15 Quick Interview Tips to Help You Land Your Dream Job

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There are no second chances to make the first impression and little things can make a big difference, especially in an interview. We’ve put together a comprehensive list of interview tips that will help you prepare. Along with your qualification and credibility, these best practices can help boost your confidence and increase your chances of landing that dream job.

1. Research about the company. Read about who they are and what they stand for by visiting their website or social media channels to understand why you would be the right fit.

1. Decide what you will wear to the interview in advance, even if it’s virtual. A good attire can boost your confidence and make a good first impression, so choose appropriately.
2. Practice answers to common interview questions that cover your strengths, biggest achievement, most challenging project, long-term career goals, and reason for applying to the role/company. Have your personal elevator pitch ready to make the most out of the “Tell me about yourself question”.
3. Recollect all your best experiences from previous roles to clarify your selling points. Interviewers love to know how you solved a problem and what you learned from it.
4. Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare a list of questions that you would like to ask the interviewer. This will highlight your interest in their company.
5. Plan your schedule for the day in advance so that you reach on-time. Being punctual is an added advantage. For virtual interviews ensure you have good internet connectivity and are audible - try to be a closed room with no background noise.
6. Greet your interviewer with warmth and confidence. Don’t be shy. Stand straight, making eye contact, and connect with a firm handshake.
7. Remember to use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, and Result) method to answer any question from the interviewer.
8. Your body language can speak more than words. Remain at your formal best and don’t act too casual.
9. Listen. Your interviewer is going to give you important information throughout the interview. It can be about the company, your role, your responsibilities, future growth, or even about what they expect you to change in the organization. Listening is a crucial part of good communication.
10. Win them over with your positivity and enthusiasm. Everyone loves a good conversation.
11. While answering questions, focus on your key strengths, and be honest.
12. Even if given the opportunity, do not speak negatively about your previous employers or colleagues.
13. At the end of the interview, ask for the next steps. This will ensure that they keep you in the loop and follow-up.
14. Send a personalized thank-you letter, post the interview. Express your enthusiasm and gratification after meeting the interviewer but remember not to sound desperate.

Every interview is a different experience and new learning. Remember to take your best self to the table. The more time you spend making the conversation engaging, the more you leave a lasting impression. You know you can do the job, you just need to make sure the interviewer believes you can, as well.