After filling out various applications, you finally get a call to set up an interview. You should take some time to celebrate this little victory, but remember, it isn’t over yet. To seal the deal, you have to ace the interview.
As exciting as getting the opportunity to interview is, a lot of candidates start to fall into a panic. Luckily, there are a few simple tips to help ease interview anxiety.
The Unspoken Rules of Job Interviews
Some people thrive working as freelancers or running a small business from home, but many enjoy the security of a full-time job. However, the job market is exceptionally competitive, and making your mark in the beginning stages is crucial to how interviewers will evaluate you.
During the recruitment process, recruiters see hundreds of resumes daily, sifting through the ones they think could be a match. Designing an eye-catching resume that will make interviewers stop in their tracks is crucial. Receiving a call for an interview means that your resume must have appealed to the job interviewer, so you’re on your way to success!
Learning how to interview the right way might take a bit of practice, but with these simple tips, it’ll be a piece of cake.
Research Before
Research is the key to any successful interview, it shows that you are genuinely interested in the company and the job on offer.
The best research method is to consult the job listing and read it carefully. Knowing what the interviewer is looking for will give you the upper hand because you’ll be able to provide intriguing information about yourself. Take note of the skills that apply to your experience, and highlight them to discuss during your interview.
For example, an arbitrator who wants to be a poker dealer might seem like a long shot. Poker dealers have unique skill sets, and arbitrators seem a world apart. After analyzing their transferable skills, they’ll see they have certain things in common, like conflict resolution. The arbitrator could then talk about their problem-solving skills and how that could apply to keeping the peace at a poker table.
Interviewers will value this information and appreciate the arbitrator’s ability to demonstrate their skills.
Act Natural
Often, people get wrapped up in tiny details, but that’s not the first thing job interviewers seek.
When a potential employer asks questions like “tell me about yourself,” they’re not asking you to recite your job history; that’s what your resume is for. Interviewers want to hear what you think of your own professional development, and that means reflecting on your skills, experience, and growth.
Take a look at the two ways someone could describe themselves:
- “I worked as a server for two years. After finishing my studies, I worked as a graphic designer for a year.”
- “I worked as a server, where I learned a lot about good customer service. When I began working as a graphic designer, I was surprised to see how those skills helped me communicate with clients.”
It’s safe to say that the latter is much more compelling than the former. By tying your skills and your experience together, you create a complete picture of yourself. What’s more, you help the interviewer visualize what it might be like to have you on their team.
If you’re still struggling to calm your nerves before an interview, there are several ways to ease tension that will help you perform at your best.
Ask Questions
Once the interviewer has gotten their answers, they will always ask: “Do you have any questions for me?”
The biggest mistake you can make here is saying “no.”
Interviews are not just for employers; they’re an opportunity for candidates too. Not asking questions makes it seem like you’re not invested in the position.
Could you imagine if you met your interviewer, and they had no questions for you? What was the reason for the interview? Writing down a few insightful questions for your potential employer will work in your favor for several reasons. Hearing the interviewer’s answers will tell you if the company culture is right for you. Secondly, when you ask lots of questions, it makes you much more memorable.
Asking questions also allows you to reinforce your interest in the position and highlight anything else about your profile that you might have forgotten to mention earlier.
The Bottom Line
The way to succeed in an interview is to act natural and engage in professional conversation. By preparing ahead of time and learning to answer questions creatively, you’re sure to impress the interviewer. Above all, don’t overthink it.
