10 must-dos for candidates during a job interview
#1 DO YOUR HOMEWORK
The most important thing you should do before coming to a job interview is doing your research.
You should read up about the company, its goals, mission, products, or services. Moreover, it’s key to dive deeper into the position you’re applying to.
If after research you align with the position, the company and the culture then there’s a great chance that during interview the Hiring Manager will also agree.
Without this research you set yourself up to fail as what if your goals, values, commitments dont align?
#2 DRESS CODE
When choosing an outfit for your job interview, learning more about the company is key.
If you are applying for a corporate position, opt for a business look. If you want to work at a start-up, a more laid-back outfit will do just fine.
If you have any doubts, business dress should be your “go to” as you want to nail that first impression.
#3 ARRIVE ON TIME
Arriving at your job interview on time is the least you can do to make a good impression.
Therefore, if you tend to be late, make sure you leave for a meeting or prepare for a video meeting well in advance.
On the other hand, there is no need to arrive / log in thirty minutes before the scheduled interview.
For most Hiring Managers, on time is late, 5 – 10 minutes before the interview takes place is perfect as shows a commitment.
#4 REMEMBER TO LISTEN
One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is preparing a 15-minute long talk without paying attention to what an interviewer is saying.
To avoid that, think through about what you’d like to emphasize in a job interview, but focus your attention on what’s happening in the room.
An interview should always be a two-way conversation, if it’s too one sided by either party it isn’t going well!
#5 RELAX….JUST NOT TOO MUCH
Even if you have all the necessary experience and skills for the position, you can still fail an interview if you are overstressed.
Steps 1 – 4 should help relieve your initial anxiety, if you are there early, well presented, homework done and active listening engaged, you got this!
Remember, you are there as you have been shortlisted and that you applied as you believe you are awesome for the role!
#6 BODY LANGUAGE
Whenever we find ourselves in stressful situations, we tend to lose some control of our body language.
Whilst the interviewer is interested in what you say they are also interested in how you say it or indeed don’t say it
So, when on a job interview, pay extra attention to your hand movements, sitting position, and tone of voice.
Sit up, speak at a reasonable pace with clarity, emphasise your points with hand gestures where necessary
#7 SHOW INTEREST
It may sound obvious but whether it’s listening about your potential workplace and colleagues, or the company’s annual goals, make sure you show your interest and curiosity.
Both – in words and body language.
Curiosity is one of the key qualities Hiring Managers are looking for when selecting candidates.
When you show your interest, you make an impression as someone who is willing to learn – both at the workplace and in life.
#8 OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS
It’s drawing to the close of your interview and the age old question, “do you have any questions for me….” will likely be asked.
Closed questions gain you one word replies of Yes/No usually
Instead always be sure to have questions prepared that are “open” in nature as you want the Hiring Manager / HR to give an answer that allows you to learn more about the company or position you are applying for.
Why is this position open? Do you have any concerns about my application? What do you enjoy most about working here? are all good examples you can use.
#9 REACH OUT TO THE HIRING MANAGER
Once you’re done with the job interview, drop a short message to the Hiring Manager or HR, and thank them for the interview.
You don’t need to overdo this step – write a short email that is to the point.
Doing so will help you stand out as someone who cares about the position and is serious enough to take it.
Being memorable for the right reasons goes a long way
#10 REFLECT ON THE INTERVIEW
If you nailed the interview – awesome! Wait for the Hiring Manager to get in touch with your offer, fingers crossed!
Did you stumble and fumble on questions? Did you have a lack of knowledge on key areas?
You should always reflect after every interview to see where you could have done better, where you did well
If you use this information on your next interview every time you interview you can only get better