How to Succeed in an Interview

As with any interview, preparation is the key to success. Preparing ahead of time for an interview will help you stay on topic and keep the conversation flowing. The key is to identify topics that you and your interviewer have in common so that you can pose credible questions. It will also help if you are polite and friendly. Finally, you should rehearse your interview. Practice making your answers as natural and convincing as possible.

Be polite

If you’re applying to a job, one of the most important things to remember is to be polite during the interview process. You can practice being polite during the interview by being nice and respectful to all those around you. This goes for the front desk clerk, coffee handers, and hiring managers. Remember to thank them for their time and hold the door for them when leaving. Being polite and courteous will instantly make you likeable to the interviewer.

When greeting people, introduce yourself and give them your business card. Also, avoid using slang or putting yourself down. If you’re applying for a job, be sure to call the company a day or two in advance to ask about any testing or forms that may be required. Also, remember to introduce yourself to the interviewer by their last name and not their first. When leaving the interview, make sure to thank them for their time and be courteous to everyone.

Be friendly

Being friendly is the key to succeeding in an interview. You must be professional, yet friendly and relaxed. This is important because the interviewee needs to feel comfortable, which will make the interview easier for them. Always maintain eye contact and nod when you are answering questions. When taking notes, avoid looking down at your pad for long periods of time. This can be a turn-off for some interviewees.

Be genuine

Being authentic when interviewing is an important skill for job seekers. Authenticity can help you get the right job for your personality, skills, and values. Moreover, it makes you sound more enthusiastic. In fact, an employer wants someone who has a positive attitude. Being authentic is not the same as being completely unvarnished. Authenticity means connecting your passions with your values.

Authenticity means being true to who you are, whether in an intimate or professional setting. Authenticity builds bonds, and it distinguishes high-EQ workers from the rest. Career coach Dr Jennifer Newman says that authentic job applicants develop emotional connections with the interviewer. They do not conceal or embellish their past or relevant experiences, and they show self-reflection when answering questions.

Rehearse your interview

Before a job interview, you should practice answering interview questions, developing cue cards and asking for feedback. Also, remind yourself about the allotted time limit for the interview. It is important to practice your answers, so that they sound natural and engaging. If you’re nervous, practice answering questions with a friend or mentor who can act as the hiring manager. You can also use mock interviews to practice your answers to the questions asked by the hiring manager.

Performing verbal rehearsal is the most effective technique for interview preparation. It involves practicing answers to common interview questions, either out loud or in your head. It’s also a good idea to practice in front of a mirror so you can check your body language, posture and nonverbal cues.

Be prepared

As a job candidate, it is important to be well-prepared for an interview. Depending on the position, the questions may involve work experience, education, certifications, and technical ability. The interview process will generally begin with a phone interview, and will cover the applicant’s background, company, and position. It is important to find a quiet place, prepare specific answers, and practice your background summary before the interview.

Remember that the interviewer is also nervous and that you should be comfortable with feeling nervous. This may manifest as a racing heart, clammy hands, or butterflies in the stomach. You want to make a good first impression, and it is important to calm your heart and avoid quick, shallow breaths.