell them why you would be an asset to the company, instead of being closed off.
7) Smile and be nice
No one likes unpleasant people. An interview is no different. Be natural, but also the best version of yourself. The interviewer wants to get to know the real you, so show them who you really are. Be friendly with the interviewer and smile as much as possible. Do not overdo it to the point that it seems fake and pretentious. Everyone wants to be with people who are nice to be around, instead of grumpy people. It will also present a picture of how you would be with your colleagues and employers if hired.
8) Honesty is the best policy
Be honest at all times. Do not lie just to get in the good books of the interviewer. The interviewer wants to know why you would be a good fit for the company, so do not be superficial. Authenticity is always appreciated and could help you ace your interview. If you are unsure about something, be honest instead of lying, so that the interviewer knows you are willing to work on the things you are not confident about.
9) Do not talk about money or benefits
These are not the things one should discuss during interviews. The salary and benefits come afterward. This is the part where you try to make your place in the company, not to show them that you are after money. Talking about this will definitely leave a bad impression, and could potentially put you at the end of the line.
10) Think before you talk about your previous or current employer
Never criticize your previous or current employer in front of your potential employer. It will paint you in a very bad light. If you bad mouth your previous employer, the interviewer will think you did not respect them and you can do the same to your future employers. If you can't say something positive, it is better to not say anything at all.
11) Keep the atmosphere light and happy
Discuss what is relevant to the job and the company you are applying to. Do not ramble. Talking less is as bad as talking too much. You should strike the right balance to set the mood right for the interview by saying however much is required. Focus on your responses and do not deviate. Be positive so they enjoy interviewing you, instead of being a nervous wreck.
12) Do your homework well
Before entering the interview room, do your research. You want to learn as much about the company as possible. The internet is a great place to get all the answers you seek. Don't be afraid to browse through brochures to learn more about the company you are interested in. If you are aware of the ideals of the company and how it works, it will show the interviewer that you are interested in the company as a whole and not just the position you are applying for.
13) Follow up with a Thank You
Good manners are always appreciated. After you are done with the interview, take a moment to thank the interviewer for their time and effort. It will give the interviewer a picture of your personality and show them that you appreciate the opportunity that has been given to you. This also helps you stand out amongst other candidates and give you an edge over them.
14) Follow up on any assignments given during the interview
There are times when the interviewer may ask you to present documents or projects after the interview. Present your best work, but also do it quickly and timely. This shows that you are truly invested in the process and will take your responsibilities seriously if hired. If you are being considered for the position along with someone else, submitting timely but quality work will project you as an ideal candidate.
Final Thoughts
By following these tips, you will be on your way to make a great first impression on your potential employer. It is a skill that you learn with time, but there are ways to ace an interview even if it is the first time you are sitting for one. We all make mistakes, but if you know what you are doing, you will minimize these mistakes and do extremely well. It is not as hard as we make it out to be, so do not overthink and go prepared, with a clear mind. It is not the first or the last time you will be put in a testing situation such as this, so give your best in each and every opportunity that is presented to you.