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Research has revealed that only 20% of the total number of applicants reach the interview round for any opportunity.
An interview is often conducted to help potential employers assess a candidate’s eligibility for a position. Interviews are often a deal-maker or deal-breaker for candidates. Besides, they give you a short window of opportunity to make an impact with your knowledge, skills, and personality.
Therefore, keeping some interview tips in mind might be a good idea to make the most of this opportunity. So, keep reading to discover seven interview tips that can help you create a lasting impression!
Top 7 Interview tips for you!
1. Dress appropriately
Interviews are formal events, and most companies will have policies surrounding dress codes for interviews. So, when you receive a call confirming your interview, be sure to ask what the dress code is.
Also, keep these things in mind when going for an interview-
- Avoid wearing brightly-colored clothes. Neutral and dark tones are preferred for professional environments.
- Do some essential grooming before the interview. This includes taking care of your hair and nails.
- Remember that a first impression is always created based on how you are dressed.
- Dress for the position that you have applied for.
2. Maintain a confident body posture
How you conduct yourself during the interview is just as important as what you say. In addition to your clothes, one of the factors contributing to a first impression will be your body posture and language. This is among the most important interview tips to make an impact during the interview.
- Make confident eye contact with the interviewer.
- If the interview is being conducted in person, shake hands firmly with the interviewer.
- Maintain a polite smile and nod to acknowledge what the interviewer is saying.
- Sit straight, and do not be too stiff.
3. Do your research on the company
Did you know that around 47% of candidates fail the interview primarily because of a lack of knowledge of the company? This shows the importance of learning about the organization before the interview. You can do this by taking into account the following points-
- We recommend that you thoroughly research about the company through its official website.
- If you know some people in the organization you are interviewing for, speak to them before the interview. It might help you know more about the company.
- You can also browse through the company’s social media profiles to know what it specializes in. Going through social media is among the best interview tips to be up-to-date on the company’s endeavors.
4. Be on time
Do not be late for your interview. Punctuality can display your motivation and drive to do a job well. Even if you do well in the interview, being late can take you back a couple of steps.
- If you are going for an in-person interview, gather everything the day before the interview. This includes relevant documents, clothes, and shoes.
- If the interview is being conducted online, test your system at least a day before. Also, connect to the meeting URL 10 to 15 minutes early and test the audio and video settings of your device.
5. Practice communication
If you are a fresher, the interview will help potential employers learn more about you as compared to your technical skills. Communicating clearly and effectively is a great determinant of how well you will perform in an interview.
- First, listen carefully to what the interviewer is saying. Listening with intention can help you answer correctly and confidently.
- It is advisable to wait until it is your turn to answer questions. This is among the most important interview tips. Not allowing the interviewer to complete their statements can display impatience and overconfidence.
- If the interviewer asks you a question you have not prepared for, do not hesitate to ask for a minute or more to think about the answer.
- Keep your sentences crisp and avoid using informal language.
6. Ask relevant questions
During interviews, most candidates make the mistake of not asking questions towards the end of the session. Asking questions when prompted is an excellent way to highlight your qualities and interest in the role and company.
Besides, it can also help you put together a picture of the work culture and environment of the organization.
If you are confused about what to ask at the end of the interview, check out these questions-
- What is the strength of the department/organization?
- Is travel a part of the position’s responsibilities?
- What are the details of the project in question?
7. End politely and courteously
Regardless of how the interview goes, make it a point to thank the interviewer and the panel members involved. Besides, asking them when to expect to hear back can also demonstrate eagerness and enthusiasm. Additionally, appreciating the interviewer’s time and efforts to assess you can help end the interview on a good note.
If you have not been selected for the position of your choice, do not lose heart! You can ask for feedback and utilize it to improve your performance in future interviews.
Key takeaways
- Interviews are a crucial component of most screening processes for companies globally.
- Performing well in an interview can help candidates secure a position of their choice with an organization.
- Preparing for the interview with the above tips can be a great way to make an impression and stand apart from the crowd.
- Asking for feedback on your performance can help you prepare for future interviews.
We hope these tips will help you ace your next interview. If you have any questions/ suggestions, drop a comment below or reach out to us.
Liked this blog? Read next: Self-introduction for interview | 5 brilliant tips you need to know!
FAQs
Q1. What are the different types of interviews?
Answer – The different types of interviews include structured & unstructured interviews, panel interviews, telephone interviews, and one-on-one interviews.
Q2. How should the interviewer be addressed?
Answer – Address the interviewer politely using terms such as Mr./Ms./Mrs. Or ‘Sir’ and ‘Ma’am.’
Q3. How often should I follow up after my interview?
Answer – It is recommended that you ask for a day and date to follow up with the company on its decision before your interview ends.