7 Tips for a Successful Job Interview

1. Be Prepared

Take a few minutes of your time before the interview to make sure you’re fully prepared. Learn a little about the history of the company, as well as the name of your interviewer. Practice answering questions that may be asked with a friend or relative. Overall, make sure that the moment you walk in that door, you’ve done everything you can to be ready for the interview ahead.

2. Look Respectable

First impressions can make or break your interviewer’s thoughts about you. The morning of your interview, make sure you shower and brush your teeth (hopefully you do anyway), and shave if needed. If you have long hair (males), strongly consider getting it cut, or else just make sure you can present it neatly. Finally, pick out your attire some time in advance, and make sure it’s clean and has been ironed before the interview.

3. Dress for the Occasion

This goes hand in hand with tip 2. If applying for an office or desk job, a business suit with a tie and jacket is a necessity. Even if applying for a casual job, it’s good to look your best.

Males: The best combination is usually the simplest; go with a black jacket and pants, with a white shirt and a single-coloured tie. Dark shoes and socks should be worn. Try to avoid jewellery, apart from a wedding or engagement ring.

Females: Again, try not to go over the top. Wear a black jacket with a white or lightly coloured blouse, as well as a black skirt which sits just above knee height. Use black, conservatively heeled shoes, along with hosiery as close to your skin colour as possible. Limit each hand to one ring, and wear only one pair of earrings. Keep your make-up fairly light, it shouldn’t be too noticeable.

4. Nail the Resume

While not overdoing it, make sure you include as much about yourself as possible. Use a simple, yet professional typed design. Avoid using negative words, such as “quit” and “fired” (this applies to the interview as well). Even if they don’t relate to the job, add in your hobbies and interests, as well as how long you’ve participated in them for. Interviewers value commitment, and showing that you’ve stuck with a certain hobby for a long period of time demonstrates that well. Be sure to review your resume with friends or family who have extensive job experience, they tend to know what interviewers are looking for.

5. Exhibit Confidence

From the word go, the interviewer will be examining your every move. If you can show them confidence, your chances at landing the job in question will skyrocket. When you enter the room, greet the interviewer with a firm handshake. Answer each question with a clear and focused voice, and look them in the eye while you answer them, as well as when they are speaking.

6. Show Interest

Nothing shows enthusiasm for the job in question then being interested in it. Be sure to ask questions about future plans for the company, what kind of tasks the job involves, and why the position is available. Avoid questions relating to the salary and benefits of the job. Be co-operative and friendly during the interview, and use body language to show interest. Thank your interviewer for their time at the end.

7. Be Honest

Honesty is always the best policy, no exceptions. If you lie to make yourself look better, either during the interview or on your resume, you will definitely not get the job. Interviewers value loyal and trustful people above anything else. Even if you worry that other people are more qualified for the job than you, be honest, your interviewer will value it very strongly, and it may just get you over the line.