8 Job-winning Interview Tips!

By Author: Kellie Whitehead
Total Articles: 26
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You have built that professional free online resume, a polished cover letter, and that stylish suit for your job interview. Now wait, interview? You're not prepared, are you? You don't really want to ruin that opportunity with a nervous state of mind. No need to worry, we'll help you prepare for that much awaited discussion with your future employer.

Here are 8 job-winning interview tips that you should know by now:

Research About the Company - Don't go into the war without ammunition. Do your homework and research about the company especially if it's for an international job opportunity, their profile, products/services, history, etc. Having familiarized the company profile gives you an idea what exactly they are looking for in a candidate. Besides, doing your research will give you that jumpstart point in the interview.

Be Truthful - Without going into two much detail, if your past experience matches the post in hand and it would be a natural career match, please mention theses facts early on in your spiel. These are the ‘nuts and bolts ...
... - facts that the employer needs to know.

Be Presentable - This must be the oldest trick in the books. Just as presentation is a vital part in your resume, your physical appearance is as important in landing that job. If you don't know what to wear for an interview, a decent shirt with tie and trousers would be a good start, but having a suit would definitely give you an edge.

Study the Job Description - You've probably heard of this line: I'm sorry, what position am I applying for again? Trust me, those candidates who have asked that gained the much needed negative points enough for the interviewer to drop their resumes. Look through the job posting and study the position. Remember the details and be sure your skills and experience match the requirements of the employer.

Practice Your Questions - The internet has a vast amount of interview resources like common interview questions. Use these resources to your advantage. The more you practice your answers the more you'll be confident in coming in for the interview. But don't rely on these questions alone, have them as a supplement. The best tools you have are your resume, skills, knowledge, experience, and your better judgment.

Be Confident - Sure we understand that anxiety you have whenever you have interviews. It's 100% normal. But if you want that impressive impression from the employer, be confident or at least act like it. Think positive and you'll have better way of answering questions and conversing with the interviewer.

You Can Ask Questions - Yes you can ask questions provided they don't go beyond interview ethics. You can imply your deep interest in the company by asking details about them that are not provided in the job posting or on their website. Or you can ask the interviewers if you have said something that would make them believe that you are not the right person for the job. If there are any confusions on their part, clear your statements and create that chance to redeem yourself.

Send a Follow-Up Note - When you have successfully completed with your interview, be sure to send them a note or an email thanking them for the time given for the discussion. If you have been given a time frame by the interviewers for their reply, wait for it. Don't be that annoying candidate that keeps calling recruiters asking for that untimely feedback. If after that stated period, the interviewer/recruiter has not called you for the feedback, you can drop them a note asking whether or not you have passed the interview or whether you are qualified for the position and what would be the next step.