10 Tips for you to nail your next job interview

 

We already got you covered with several tips to write a killer resume. Now you got a call from a recruiter for a job interview. First of all, congratulations! Moving to the next stage is a big step. But how do you get prepared for a job interview? We’re here to help!

 

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1. Prepare your introduction.

Recruiters frequently ask you to tell them a little bit about yourself. Prepare a very short answer that highlights the best about you. For example:

  • If you have a work background, mention how many years of experience you have.
  • The main things about your previous experience or skills set (think about the job you’re interviewing for, what you mention here has to be relevant for this job even if your previous experience is not exactly in the same field).
  • Say something about your personality. Are you a team player? Do you have an ambition to grow in the company? Are you a fast learner?

 

2. Think about the questions and answers.

Don’t try to get yourself a script, recruiters will know when you’re not being natural! But think about the questions a recruiter will likely ask you and what could be your possible answers, especially if you can mention some previous work experience examples in your replies. If you can, draft a list with your main achievements at work, the moments you are most proud of, situations that you handled well or when your manager gave you positive feedback. Try to naturally bring those points to the conversation during your interview. Think that if you were a product, what would be the best things to say about it when selling this product to someone?


3. Also think about the questions you’ll ask!

Think about what you can ask at the end of the interview. This will show the recruiter that you’re interested in that job and will help you be prepared and know what to expect in case you get hired.


4. Pay attention to your body language!

Great that you’re planning the best things to say but have in mind that HOW you say it makes a big difference too. We’re not only talking about being positive and cordial while you speak, there’s also your body language. Communication goes beyond the things you say. Eye contact, posture, the gestures you make will all shape the image the recruiter will get of you. Be sure you are facing the person you are speaking with, are sitting tall, and that your facial expressions show that you are engaged in the conversation. 


5. Pay attention to what you wear.

While judgement will be mainly based on your interview performance and work experience, first impressions count for a lot – and how you present yourself can carry major weight! If you’re not sure about what to wear, smart casual is a safe bet. Check out Indeed’s recommendations of what not to wear for a job interview. This is valid for both face to face and video interviews, don’t forget!


6. Do some research about the employer.

If you know the company you’ll be working for, get to know more about them. Visit their website, learn about their history and values, check out their social media channels, and research employee reviews on Glassdoor. This helps you understand if this is the company you’d like to work for and if it will be a good fit for you.


7. Don’t be late.

This can sound silly but you’d be surprised to know how many people actually get late for job interviews. And the secret for not being late is to prepare yourself to arrive 15 to 10 minutes early. 


8. If it’s a face to face interview, put your phone away.

Your phone should stay out of sight while you speak with a recruiter. Put it on silent. You want to show you’re giving your full attention to the interview. If you like to take notes during an interview, use pen and paper for that.


9. Be wise when talking about previous employers, even those you didn’t like much.

We all had positive and not so positive work experiences on our resumes. But we can agree we learned something with those experiences, right? When talking about your previous jobs, always focus on what you learned there and how it helped you be the profissional you are today - and the great asset you can be for your next employer! Concentrate on the skills you acquired and the lessons you can bring into the future.


10. Ask about the next steps.

At the end of the interview, ask the recruiter about the next steps. Will you hear back from them regardless of the final outcome? When should you expect to hear from them and how? Will they call you, text you or email you? Just have in mind that recruiters will try to be transparent and stick to what they inform you about next steps but things can also change during the hiring process, which is not always under their control. 

 


Excited to apply for a job and have an interview soon? Shiftfillers hiring process takes a week, on average. Check out our open opportunities here!