I think most of us can agree that job interviews are nerve-wracking. It’s especially so when you know you will excel at the role, but you’re not that great at showcasing your skills, experience, and personality to potential employers through an interview. The good thing is, you can learn how to bring the best version of yourself to these interviews. All that’s required lies in thorough preparation, confident execution, and thoughtful follow-up.
This is your year of landing your dream role and chasing the bag, so we compiled a step-by-step guide that will help you ace job interviews.
Step 1— Research the Company and Role
The first thing you must do is research the company’s mission, values, products, services, and culture. You can get such information from their website, social media channels, and recent news articles.
Also, carefully read the job description to understand the key responsibilities, required skills, and qualifications. After doing this, ensure you align the experiences and skills in your resume to meet these requirements.
Familiarizing yourself with information on the company and the role you’re applying for will give you a great sense of confidence at the interview. First of all, by being equipped with the relevant information, the hiring manager will glean your genuine interest in landing the job. Secondly, knowing about the company allows you to ask informed questions and engage in meaningful conversations during the interview. This can make you stand out as a proactive and serious candidate.
Step 2—Prepare Your Answers to Possible Interview Questions
Some interview questions are likely going to be asked at your job interview. Some of them are: “Tell me about yourself”, “Why do you want this job?”, “Where do you see yourself in five years?”, “Why should we hire you?”, “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”, etc.
Thankfully, there are so many resources on the internet that teach you how to correctly respond to these questions. Personally, YouTube is my trusted source.
Rather than giving generic replies, always try to customize your answers to highlight how your skills and experience align with the job requirements. Be ready to discuss specific examples that demonstrate your qualifications.
For behavioural questions ( questions that ask you to describe past experiences to demonstrate your skills and abilities) like, “Can you give me an example of a time when you worked successfully as part of a team?” Or “Give me an example of a time when you had to manage multiple tasks or deadlines. How did you prioritize your work?”, get familiar with the STAR method of answering questions.
STAR (Situation, Task, Action, and Result). Start first by explaining the situation you were in, providing enough detail for the interviewer to understand the context. For example: “In my previous role as a project manager, we were nearing the deadline for a major client project when two key team members unexpectedly fell ill.”
Then you define what your task or responsibility was in that situation. What was the goal, and what were you expected to achieve? Example: “I was responsible for ensuring the project stayed on track and was delivered on time despite the reduced team capacity.”
Next, detail the actions you took. This is the core of your answer. Describe the specific actions you took to address the situation or complete the task. Focus on what you did, how you did it, and why you chose that approach. For example, “I quickly reallocated tasks among the remaining team members and personally took on additional responsibilities. I also communicated with the client to manage expectations and secured a temporary contractor to help with the workload.”
Lastly, explain the results of your actions. Highlight what you achieved and how your efforts contributed to a positive outcome. If possible, quantify the results with specific numbers or percentages. For example, “As a result, we delivered the project on time, and the client was very satisfied with the quality of work. This led to a 20% increase in repeat business from that client.”
Step 3—Practice, Practice, Practice
Practice makes perfect. Before going in for the actual interview, ensure you conduct mock interviews with a friend, family member, or mentor. This will help you refine your answers and improve your delivery. Pay attention to your body language, eye contact, and tone of voice. Practice speaking clearly and confidently.
Step 4—Prepare Questions for the Interviewer
A good interview should be conversational. As the hiring manager is asking you questions to know if you are a right fit for the company, you should also ask questions to know if the company is the right fit for you.
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the company culture, team dynamics, and growth opportunities. This shows that you are genuinely interested in the role and the company. Don’t forget to ask about the expectations for the role, the challenges you might face, and how success is measured.
Step 5—Dress Appropriately
Ensure that you are well-groomed and presentable. First impressions matter, and your appearance plays a significant role.
Do your research on the company’s dress code and choose an outfit that is professional and appropriate for the workplace. When in doubt, it’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.
Step 6—Be Punctual
Plan to arrive at least 10-15 minutes early. This shows that you are punctual and respect the interviewer’s time. As a pro tip, if the interview is in person, plan your route in advance to avoid any delays. If it’s a virtual interview, test your technology and network beforehand to ensure everything works smoothly.
Step 7—Stay Calm and Confident During the Interview
Take deep breaths and stay calm. Confidence is key, so believe in your abilities and let that confidence shine through.
Furthermore, pay close attention to the interviewer’s questions and respond thoughtfully. Don’t be afraid to take a moment to think before answering. Remember to express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Positive energy can leave a lasting impression.
Step 8—Here’s What to Do at the Close of the Interview
At the end of the interview, make sure you ask about the next steps in the hiring process. This shows your continued interest in the role. You should also remember to thank the interviewer for their time and consideration. A polite and gracious attitude goes a long way.
Within 24 hours of the interview, send a thank-you email to the interviewer. Mention specific points from the interview that you want to re-emphasize for them and reiterate your interest in the role. If you feel you have a better answer to a question asked during the interview, you can also include that answer.
After every job interview, take some time to reflect on what went well and what could have been better. Use this reflection to improve your performance in future interviews. Remember that hiring decisions can take time. If you haven’t heard back within the expected timeframe, it’s okay to send a polite follow-up email. And even if you don’t get the job, consider the interview as a learning experience. Every interview is an opportunity to grow and improve. A friend of mine once told me that even though she isn’t looking to get a job, she applies for them only so that she can get called for the interview, as a way to improve her interviewing skills.
Acing a job interview is a combination of preparation, practice, and poise. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to making a strong impression and securing the job you want. Remember, confidence, and authenticity are your best assets—let them guide you through the interview process. Good luck!
