How to ace your job interview: a complete guide !

Introduction: The Interview, a Conditio Sine Qua Non

Did you know that 80 percent of candidates are eliminated even before the first interview ends?* An interview is an arduous ordeal-an exercise laden with specifics. Whether you are a graduate in search of a first job or a working professional seeking a career shift, the preparation you put forth could weigh in favor or against you. Best way to present yourself? What mistakes to avoid? How to persuade an interviewer that you are the best candidate?

In this article, we show you concrete strategies to ace an interview with the best chance of landing your dream position.

1. Prepare your interview well

Study and research the company and position

A well-researched candidate always leaves a good impression. Before your interview, ensure you:

• Diligently read through the job description.
• Check out the company’s website and social media pages.
• Grasp the company’s perspective of its values, products, and culture.
• Find something recent about the company.

For example, if you are applying to a tech start-up, emphasize your interest in innovation and adaptability.

Prepare Your Answers to Common Questions.

Some recruiters ask recurrent questions:

• “Tell me something about yourself.”
• “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
• “Why do you want to work here?”
• “Where do you see yourself in five years?”

Practice delivering your answers in a clear and concise way, using examples for illustration.

2. Be polished with verbal and non-verbal language

The impact of body language

Your body language could speak volumes of your confidence and enthusiasm.
Some basic pointers to keep in mind:

• Maintain natural eye contact.
• Open body posture-assured and centered.
• Avoid crossing your arms or fidgeting with your hands.

Example: An estimated 55% of communication is non-verbal. A genuine smile and a strong handshake can change everything.

STAR-based Interview answers

When it comes to answering behavioral-based questions, the STAR method has proven effective:

• Situation: Describe the context.
• Task: Explain your role.
• Action: Detail the actions taken.
• Result: Share any relevant outcomes.

Example: I have been handling an overdue project (Situation). I reorganized the tasks and motivated my team (Task & Action), and we delivered ahead of the schedule (Result).

3. Stress management and showing motivation

Techniques for controlling stress

Interviews can be stressful, but some tricks can help:

• Slow down your breathing while entering the door.
• If necessary, paraphrase the questions for some time.
• Visualize success before the interview.

Example: Many leaders use positive visualization before public speaking.

Staying engaged and asking appropriate questions

Recruiters do love candidates with an element of curiosity. Prepare a few questions for the end of the interview, like:

• “What are the growth opportunities in the company?”
• “What are the upcoming strategic projects?”