8 Tips On How To Pass A Job Interview Successfully

Job interviews, an inevitable part of getting a job, require you to make a very good first impression. Many people lost the chance to get their dream employment because they were unprepared for these question-and-answer sessions.

The same is with your previous experience – don’t mention any jobs you haven’t actually had as there are plenty of positions that require little or no experience at all. For example, Jooble provides a list no experience necessary jobs abroad and in country which you can apply for.

Therefore, preparation is key and should be the first step toward passing your next session successfully. It will not only help you avoid mistakes, but it will give you an edge in the job market. With these 8 tips written by CJPI, you can turn this into a very successful experience.

For the purpose of meeting the need to ease the challenges associated with job interviews, this article is aimed at equipping you to secure the role you applied for. With these 8 tips, you can turn this into a very successful experience. So, let’s begin!

1. Research

In most cases, being invited to an interview means you meet all the vital criteria for the position. The question-and-answer session is basically about the assessor trying to find out if you can support what you wrote on your resume and how you intend to implement your skills.

Having some background information about the company will greatly increase your chances of success. Check out the company profile online by visiting their website. You can also look up your potential co-workers on Leadar to learn more about their career paths within the company.

With this information at your fingertips, you will be more confident when you have to sit before a panel. Besides, it shows how serious you are about getting the position.

2. Review Your Cover Letter and CV

Do a quick review of your skills, abilities, and every detail mentioned in your CV and cover letter. This review will help you identify the ones that best apply to the role and how best you can present them to match the company’s goals.

Having reflected on this beforehand, you will find it easier to answer questions during the session, thereby making your potential employers see you as a good prospect.

Give relevant examples of how you applied your skills to previous employments and how you intend to use the same or better methods to meet their needs.

However, avoid being dishonest, and don’t ruin your chances by claiming to know or do something you do not. For example, don’t claim to speak a language fluently when you know just a couple of sentences in that language. This could be very awkward and embarrassing if the panel decides to communicate with you in that language.

3. Reach Out to Your Referees

Considering the fact that your referees are often very busy people, you should alert them in advance to expect a call or email from the company. Giving them prior notice will help them prepare adequately and watch out for calls from unknown numbers.

You may want to read the reference letter they sent so you have an idea of what they think of you and how you can use it to your advantage when you face the panel.

4. Dress Well

Appearance is a crucial part of making good first impressions. Dress the part. Choose an outfit that will portray you as a confident and determined individual. Your dress code should also match the position or type of business you are applying to. A good rule of thumb is to follow the dress code of the employer.

The general outfit for interviews is professional or business attire. For men, this could be a suit jacket with slacks, a button-down shirt, and a tie. Women can make do with a formal dress or a blouse paired with dress pants.

In your bid to incorporate modern fashion trends, don’t go about wearing a very bright or flashy outfit to a professional or business interview, as it could distract the evaluator.

Although less formal, non-professional, or business casual sessions call for you to still be professional and polished. A T-shirt with shorts won’t do. Ditch that sundress or pair of sandals. Even if the average employee at the office wears polos and shorts, aim for something a bit more professional, like khakis and a button-down shirt.

Even entry-level and internship positions require something more professional than a pair of jeans, athleisure, club wear, or anything you would wear to the beach.

In all you do, be neat; wear pressed clothes with no visible tears or holes. Choose fewer accessories aimed at enhancing rather than overwhelming your attire, style your hair professionally, and wear subtle and discreet makeup. Smell good, but make your perfume light, reduce the aftershave, trim your nails neatly, and have a briefcase or handbag. 

If you are unsure about what to wear, you can always check with the organization or their HR.

5. Anticipate and Answer Common Interview Questions

If you have been a job seeker for some time, some questions won’t be new to you. Start by assessing yourself from the panelists’ points of view. Ask yourself these basic questions:

• What do these employers need?
• How will they rate you based on your skills and experience?
• Are there particular questions that will help them determine if you are the best person for the position?
• How best can you prove to them that you are the right fit for the role and company?

Once you can honestly answer these questions, you can move to the common ones they are likely to ask:

• Can you tell us more about yourself?
• Why did you apply for this position?
• Why should we hire you?
• What do you know about the role and our company?
• What salary are you expecting to earn?
• Can you list your strengths and weaknesses?
• Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

If you are not sure how to best answer these questions, get help from online resources, friends, or relatives who know better.

6. Be On Time

What better way is there to create a bad impression than arriving late? When planning your route, add extra time for traffic jams, bad weather, or some other unforeseen circumstances.

Note that some people would consider you late for arriving right on schedule, while others will feel pressured if you arrive thirty minutes early. So, endeavor to get to their reception area 10 minutes early.

7. Mind Your Body Language

Usually, potential employers start assessing you the moment you step into the reception area. This calls for a need to be on guard.

Relate with people cordially, don’t use foul language, and be alert. Throughout the session, be smart, speak clearly, use full sentences, make eye contact, sit upright, and smile often. Pay attention to questions and give clear and concise answers to the best of your ability. Don’t downplay the role your body language has to play in getting you employed.

8. Follow Up

Ask about what to expect next after the meeting to get an idea of their selection process. You will also get to know how long you need to wait to hear from them before following up. 

A thank-you note should be your first follow-up tool.

However, if you still haven’t heard back from them after the window of selection has passed or after sending a thank-you note, find out the status of the job you applied for from anyone you know within the organization.

Parting Thoughts

Job interviews have continued to be an evaluation tool–apparently, it has been effective in getting the right people for any career position. 

The preparation steps here remain essential to your success as an employment seeker, regardless of whether the evaluation is online or in-person.

After your session, expect to hear back from the organization in a couple of days or weeks. In the meantime, keep taking notes and attending other interviews until you land your dream job.