Interviewing for a new job is always thrilling and exciting. At the same time, it is also a huge challenge. In order to succeed in getting hired, you need to know what you need to prioritize and how you need to present yourself. We’ve come up with a list of tips to increase your chances for being hired for the position you want.
Do your homework – research the company
According to livecareer.com, it’s important to obtain all the information you can about your potential employer and the organization before you step into the room with the interviewer. Make sure you clearly understand the field the company works in. Use the Internet to find relevant information such as the history of previous projects, names, and numbers to have a solid foundation of knowledge.
Clean up your social media accounts
Nowadays it is of great importance that you present yourself in the best way both personally and on social media. Jobinterviewboard.com mentions that employers take into consideration social media accounts and check the information there. Make sure your Facebook profile or Instagram account doesn’t have content that may compromise you. This includes inappropriate photos and videos, offensive comments, profanity, etc.
Be professional – look professional
“Clothes and manners do not make the man; but when he is made, they greatly improve his appearance”, said American social reformer Henry Ward Beecher. It is known that appearance can influence an individual’s level of confidence, as well as determining first impressions. Dress appropriately in order to look professional, but don’t forget about comfort as well. It is preferable that you stick to classical style. Conservative white tops and black or gray bottoms are relevant to most situations. But remember that you want to be an insider, not a black sheep.
Time management
The way you present yourself from the very beginning shapes your profile for the employer. It is generally accepted that being late shows a lack of respect and professionalism. So use all your time management skills and arrive at the office beforehand – 10-15 minutes before the interview will give you a moment to bring your thoughts in order and enter the room calmly.
Body language
As well as verbal communication, you need to know the basics of nonverbal communication. This includes body position and gestures. Allan and Barbara Pease’s bestseller “The Definitive Book of Body Language” emphasizes that it’s preferable to avoid closed body positions. Find a comfortable position and try to avoid bad habits such as slouching. Place your hands on your knees uncrossed or put your arms on armrests when sitting. And remember – a firm handshake is a good start to any meeting.
Ask questions and offer ideas
An interview is not only about answering questions – it is also about asking questions and giving your feedback. Job-hunt.org advises preparing a list of questions regarding your potential position as well as solutions and ideas for some problems that you will have to solve once you hold the position.
Letters of recommendation
When the job market is extremely competitive, letters of recommendation may help you get a desirable job. A new requirement for letters of recommendation has begun appearing on the websites of the leading universities and companies. These letters give the potential employer an outside perspective on your strengths, abilities, and accomplishments that may not be easily observable from your objective data (GRE scores, GPA, etc.) Ask people you worked with to write a letter of recommendation for you. These may be your previous employers, managers you worked with on past projects, or your supervisors during internships. According to Forbes, a letter of recommendation for you may include information about your experience in this particular field of expertise, previous jobs and your area of responsibilities, your awards and achievements, as well as the reasons why you are the best candidate for this position.
Thank the interviewer in person and by email
Good communication is one way to succeed. Remember that first of all, we are all humans and nobody has taken interpersonal relations out of the marketplace. Being polite and friendly will help you to make the most of the interview. Forbes observes that it’s important to thank the interviewer for his/her time after the interview and then write a thank you note or send an email – this will not only remind the interviewer of you but will also show your keen interest in getting the job.
Photo: Shutterstock
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