22 Tips To Help You Ace Your Job Interview

1. Do Your Homework

As you prepare for your interview, take some time to research the company. You can learn more about the company on its website and LinkedIn page. You can also read some of the blog posts and articles on their website.

You’ll want to find out about its products, values, business model, and any challenges the company is currently facing.

2. Review and Answer Common Interview Questions

Answering these questions can help you feel more comfortable during your interview. Remember to be honest and focus on your strengths.

Common questions:

1. Why are you applying for this position?
2. Can you tell me a little about yourself?
3. What are your weaknesses? To answer this question, try to remember any constructive criticism you’ve previously received. Make sure to mention what you’re doing to overcome this issue.
4. How about your strengths? For this question, use any compliments you've been given in the past.
5. Why are you leaving your current position?
6. Where do you see yourself five years from now?
7. Have you ever made a mistake at work? If so, I’d like to hear about it.
8. Would you like to ask me any questions?

3. Create Questions To Ask Your Interviewer

Being prepared to ask relevant questions demonstrates that you’ve prepared for the interview.

Potential questions:

1. Can you tell me anything about this position that wasn’t included in the job description?
2. What do you consider the biggest challenges for the role I’m interviewing for?
3. What aspect of your career do you find most enjoyable?
4. What’s the company’s biggest priority right now?

4. The Time and Day of Your Interview Matter

Although you may want to arrange your interview at a time that’s convenient for you, this practice isn’t recommended. Nonetheless, if you are given the opportunity to choose a day and time, request 10:30 a.m. on a Tuesday. This is the best time because your interviewer will most likely be relatively relaxed.

5. The Color You Wear Is Important

Believe it or not, the color of your clothing makes a distinct impression on your interviewer.

Characteristics associated with colors:

• Black — implies leadership potential.
• Blue — suggests that you’re a team player.
• Brown — means that you're dependable.
• Gray — portrays you as logical/analytical.
• Red — implies power.
• White — suggests that you're well-organized.

The worst color to wear is orange because this color indicates that you're unprofessional.

6. Choose an Acceptable Clothing Style

Avoid wearing clothing that is controversial, too revealing, or distracting. It’s important for the interviewer to focus on what qualifications you have, not what you're wearing.

Consider dressing one step up from what’s normal for the workplace. So, if employees wear polo shirts and jeans, you should wear a button-down shirt with a pair of slacks.

7. Come Prepared

During your interview, you may want to take a few notes. Therefore, bring a pen and a notebook, a list of references, and a couple of printed copies of your resume. That way, you can give one copy to your interviewer and keep a copy for yourself (just in case you need to refer to it).

You'll also need to bring your ID and certification information with you.

8. Review the Job Posting

By reviewing the posting on the day of your interview, you’ll remember what the company needs in a candidate. It also helps you create talking points.

9. Arrive 10 to 15 Minutes Early

You can make a good impression if you arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled interview. This additional time allows you to fill out paperwork and relax for a few minutes before your interview.

10. Make Eye Contact

As soon as you meet your interviewer, make eye contact. This is important because some studies found that people who make eye contact while speaking are generally considered more intelligent than those who do not.

11. Build Rapport Early On

Research suggests that building rapport early on in the interview can greatly impact how the interviewer sees you.

12. Keep an Eye on Your Hand Placement

The way you move and hold your hands contributes to the impression you make during an interview.

What to do and what not to do:

• When you show your palms, you seem sincere.
• If you press your fingertips together, you imply that you’re confident.
• Don’t place your palms down on the desk or table. This position is a sign of dominance.
• You should also avoid concealing your hands. This makes it seem as if you're trying to hide something.
• Refrain from tapping your fingers. This is a sign of impatience.
• Limit hand gestures because they can be distracting.
• Don’t fold your arms. This position indicates disappointment.

13. Take Advantage of the 'Chameleon Effect'

This psychological phenomenon involves mirroring the body language of your interviewer. By doing this, you seem more likable.

14. Smile, but Don’t Overdo It

You should smile, but displaying a giant grin throughout your interview seems disingenuous.

15. Stay Engaged in the Conversation

Staying engaged means maintaining good eye contact, paying attention to the interviewer’s key points, and, when necessary, asking for clarification.

By staying tuned in, you show that you’re serious about the position. It may also give you some talking points to use later on.

16. Don’t Slow Talk

Slow talking has a negative effect because the interviewer may assume you are having difficulty answering questions.

17. Use Expression When You Speak

Expressive speech involves varying your pitch and volume, as well as inserting some short, yet noticeable, pauses. Speaking expressively boosts your credibility and helps you sound more intelligent.

18. Speak With Enthusiasm

To show enthusiasm, you need to appear energetic and excited about the prospect of becoming a valuable member of the company.

19. Ask Why You Were Invited To Interview

While this may seem like an odd question, it draws attention to your strengths and helps you see why they like you.

20. When Speaking About Other Employers, Stay Positive

Hiring managers frown upon candidates who badmouth their current or former employers. Discussing the negative aspects of other employers shows poor judgment.

21. Compliment the Company and the Interviewer

Ingratiate yourself by praising the company and complimenting the interviewer.

22. Don't Forget To Follow Up

Make sure you send an email, call, or write a letter to thank the interviewer for their time.

These tips should help you feel more comfortable during the interview process, which can increase your odds of attaining a position at the company you want to work for.