5 Tips for a Successful Job Interview

successful interview

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A while back I wrote a post related to negotiating a raise or promotion (you can find the full post here). It was actually one of my favorite posts I’ve written to date. Looking back, I realize that my career-focused posts are a bit lacking. It’s one of the areas I wanted to focus on through this blog so I’m starting to get back to my original plan. So with that in mind, I am sharing five essential tips for a successful job interview. After all, you first need to get the job before you negotiate anything.

Interviews are exciting and nerve wracking, for everyone involved. You want to put your best foot forward to make it a successful event, but sometimes your nerves take over. I’ve been on both sides of the table, interviewer and interviewee, and both are equally difficult. My best tip is that practice makes perfect. Now I’m not talking about a being a serial interviewee, I’m talking about being comfortable talking about yourself to others.

Above all, stay calm, be yourself, and remember that as much as they are interviewing you, you are also interviewing them. The job you are applying for has to be a fit for both you and the company. If it’s not, it won’t work out for either of you.

Here are the five essential tips to have a successful job interview.

Rehearse Your Answers For Standard Questions

Most interviewers will ask a set of standard questions. A few examples are:

What are your strengths?
What are your weaknesses?
How do you prioritize important tasks?
Where do you see yourself in 3-5 years?
Why are you the best candidate for this position?

Think about these questions have prepared remarks for each of them. I find that the best answers are clearly articulated and to the point. Don’t let nerves sneak in and have you rambling your answer. Stay calm and focused. If you practice ahead of time you will do just fine. And as odd as it may seem to list weaknesses to a potential employer, you must come with some weaknesses. It shows that you can identify where you can improve. Nobody is perfect, and if you tell the interviewer that you have no weaknesses, they will look at that negatively, as it will sound as if you can’t take criticism or identify areas for improvement.

Come Prepared

Go to the interview prepared, do your research ahead of time. Take time ahead of the interview and research the company to learn about what they do, where they are located, their business strategies, and their core values. In addition to the company do research on the people you are meeting with. Perhaps you can find a common connection through your research. The internet is powerful, especially LinkedIn, and you can find so much information on this site.

In addition to researching the company, have prepared questions to ask during the interview. A good rule of thumb is to ask a question about the company, the position and the person interviewing you. Your questions during the interview shouldn’t be about how many vacation days you will get, or what the salary is. Those details will come about in later steps. Your questions can also make for a successful job interview.

Be Awake and Engaged

Stay present in the interview and be alert. Chances are you are going to meet with several people during an interview, so prepare yourself for a long day. Get plenty of sleep the night before and eat a full breakfast (or lunch) before the interview. You will go through the standard “tell me about yourself” several times. Be sure to answer with as much enthusiasm for each person. They are looking at your attitude just as much as the specific words you are saying. Be positive in all your answers.

It’s also ok to ask for a break. Stand up, walk around, go to the bathroom and get something to drink. Sitting for hours is hard, get up and get the blood flowing. This will wake you up and let you stay engaged for the long haul.

Have a Survival Pack

Pack the essentials for the day of the interview with a survival pack. Be sure you have plenty of copies of your resume and a small leather bound notebook with a pen for notes. Have snacks on hand too. Throw a couple of Kind or Rx bars in your bag along with a bottle of water. Keeping fuel in your system will keep you awake, happy and engaged. Now these snacks should not be eaten during the interview, but if you get a short break, escape to a discreet area (i.e. bathroom, lobby, etc.) and refuel. Staying energized is key for a successful job interview.

Follow Up

When the interview ends your job as an interviewee doesn’t. You have to follow up and thank each person you interviewed with individually. Be sure to personalize your note and reference something specific from the interview, as the interviewers will compare notes. I’m a huge fan of the handwritten note, I find it to be thoughtful and personal. Email thank you’s also work, but I find them to be cold and easy. My advice is to know your audience, and if you are interviewing with older people opt for a handwritten note. If they are younger than an email is most likely acceptable. Above all send the note immediately after your successful job interview.