Job interviews are one of those experiences that everyone has had at least once in their lives. Like most things, they also get better with practice. Here are some ways you can fine-tune your interview skills to convert them in your favour.
1. Understand your reasons for wanting the job. You can only convince your interviewer of your good intentions and sincerity if you understand why you want the job, first. Today, most employers want to know why you choose them over others and your answer would give them insight into the kind of employee you will be if hired. So, this is a great way to leave them with a good impression.
2. Do your research on the organisation. Research on how a company works will tell you plenty about its culture, the way they treat their employees and how enabling the environment is, for career growth. This will also make it easy for you to understand how you can grow in the role of your interest. You can also read up on what their employees are saying about working there, so you will be able to relate to their experience.
3. Clean up your digital presence. Check your online presence to rid yourself of all negative mentions when you're applying for a job. In this digital age, all social media platforms and not just LinkedIn serve as an excellent way to analyse candidates. Companies do their research on you, the same way you research them.
4. Convey your good points factually. Make them realise why they need you in their organisation. Interviewers typically meet several candidates with similar profiles. The only way they can tell you apart is how you present yourself. Being crisp and concise with your answers would then help your interviewer remember your strengths better.
5. Put in all the marketing efforts in your resume. Check your content, design & delivery method on your resume. Be concise about your experience that is relevant to the role. Segregate information chronologically. You can add additionally achievements and skills that are relevant towards the end of the document. In essence, the focus of your resume should be on your strengths that can add value to the organisation and the role.
6. Customize your resume for the role & industry. Your resume should be adapted for the position you’re applying. Interviewers do a lot of skim-reading, so the right words in your CV can get you a foot in the door. You can also add keywords in your resume best matching the role because companies use a digital database to search for candidates. That will be your first filter if you have the right resume.
7. Make sure you get to your interview with a 15-minute window. Showing up late to your interview is the first thing you would want to avoid. Reach out and confirm the exact location of your interview a couple of days prior, in case of doubts. This way, you will not have to deal with last-minute hassles right before your interview.
8. Ask the right questions. When the interviewer is done explaining the role and the company, they generally ask you if you have questions of your own. That is when you can find out how you will be supported for your role, how large your team is, what happens next, and even, about the organisational culture. Not only will it register that you are keen on the role, but you will also come across as a proactive and thoughtful employee.