efore Your Interview
Preparation is an essential part of the interviewing process that candidates often overlook. Many first-time interviewees may start talking without realizing they need to do more homework. However, a little bit of preparation can go a long way in preventing such unfortunate situations.
Research the industry and company
Begin by conducting thorough research on the company and the industry it operates in. Understand their business, identify their competitors, and familiarize yourself with their mission statement. This information will provide you with valuable insights into the company’s expectations, how successful employees perform their jobs, and how your skills can contribute to the company’s growth. Instead of spreading yourself too thin by trying to learn about multiple industries, focus your job search on just a few relevant ones.
Identify your strengths and be ready to discuss them
Think about three to five key selling points that make you the best candidate for the position. Be prepared to back up these selling points with specific examples of the skills and experiences that qualify you for the role. Demonstrating your abilities with detailed and relevant examples is much more effective than making broad statements. For instance, instead of saying, “I have excellent communication skills,” provide an example like, “I managed to resolve conflicts in our team by hosting weekly team meetings.”
If you have trouble identifying your selling points, make sure your skills and experience match those outlined in the job description, which brings us back to the importance of researching the company and understanding their requirements.
Prepare yourself for typical remote job interview questions
Consider your age and current life circumstances to anticipate the types of questions that might come up during the interview. To find the most common job interview questions and answers, check out relevant resources and practice responding to them. Preparation will help you provide confident and coherent answers during the actual interview.
Anticipate the interviewer’s concerns and get ready for tricky questions
Recognize that the pool of qualified job seekers is often larger than the number of available positions. Therefore, interviews are an opportunity for employers to identify the most suitable candidates. Put yourself in the interviewer’s shoes and consider potential reasons that might prevent them from hiring you. This type of preparation will enable you to address their concerns proactively, saying something like, “I can understand why you might think I’m not well suited to this position, but I want to explain the reasons why I’m actually a very good fit.”
Be ready to handle personal and inappropriate questions
Unfortunately, not all interviewers are aware of which questions they can and cannot ask, including questions about gender, marital status, age, or sexual orientation. Plan ahead of time how you’ll respond to such questions without getting frustrated. You can politely state, “I’m not sure how that’s relevant to my application,” or address the underlying question instead. Ultimately, it’s your decision whether or not to work for a company whose hiring managers or employees ask very personal or inappropriate questions.
Practice, practice, practice
While having an answer prepared in your head is a good start, saying it out loud with confidence is crucial. Practicing responses to common job interview questions out loud will help you develop more polished and confident answers. To practice effectively, enlist the help of friends or family members who can assist you in a mock interview setting.
During the Interview
Moving on to the actual job interview, it’s essential to act in a way that creates a positive first impression.
Arrive on time
Demonstrate your punctuality by arriving at the interview location 10 to 15 minutes before the scheduled time. Being on time shows that you value the interviewer’s time and that you can be relied upon if hired.
Bring a few copies of your resume
Always carry multiple copies of your resume with you, and ensure that your documents are well-organized. Interviewers appreciate candidates who come prepared with backup copies in case they forget the original. This level of preparation demonstrates your willingness to go the extra mile.
Prove that you are the best fit in the first five minutes
Keep in mind that interviewers have likely met numerous job applicants before you, so you need to stand out from the start. Studies suggest that interviewers form opinions of candidates within the first five minutes and then spend the rest of the time looking for evidence to support their initial impressions. Enter the interview with energy and enthusiasm, express gratitude for the opportunity, and make positive comments about the company without being overly flattering.
Join the interviewer’s team
Shift your mindset from viewing the job interview as a competition to seeing it as a collaborative conversation. Position yourself as a team player with the interviewer, saying something like, “I’m excited about this opportunity to learn more about your company, and for you to learn more about me, so we can determine if this is a good match.”
Be confident and take charge of the interview
Confidence plays a significant role in how employers perceive you during the interview process. In addition to evaluating your qualifications, interviewers consider how you make them feel. Demonstrating a positive and professional attitude from the beginning will set you apart from other candidates.
Show the right body language
In addition to listing your accomplishments, your body language can also create a positive impression of confidence. Start by greeting the interviewer with a firm handshake and a warm smile. Throughout the interview, maintain eye contact, exhibit good posture, and speak clearly.
Listen attentively
Remember that a job interview is a dialogue, not a monologue. Treat it as a conversation where both parties exchange ideas and build on each other’s comments. Be an active listener, responding completely and concisely while staying on topic. If you didn’t hear or understand a question, ask for clarification or for the interviewer to rephrase it.
Tell the truth
Honesty is vital in the job interview process. Be honest about your background and qualifications without exaggerating them. If you get the job, you’ll have to prove these skills, and dishonesty could come back to haunt you.
Don’t feel bad about being nervous
It’s normal to feel nervous during job interviews. Acknowledge your nerves and take comfort in the fact that interviewers are also human and understand how nerve-wracking the process can be. With practice and experience, you’ll become more comfortable with the interview process over time.
Finish on a good note
As the interview comes to a close, and you feel that you are a good fit for the online job, express your enthusiasm for the position. Let the interviewer know that you were already excited about the opportunity before the interview and that you are now even more convinced it’s the right fit. This indicates that you are more likely to accept an offer if selected as one of the final candidates. Express gratitude for their time and inquire about the next steps. Conclude the interview with a handshake and a smile.
After the Interview
Leaving the company’s office doesn’t mark the end of the process. Here are some tips for what to do next:
Send a thank you note
Sending a thank-you note is an essential step after any successful interview. If sent within 48 hours of the interview, this final gesture can make a difference. Thank the interviewer for their time and reiterate your enthusiasm for the position. To personalize the thank-you note, take a moment after each interview to jot down some notes on what you discussed.
Don’t give up if you don’t hear back after your first interview
It is not uncommon to be invited to a second or even third interview before receiving an offer. If you had a less-than-ideal experience, don’t lower your standards for your next remote job application. Learn from any mistakes, review our advice, and practice ahead of time to ensure you excel in your next interview.
Wrapping Up
The job interview is one of the first crucial steps in the job application process. Candidates who perform well during interviews have a greater chance of being hired. Therefore, it is essential not to come unprepared. Utilize our advice, dedicate time to preparation, and approach your next job interview with newfound confidence. With adequate preparation and a positive attitude, you’ll make a lasting impression on your potential employers.
