Landing a job interview is rewarding, but the real challenge lies in impressing your interviewer and securing the offer. While an outstanding resume and cover letter are essential, they won’t save you if you make common interview mistakes. The key to acing your job interview is thorough preparation.
With some strategic job interview preparation, you can set yourself up for success by getting in the right mindset, reducing nervousness, and boosting your confidence. Here’s a detailed guide to help you cover all bases and shine in your next interview.
Research Your Interviewer and the Company
The first step in how to nail an interview is to research, research, research. Make sure you’re doing plenty of research on your interviewer and the company you’re applying for using sites like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Google.
It’s one of the top job interview tips, but most people only research the company itself. The problem is this might not give you all the information you need, especially if it’s a huge company. While it’s a good place to start, if you have the name of the interviewer, dig into their background a little as well. Get to know them before you get in a room with them.
The goal is NOT to stalk them or memorize everything they’ve ever done. Instead, it’s to learn:
- Their background (What schools did they go to? What clubs have they been a part of?)
- Their position with the company (Are they in a new role? Were they recently promoted?)
- Common interests you both share (Are they into volunteer work, sports, hobbies, etc?)
With these details, you can spark deeper discussions and stand out by subtly bringing them up during the interview. This shows you’re someone who goes the extra mile, is proactive, and genuinely cares. The result? A great job offer.
Find the Question Behind the Question
When someone asks you, “Can you tell me a little about yourself?” it seems simple and very straightforward, but the reality is, “tell me about yourself” has dozens of questions behind the question.
A great way to uncover the question behind this question is to think:
- What do they need to know about my background?
- What would they be concerned about?
- How will this answer reflect what type of worker I am?
- Are they testing to see if you’ve done your research on the role?
Always take time to pause and think about what they want. If you jump into answering their question or try to sound good, you can miss what’s really being asked.
Remember, the interviewer isn’t interested in your dog’s name or your favorite flavor of ice cream. They want to know more about you as a professional. And the best way to do this successfully is to think of the answer before you step in the interview room.
Make some notes on potential answers, such as your educational background and how it led you to this industry. Add in some color when you describe this, mentioning the skills and experience you picked up along the way. Bonus points if you can describe a specific situation that made you want to pursue this field or train for a new role.
To recap, don’t just give a random answer, think about the question and:
- Figure out the question behind the question
- Write out a plain English answer
- Polish your answer and give it some color
Once you’ve got that down, practice giving the answer in a mirror. Do it a few times, and work on making it seem less robotic and more conversational. It still needs to sound natural, especially when you’re talking about yourself.
To help you search for the true meaning behind the question, come up with a list of 10 potential job interview questions. Run them through the criteria above to uncover the hidden meaning behind what the interviewer could really be asking. This exercise will help you disassemble what questions are really asking and prepare you for when you sit in front of an interviewer.
Avoid Using Too Much Jargon
If we try too hard to sound smart and professional, we end up sounding like idiots: “Yes, the occupation filled me with immense joy as I interacted with my supervisor on a day-to-day basis to execute the financial…”
HUH?
A better strategy is to first translate what we’re trying to say into plain English. Then, if our response is compelling, we can polish the exact language to make the answer interview-worthy.
Imagine the interviewer asks “Why do you want this job?”
Before blurting out something about how you really “love their corporate values” or how you’re “so passionate” about the job, come up with something more realistic.
Here are some real reasons you might want to work at Company X:
- The company does great work
- There are a lot of smart people here
- I think I can do a good job
So here’s what your answer might look like in plain English:
“I want to work here because the company does great work in the local tech community and I’d love to be a part of a growing industry.”
Tip: With the questions you deconstructed earlier, come up with your plain English responses. Be sure to also address the question behind the question.
Take some time to write these down. But don’t worry about sentence structure, finding the perfect words, or sounding smart. Just keep it simple and natural.
An answer in plain English is already better than most. Why? Because interviewers aren’t looking for a robot who can give a perfect, rehearsed answer. They want something genuine, an insight into your personality. They want to see how you explain complex issues and your approach to communication.
Remember, these are people you may have to work with every day. They want someone they can get along with, someone who is professional but also has a personality. The plain English answer shows that you’re not simply reading from a script or memorizing what the internet told you was a great answer. You’re explaining things in a simple way that people understand.
Another thing to think about is using jargon. Before jumping into a jargon-filled monologue about why you’d be the perfect hire, take a step back. The interviewer may or may not know what you’re talking about.
If it’s the first round of interviews, you may not be interviewed by someone from the department you’re applying for. It may be someone in recruitment or HR. If you start mentioning technical language they’re not familiar with, it could go over their heads.
A good rule of thumb is to listen to how the interviewer speaks. You can usually get a good idea of whether someone’s on the same page by their job title, the questions they ask, and whether they use jargon themselves.
For example, say you’re applying for a digital marketing role. If they mention things like AdWords, SEO, and bounce rate, you’re safe to use that same type of jargon.
Master Your Body Language
Your mouth may be moving and saying all the right things, but is your body saying something different?
Interviews are nerve-wracking experiences for most of us, and that can cause us to tense up. With hunched shoulders, crossed arms, and eyes on the floor, your body language can use some serious work.
There are tons of resources, studies, and books out there to help you master your body language, but here are some quick tips:
Show Your Palms: According to the authors of “Crazy Good Interviewing,” John B. Molidor, Ph.D., and Barbara Parus, showing your palms is a simple way to show sincerity. This gesture signals to the interviewer that you are honest and open.
Press Your Fingertips Together: This gesture makes your hands look like a church roof. It’s considered a way to show confidence, and you may recognize it from speeches that politicians, CEOs, or lecturers give. It’s also a good way to steady your hands if you’re nervous.
Don’t Conceal Your Hands: One thing to avoid is to conceal your hands. Putting your hands in your lap or beneath the table may feel most comfortable for you. But body language experts suggest that this unconsciously signals that you have something to hide. More likely, you’re just nervous, but we don’t want a hint of doubt in the interviewer’s mind. The same goes for if you place your hands downwards. Instead, keep your palms facing up to show you’re open and honest.
Speak with Enthusiasm
It’s not all about what you say; it’s about how you say it. Interviewers don’t want to hire someone who sounds bored to be there. They want someone who is enthusiastic and full of energy.
Being monotone can, at best, mean you don’t stand out, or at worst, put the interviewer off the idea of hiring you at all. Passion and enthusiasm help you stand out.
If you know your voice is a bit monotonous or nervous during interviews, spend some time practicing speaking. Stand in front of a mirror and practice answering questions. Maybe even record yourself doing it and play it back. Try repeating it with a higher inflection and more enthusiasm so it won’t feel as weird or fake when you come to do it for real.
Dress Slightly Better Than the Job You Want
It doesn’t matter where you’re interviewing, play it safe and dress slightly better than the job you want.
Lots of companies now have casually dressed employees. T-shirts and jeans are the new suit and tie in some places.
But does that mean you should whip out the old Levi’s for your interview? Probably not.
Figuring out the dress code can be a bit tricky. You may have to do some investigating or just straight up ask. Once you know the dress code, aim to dress slightly smarter than that.
You’re aiming to impress, not just with your words but also with a non-verbal first impression. Interviewers can already tell a lot about you as soon as you step through the door, so make that first impression a good one.
Use a Story Whenever You Can
A common style of interview question is the “tell us an example of when you handled X” or “tell us about a time you handled a challenging situation at work.”
Before blurting out a factually correct (yet boring) answer, take some notes from the novelists in the world. Show don’t tell is the number one rule in any kind of fiction writing. And you can apply that to interview questions as well.
Instead of telling the interviewer what you did, try to show it instead. Illustrate a more detailed picture of the situation, the challenge, the steps you took, and then the result. This works with any type of question the interviewer asks, including the dreaded “tell me about yourself” question.
A story, when told well, is the easiest way to deconstruct an answer and elevate yourself in the eyes of the interviewer.
Here’s what to say in an interview when you’re asked, “Why do you want to work here?”
- Start with a Broad Opening: Set the stage with some high-level background to let the interviewer know what you’re going to talk about before diving into the details. For example: “I want to work at ACME Company for three key reasons. First, you’re doing amazing, life-changing work in the field of X. Second, I’m confident I can make a huge contribution, given my experience in Y. And third, you have some of the smartest people in the world working for you. That really excites me from an intellectual perspective.”
- Get Really Specific: Now, transition into a short story with only the relevant details. For example: “Working with the smartest people is a big deal for me. You’ll notice that I have a history of actively seeking out and working with the top people in my field, such as John Smith and Jane Doe, who really pushed me to accomplish Z.”
- Highlight the Important Takeaways: Lastly, get broad again and highlight the key takeaways. For example: “The bottom line, I thrive in environments filled with smart, ambitious people, and that’s why I’d love to be a part of the ACME team.”
Notice how different this is from what most people say in interviews. It’s crisp and concise with no fluff and packed with details that are engaging and impressive.
Filter your responses to common interview questions through this step-by-step system, and you’ll give the perfect answer every time.
Don’t Trash Talk Your Current Workplace
It should go without saying, but don’t trash talk. Anyone. If you’re asked why you left your previous job, you may be able to rant all day and all night. But resist the urge. It’s not a good look.
Honesty is the best policy in job interviews, but when answering the question “Why are you looking for another job?” it’s safer to give a more filtered answer.
The best way to spin it is to deflect and say something positive about the job you’re interviewing for and (if you can) say something positive about your current/previous role. You could phrase it like “I learned a lot in my current role, but I’m looking for a new challenge/the next step/a bigger team.”
This is a much more professional response that also highlights why you want this role, not just that you’re desperate to leave your current one.
Best Questions to Ask in a Job Interview
What are some of the biggest challenges with this job and what approaches have you used to tackle them?
Why this works: This question shows you’re familiar with the position’s demands and that you’ve done your homework. It signals to the interviewer that you’re ready to hit the ground running and won’t need extensive training.
I read online that you recently won the award for ‘Top Places to Work.’ What are some of the ways the company continues to set the bar in the industry?
Why this works: By asking this, you demonstrate that you’re up-to-date with the company’s achievements and genuinely interested in its future. It shows you’re not just applying randomly but are invested in the company’s success.
What metrics are most important to you when measuring the success of a candidate?
Why this works: This question provides you with key insights into what the interviewer values in a candidate. It allows you to tailor your responses to align with their expectations and demonstrate that you’re the ideal fit for the role.
Questions to Avoid Asking in a Job Interview
What’s the salary for this position?
Why this doesn’t work: Discussing salary upfront is a major turn-off for interviewers. It suggests you’re more interested in compensation than the role itself. Do your research beforehand and focus on the responsibilities and how you can contribute to the team.
What does your company do?
Why this doesn’t work: This question signals that you haven’t done your homework. It’s easily answered with a quick Google search, and asking it in an interview shows a lack of preparation and interest.
Not asking any questions
Why this doesn’t work: Failing to ask questions can make you appear disinterested or unengaged. Interviews are a two-way street, and asking insightful questions shows you’re serious about the role and the company.
Final Thoughts
Acing a job interview in 2024 requires more than just showing up and answering questions. It involves thorough preparation, understanding the deeper meaning behind questions, mastering your body language, and showing genuine enthusiasm for the role. By following these tips, you can make a lasting impression on your interviewer and significantly increase your chances of landing the job.
FAQs
How should I research a company before an interview? To research a company, start by exploring their official website, LinkedIn, and social media profiles. Look for recent news articles, press releases, and employee reviews on sites like Glassdoor. Understanding the company’s culture, values, and recent achievements can help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
What are some common interview questions to prepare for?
Common interview questions include:
- “Tell me about yourself.”
- “Why do you want to work here?”
- “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
- “Describe a challenging situation and how you handled it.”
- “Where do you see yourself in five years?”
Prepare thoughtful and concise answers for these questions, focusing on your experiences, skills, and how they align with the job requirements.
How can I improve my body language for an interview? Improving your body language involves practicing good posture, maintaining eye contact, and using open gestures. Avoid crossing your arms, fidgeting, or looking down. Practicing in front of a mirror or recording yourself can help you become more aware of your body language and make necessary adjustments.
Why is it important to ask questions in an interview? Asking questions in an interview shows that you’re engaged, interested, and proactive. It helps you gather important information about the role and the company, and demonstrates to the interviewer that you’re serious about the opportunity. It also allows you to assess if the company is the right fit for you.
What should I avoid saying in an interview? Avoid negative comments about your previous employers or colleagues, discussing salary or benefits too early, and giving overly rehearsed or vague answers. Focus on being positive, professional, and honest, while showcasing your skills and experiences.
How can I reduce nervousness before an interview? To reduce nervousness, practice your answers to common questions, research the company, and do mock interviews with a friend or family member. On the day of the interview, arrive early, take deep breaths, and remind yourself of your qualifications and the value you bring to the role.