Ace Your Next Interview with These 6 Tips
Vincent Benjamin

Landing an interview is exciting, but also a bit anxiety-inducing. Luckily, it is possible to set yourself up for success. With the right strategies, you can increase your odds of making a great impression. If you want to ace your next interview, here are six tips that can help. 

1. Research the Company

Knowing a bit more about your prospective employer can work to your advantage. There’s always a chance that the hiring manager is going to ask what you know about the company or its products and services. Additionally, the hiring manager might want to know why you want to work there, and you’ll need to know about the organization to answer that effectively. 

Plus, if you know about the company’s mission and values, you can align your answers with their priorities. Similarly, if you learn about its recent accomplishments, you can bring them up during the meeting. With a little bit of research, you’re giving yourself a leg up, making it a worthwhile venture. 

2. Get the Inside Scoop

If you know someone who currently or recently worked for the organization, or have a second- or third-degree connection that does, see if you can conduct an informational interview. Likely researching the company, it gives you a chance to gather insights that can help you stand out. 

3. Practice Makes Perfect

Figuring out answers to common interview questions in advance is a good idea. By being able to practice them a few times, you can increase your comfort level with what you want to say. As a result, you’ll come across more confident and prepared. 

However, don’t just practice the words. Also, spend time answering the questions in front of a mirror or, for virtual interviews, in front of your webcam. That way, you can watch your body language, allowing you to refine it, too. 

4. Develop a Behavioral Interview Strategy

Behavioral interview questions typically don’t have a right or wrong answer, so they can feel a bit tricky. However, with a sound strategy, you can respond with greater ease. For example, you may want to try the STAR method as a foundation. That way, you can figure out how to discuss your achievements in a relevant and engaging way. 

5. Have a Few Questions Ready

Most candidates get a chance to ask the hiring manager a few questions once the interview comes to a close. By having a few ready, you come across as engaged and enthusiastic, which may help you land the job. 

While you can certainly ask questions that you think of during the interview, it’s wise to have a few in your back pocket. That way, you won’t get caught without one when the time comes. 

For example, asking, “Is there anything that is preventing me from being a top candidate?” is a great one to take in with you. Asking the hiring manager to describe a typical day in the position is also a good move, particularly if you follow it up by asking them to describe the most challenging day this role usually faces. 

6. “Interview” with Everyone

If you are going into the workplace to interview, treat everyone you meet as if they are the hiring manager. It isn’t uncommon for interviewers to ask their colleagues about their interactions with you, so you want to treat everyone like a critical decision-maker. 

We Can Help You Ace Your Next Interview

If you’d like to learn more about how you can ace your next interview, the team at VB can help. Contact us today. 

 

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