How to Excel in a Job Interview

When applying for a job, most employers will ask you to attend a formal interview to determine your suitability for the role. Whether you are applying for an entry-level job or a senior role, preparation is key to increase your chances of landing the job. Here are some tips on how to excel in a job interview:

Table of Contents

1. Research the Company

Once you receive an invitation for an interview, it is advisable to research the company to learn more about their culture, values, and recent news and announcements. Knowing about the company will help you answer the common interview question, “What do you know about the company?” You can browse the company website and social media profiles to gather information.

2. Review the Job Description

Review the job description to understand the role responsibilities and required skills. Think of examples of how you have handled similar responsibilities and demonstrated the required skills in previous roles.

3. Practice Answering Common Interview Questions

Practice answering common interview questions to prepare yourself for the interview. Research frequently asked interview questions and formulate structured and compelling answers. Common interview questions range from basic ones such as “Tell me a little bit about yourself” to more complicated ones such as “If you could compare yourself to any type of biscuit, which one would you be?”

4. Use the STAR Method

Practice using the STAR method which stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This method will help you answer competency-based interview questions that ask for examples. Begin by describing the situation, then explaining the task, how you approached the task or challenge, and finally, the outcome and end results.

5. Plan Your Interview Attire

Plan your interview attire appropriately. Generally, interviewees wear business casual or smart business attire to an interview. Research the company dress code by looking at their website or social media profiles. You can also ask about the dress code ahead of time by contacting the interviewer.

6. Prepare Questions

Prepare informed questions to ask at the end of the interview. This will show your interest in the role and the company. Some good questions to ask include “If you give me the role, where could I be in five years?” and “What do you like about working at this company?”

7. Bring a Notepad and Pen

Bring a notepad and pen to the interview to take down any important information. You can also ask the interviewer if it is okay for you to take notes during the interview.

Following these steps can help you prepare for your job interview and increase your chances of success. Remember to also practice your communication skills, maintain eye contact, and have a positive attitude during the interview.

Common interview questions

As mentioned earlier, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with common interview questions so that you can prepare your answers beforehand. Below are some examples of common interview questions:

Tell me about yourself.
Why are you interested in this role?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
What are your career goals?
Can you tell me about a time when you had to overcome a challenge?
What motivates you?
What do you know about our company?
Why should we hire you?

Preparing your answers to these questions can help you feel more confident during your interview.

Conclusion

Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, but with proper preparation, you can increase your chances of success. Researching the company and the role, practicing common interview questions, planning your attire, and preparing questions to ask the interviewer can help you perform at your best during the interview. Remember to also maintain a positive attitude and be confident in your skills and experience.