How to Nail Your Job Interview

Did you get a chance to show your worth in a job interview? Congrats—the hardest part is behind you. Now, all you need to do is prepare and leave the best impression possible. If you have some fears concerning your interview, here are some of the best tips that will allow you to prepare, dress up and nail your job interview like a boss.

Do your homework

One of the most common questions interviewers ask concerns the company and your position in it. Pay special attention to questions like “How you perceive the company in its industry?” or “What do you think about our biggest competitors?” Make sure to do your homework, conduct thorough research on the industry and remember to check out competition as well.

Prepare some good answers

While every job interview is different, there are some questions that always find their way into the interview. So, prepare a few good answers and some selling points, so you don’t have to endure awkward silences. One of these important questions is “What makes you the right person for the position?” Come up with a few selling points and provide examples. Here’s one: “I’m an excellent communicator. For example, I persuaded my entire team last year to…” Another question you can expect is why you want the job. Try to list all the things that interest you about the industry, company and the position—if you don’t seem interested in the job, you’ll probably leave empty-handed even if you’re qualified.

Practice makes perfect

No matter how much you read on the subject of interviews, it’s one thing to know the theory and a completely another thing to have practice. So, make sure to say out loud all your answers until you sound relaxed, confident and convincing. You might feel weird the first time you try it in the mirror and sound awkward no matter how clear you sound in your mind. Do your improvised interview again, and you’ll surely sound smoother and more confident.  Practice really makes perfect.

Dress smart

No matter how much they try not to judge the book by its cover, the interviewers are just people, not machines, and they will certainly make assumptions based on your look. So, make sure to look smart and appropriate. Generally, business attire is a good choice. Men will want to put on a suit with a tie or opt for a sweater and a button-down shirt. Women will look professional in a blouse and dress pants or a statement dress. If you’re being interviewed for a position in a startup, aim for business casual look. If you need some inspiration, choose fitting high waisted jeans and finish your look with a more formal jacket. This outfit will look smart and professional yet not overly rigid for your informal startup interview.

Work on your body language

If you make (unthreatening) eye contact, maintain good posture, give a firm handshake and speak clearly, you’ll certainly leave a good impression. Your body language tells a story about your confidence, reliability and ambition, so make sure to tell a good story. Pro tip: skip perfume or cologne. Most interviews are conducted in small rooms with insufficient air circulation, so when your Chanel No.5 mixes with the previous candidate’s Hugo Boss, you can overwhelm your interviewer.

Bring a copy of your resume

Pack a copy of your resume in your bag and bring it with you. In case your interviewer misplaced their copy, you can save everyone a lot of time and embarrassment by handing an extra copy. It will also show that you’re always prepared and know how to anticipate problems.
If you prepare well, you’ll surely leave a positive impression and the rest is up to your interviewer. Keep a positive mindset even if you get rejected—your job will come if you keep trying.

Did you get a chance to show your worth in a job interview? Congrats—the hardest part is behind you. Now, all you need to do is prepare and leave the best impression possible. If you have some fears concerning your interview, here are some of the best tips that will allow you to prepare, dress up and nail your job interview like a boss.

Do your homework

One of the most common questions interviewers ask concerns the company and your position in it. Pay special attention to questions like “How you perceive the company in its industry?” or “What do you think about our biggest competitors?” Make sure to do your homework, conduct thorough research on the industry and remember to check out competition as well.

Prepare some good answers

While every job interview is different, there are some questions that always find their way into the interview. So, prepare a few good answers and some selling points, so you don’t have to endure awkward silences. One of these important questions is “What makes you the right person for the position?” Come up with a few selling points and provide examples. Here’s one: “I’m an excellent communicator. For example, I persuaded my entire team last year to…” Another question you can expect is why you want the job. Try to list all the things that interest you about the industry, company and the position—if you don’t seem interested in the job, you’ll probably leave empty-handed even if you’re qualified.

Practice makes perfect

No matter how much you read on the subject of interviews, it’s one thing to know the theory and a completely another thing to have practice. So, make sure to say out loud all your answers until you sound relaxed, confident and convincing. You might feel weird the first time you try it in the mirror and sound awkward no matter how clear you sound in your mind. Do your improvised interview again, and you’ll surely sound smoother and more confident.  Practice really makes perfect.

Dress smart

No matter how much they try not to judge the book by its cover, the interviewers are just people, not machines, and they will certainly make assumptions based on your look. So, make sure to look smart and appropriate. Generally, business attire is a good choice. Men will want to put on a suit with a tie or opt for a sweater and a button-down shirt. Women will look professional in a blouse and dress pants or a statement dress. If you’re being interviewed for a position in a startup, aim for business casual look. If you need some inspiration, choose fitting high waisted jeans and finish your look with a more formal jacket. This outfit will look smart and professional yet not overly rigid for your informal startup interview.

Work on your body language

If you make (nonthreatening) eye contact, maintain good posture, give a firm handshake and speak clearly, you’ll certainly leave a good impression. Your body language tells a story about your confidence, reliability and ambition, so make sure to tell a good story. Pro tip: skip perfume or cologne. Most interviews are conducted in small rooms with insufficient air circulation, so when your Chanel No.5 mixes with the previous candidate’s Hugo Boss, you can overwhelm your interviewer.

Bring a copy of your resume

Pack a copy of your resume in your bag and bring it with you. In case your interviewer misplaced their copy, you can save everyone a lot of time and embarrassment by handing an extra copy. It will also show that you’re always prepared and know how to anticipate problems.
If you prepare well, you’ll surely leave a positive impression and the rest is up to your interviewer. Keep a positive mindset even if you get rejected—your job will come if you keep trying.