10 Tips for Nailing your Interview This Year
Tahlia • Jan 11, 2022

10 Tips for Nailing Your Interview This Year


Whether you’re applying to your first job out of university or looking to make the move from one company to another, interviewing can be an uncomfortable experience for some, no matter how many times you’ve done it before.


As the old saying goes, dress for the job you want, not the job you have. And when it comes to interviews, this advice can be just as important as showing up on time or making sure your resume is ready to go before you walk in the door.


Here are 10 ways to nail your interview this year and secure your dream job at the same time. (Stay tuned to our next blog too on Zoom interview tips).


1) Show Up on Time


Arriving 10 minutes early is a no-brainer, but if you’re running late, make sure you text or call your interviewer. While it might seem inconsiderate, showing up to an interview more than 15 minutes late can also be seen as disrespectful and rude. No matter what, try to keep your interview on time—they have other meetings to get to. Being late also gives off an impression that you don’t respect their time or even don’t value their position in the company.


2) Dress The Part


Presenting yourself badly will ruin your chances of landing a job before you’ve even gotten in to see the HR team. Make sure you wear an outfit that says, I’m serious about my work—not I dressed in a hurry.


You don’t need to wear a suit, but you should wear something that says I take myself seriously. On top of looking appropriate, you want your clothing to also be comfortable enough so that you can focus on what’s important: answering questions and demonstrating why you are qualified for the job.


3) Anticipate The Questions They Will Ask


The easiest way to get yourself ready is to anticipate what you think your interviewer will ask. Let’s face it, one of their primary goals is to test you and weed out candidates who might not be right for their organization. To help them do that, it’s a good idea to have a general understanding of what they may be thinking or asking.


 So, it makes sense that they’ll be interested in getting a better understanding of who you are, your skills and abilities, as well as what you have to offer. Consider asking yourself these questions and jotting down some notes so you can refer to them mentally during your interview.


  • Why are you looking to change jobs?
  • What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
  • Where do you see yourself in five years?
  • How would you describe your management style?


4) Research Your Company and The Job Properly


The best interviews start with thorough research. You should never show up unprepared for a job interview. To nail your interview, take some time beforehand to research both the company and position you want.


Please don’t show up to an interview without having done your homework. You need to learn about your prospective employer and role, so you can have a meaningful conversation with your interviewer about what it will be like working at their company.


5) Confidence Is Key


You’re not going to get far in your interview without a little extra self-assurance. It’s easy to be nervous, but if you approach your interview with confidence, you’ll put your best foot forward. Being confident means exuding knowledge about yourself and how you can add value to your future employer. Be ready to answer all questions openly and honestly.


Remember to also avoid any negative body language, such as fidgeting with your hands or crossing your arms. Instead, have a firm handshake and make sure to maintain direct eye contact. Be polite and respectful, but don’t over-explain or apologize if you can’t answer a specific question right away.


6) Be Honest from the start


While it’s always a good idea to be genuine and honest, it’s especially important when you’re interviewing for a new job. You don’t want to answer any questions dishonestly—not only because it might come back to haunt you later in your career, but also because telling white lies could mean lying by omission—and being dishonest on your resume or during an interview is worse than coming clean about a past mistake or bad habit.


Honesty is also important because it will help you make sure you’re interviewing with a company that really fits your values. If you’re looking to work at a company that supports a cause or mission, be upfront about it and find out if they align with your values.


Make sure you know what kind of people you are working with daily. It’s best to share from your heart so people can get to know who you are. Be honest about where your strengths and weaknesses lie.


People want to hear what makes you different rather than just something anyone else could do! So own it!


7) It’s not bragging if it’s true


By laying out a few of your strongest skills and achievements in an interview, you’ll show off your knowledge of your subject matter. No interviewer is going to call you out for being confident about what you know—and that self-assurance will come across as confidence in your abilities as well. If you have a deep understanding of what’s important to your company or job position, by all means: brag away! Just don’t lie or stretch the truth.


Our tip would be to answer questions using the STAR method. Heard that before? It refers to:


Situation, Task, the Action taken and Result.) Talk about the part you played in these situations and examples.


8) Assume Nothing and Ask Everything


Try not to get too caught up in what you think your potential new employer may be looking for—they often don’t know either. During your interview, they are looking at how you respond under pressure and whether you’re a good fit for their office culture.


Ask good questions like, Can you tell me more about a certain project and What do you like most about working here? The more you ask, the better picture you will have of what it’s really like to work there.


Most importantly, be yourself and bring your best skills and qualities to your interview. They want someone who wants to be there—someone who’s passionate and full of energy.


9) Know What Makes You Tick


Decide what you stand for, what makes you happy, and then show up every day with a can-do attitude.


Maybe you’re tired of being a receptionist or maybe you’re just not making enough money. Whatever your reason, make sure that it aligns with your long-term goals and priorities so that when an opportunity presents itself, you’ll know it’s right.


When asked why you want to leave your current position, or why you want to take a particular job, be clear and succinct. If it doesn’t feel right or if you can’t think of a reason, even after taking some time to consider it, maybe move on.


10) Have A Purpose for Being There


Before you even start interviewing, decide why you want to work there—is it a great company? Do you see yourself working there for years to come? Do they make products or run services that you feel passionate about? Is your potential boss someone with whom you could envision a positive working relationship? Get clear on why you want to work there before walking in.


Once your purpose is established, it’ll be easier to nail your interview.


“Don’t be afraid to fail. Don’t waste energy trying to cover up failure. Learn from your failures and go on to the next challenge.” — H. Stanley Judd

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