Your success on the career path highly depends on your performance in a job interview, so showing yourself from the most positive and appealing side is a must from the very beginning. This is why you need to know all the rules of this game and be sure to follow them well. 

Don’t worry if you are new to job seeking or feel lost in the endless count of specifics, as this article will help you sort it out. Read on and take notes!

1. Research the company

Having a good understanding of the company is key to successfully answering interview questions. This means knowing what sets them apart and identifying their biggest goals and challenges.

This can be done by visiting their company website or social media profiles and searching for recent news about it online. Knowing everything is unnecessary, but if you can avoid asking them questions about things they’re already talking about, it will show that you’ve put in the work and are serious about this role. 

It’s also helpful to research the company’s competitors in order to gain a better understanding of their market and position. Don’t worry, it may sound hard and extremely time-consuming, but in reality, it’s even easier as it is for a student to type “help me write my paper” and find some trustworthy help with their struggles in college. When the interviewer asks you how you think the company fits in its industry, being able to weigh its claims against those of its main rivals will show that you’re a committed and thorough job seeker. It will also help you to frame your own responses in a way that will set you apart from the competition. For example, if you discover they’re struggling with growth and reducing costs, it might be a good time to talk about your experience working in a lean startup environment.

2. Dress the part

It’s also important to dress appropriately for the role you are applying for. If you are interviewing for a creative position, such as a writer, photographer, art or creative director, or editor, wearing a suit or business casual attire is appropriate. It’s also a good idea to bring extra copies of your resume and a notebook and pen to the interview.

Make sure your outfit is clean and wrinkle-free before the interview. Avoid flashy or flamboyant accessories. It’s also a good idea not to overdo the makeup. Wearing too much can be distracting and can send the interviewer the message that you are unprofessional. If you are nervous, taking deep breaths is also OK, but don’t slouch in your chair or fidget in your seat.

3. Be mindful of your body language

Aside from your words, body language is a big part of your interview. It depicts your level of confidence, comfort, and enthusiasm. While most of your body language is subconscious, you can control certain aspects to give the interviewer a better sense of who you really are.

For instance, a limp handshake conveys a lack of confidence and is a major turn-off for hiring managers. Instead, opt for a firm grip that is neither too tight nor aggressive. If you tend to fidget with your hands or gesture often, try consciously stopping that behavior to avoid appearing frantic. If you don’t naturally gesture, a genuine nod will still convey your interest in the interviewer’s response.

During the interview, be sure to sit up straight to communicate your confidence and ease. If you’re interviewing via video, adjust your chair height and camera angle so the interviewer can always see you clearly. Also, don’t put too much on your lap to prevent yourself from clumsily removing items when you’re called to be greeted at the end of the interview.

4. Be honest

While it’s always best to be honest during a job interview, you must also be selective about what you reveal. Too much information can negatively impact your chances of landing the position.

For example, if you’re asked how you deal with pressure, it is important to tell them the truth. But you should limit your response to a single specific instance in which you dealt with a challenging situation. Doing so will show that you can identify a flaw (pressure sensitivity) and take steps to mitigate it.

Likewise, interviewers often ask how you cope with conflict. It is a great idea to share an incident from your previous work experience in which you had to confront a coworker about a misunderstanding. Doing so will illustrate that you can professionally resolve conflicts while staying true to your values and moral code.

It’s also important to be frank when discussing your weaknesses. Unless they specifically inquire about your inability to stay focused, interviewers will understand that no one is perfect.

To sum up:

If you want to pass a job interview, then you must be prepared. That means more than just having the right clothes to wear. Proper preparation includes having a good idea of what the job entails and researching the company and its history, values, and mission. You should also look into the company’s clients, customers, and employees to see what their experiences have been like.

Another important part of being prepared is reviewing your own skills, abilities, and characteristics to match them with the employer’s needs. This should be done well before the interview to give you a clear idea of what you can offer to the role.

You should also prepare answers to some of the common interview questions (there are probably a hundred of them out there). Practice them with a mentor or experienced friend, and take note of what your body language is communicating to your interviewer. For example, slouching sends the message that you are bored or uninterested while staring straight ahead conveys insecurity. Remember to follow up after the interview with a short thank-you letter, preferably by hand. This will be appreciated, showing that you are attentive and thoughtful. Good luck out there!