Did you know 33% of hiring managers decide whether they would hire a candidate within 30 seconds of meeting them?
First impressions are critical in the job search process and mastering your interview technique is essential to stand out from the competition. Whether you’re advancing your career or seeking new opportunities, here are five valuable interview tips to ace that first meeting.
1. Research the Company…Thoroughly
A common mistake candidates make is not effectively researching the company. A hiring manager doesn’t want to know when their company was founded, they want to know if your values and expertise align with their business.
Delve into their history, products, and recent news from their website and social media pages. Align your answers with their mission and values to demonstrate your genuine interest in becoming part of their team.
2. Practice Tailored Answers
Understand the interview style for your meeting and prepare accordingly. While it’s impossible to predict every question, practice answers to value-based questions for a casual chat and technical questions for a presentation scenario.
This practice will boost your confidence and help you articulate your thoughts effectively. Rehearse responses about your strengths, weaknesses, and problem-solving abilities to deliver well-structured answers.
3. Showcase Your STAR Achievements
Behavioural interview questions are on the rise and the STAR (situation, task, action, and result) method is a powerful tool to answer them effectively.
Explain your accomplishments by outlining the situation, explaining the actions you took, and concluding with the positive result you achieved. This method showcases your ability to handle real-life challenges and highlights your accomplishments clearly.
4. Check Your Body Language
Unconscious cues can impact how others perceive you. Maintain eye contact, offer a firm handshake, and sit upright to show confidence and interest in the conversation. Avoid crossing your arms, as this can show nervousness. But overall, ensure you feel prepared enough to conduct your interview confidently and your body language will speak for itself.
5. Ask About Them
When given the opportunity, you can turn the tables and interview the hiring manager. Ask thoughtful questions about the company, team dynamics, or the role itself. This shows your interest in the company and reflects your commitment to making an informed decision. Avoid questions that can be easily answered through a quick Google search, as this might suggest a lack of preparation.
In today’s competitive market, securing a position goes beyond qualifications. Your interview technique plays a pivotal role in leaving lasting impressions on potential employers. By following these five, straightforward tips you can increase your chances of acing that next interview.
Looking for more job search tips? Speak to Capella Professional, an executive search recruitment agency in the Midlands, who are dedicated to helping you reach your career goals. Receive personalised advice and support from our recruitment experts. Check out our About Us page for more information.
Remember, with the right preparation and mindset, you have the power to excel in any interview and land your dream job. Best of luck