How you perform during the interview can make or break your chances of getting the job that you want. This is why it’s important that you know everything there is to know about the position you’re applying for and the company you want to work for. After all, you certainly don’t want to be surprised and get caught off guard during the interview.

Here are some interview tips to help you get one step closer to obtaining an excellent job offer.

1. Do your research

Do a bit of research about the employer, the requirements of the job, and the background of the person interviewing you. The more you know, you more you’ll understand them and the better you’ll be able to answer the interview questions.

2. Review common interview questions

First, ask the contact person what kind of interview you can expect. Depending on their answer, prepare responses to commonly asked interview questions. This will help you provide detailed yet concise responses that focus on specific examples and your accomplishments during the interview. If you have a working interview make sure to ask questions before the interview so you are prepared and ready to work when you arrive.

3. Dress appropriately

Dress well for the interview, professional attire should be a dress or slacks and a blouse for ladies and a suit and tie for men. Make sure your clothing is always dry cleaned and freshly pressed. We suggest attire that is a bit on the conservative side as well. Always remember that it’s better to be overdressed than under-dressed. Also, minimize the use of accessories and jewelry.

4. Be punctual

Try to be there 15 minutes before your scheduled interview. This will give you extra time to complete additional paperwork and to calm your nerves.

5. Make good first impressions

Be polite to everyone you meet, not just to the home owner or hiring manager, but also to the receptionist if interviewing in an office setting or other household employees if interviewing in a home. Employers usually observe how job applicants treat other staff members.

6. Be confident and authentic

It can be easy to get nervous during the interview, but as much as you can, try to be confident and upbeat. Stay focused and make sure to deliver your responses clearly, concisely, and truthfully.

7. Watch out for your body language

The hiring manager is also taking note of your body language, not just your answers and how you answer the questions given to you. Therefore, ensure that you observe proper posture. Don’t slouch, fidget, and look distracted. Instead, smile, have good eye contact, and be attentive.

8. Ask questions

Even if the hiring manager has thoroughly explained everything to you, make sure that you still ask a couple of questions. Studies have shown that employers gauge an applicant’s interest in the job by whether they ask the interviewee follow up questions or not.

9. Highlight your strengths

There is an old adage in interviewing that says that the most qualified applicants don’t usually end up with the job offer. This means even if other applicants have better qualifications than you, you can still get that job as long as you perform well during the interview. So be sure highlight your strengths and keep it positive.

10. Thank the interviewer

Common courtesy and politeness can go a long way towards creating a good impression. So make sure to thank the interviewer or hiring manager in person and by a follow up hand written note.

We wish you the best of luck in your job search. Keep in mind the team at J Danielle & Co. is always here to answer your questions and give career advice.