How to have a successful job interview

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Job interviews are nerve-wracking occasions. You are being judged on your ability to answer questions convincingly and clearly, as well as listen and process information. While you can’t predict how the interview will pan out, you can stay prepared by thinking about your responses and the overall impression you want to make, which will give you the best shot at landing that job.

Method 1 of 5:
Preparing for an Interview

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    1
    Confirm your interview ahead of time. Once you know that you’re interviewing for a job, you should quickly confirm your attendance. Double-check the time and place of the interview, and express how thankful you are for the opportunity.[1] If you have received a letter or email asking you to interview, look for instructions on confirming your attendance, as well as any contact details for your interviewer. Try to do this the day before, so you can be sure that everything’s in order.[2]
    • You can do this via email, but it can be nice to call so you can have a brief chat and ask any immediate questions you might have.
    • If you need any accommodations, such as disabled access, you should let them know as soon as possible.
    • This call or email will likely be to somebody who works in Human Resources or recruitment.
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    2
    Research the company before attending your interview. Take some time to review the history and background of the organisation you are interviewing for. This is vital for a number of reasons, especially for conveying your enthusiasm and initiative to the interviewers. The level of research that is possible will vary massively depending on the company and the position you are applying for, but there are some common areas to research before the interview.[3]
    • Figure out if the business is in the private or public sector, or somewhere in between.
    • Try to get an idea of the company’s values and overall mission, as well as their usual client base.
    • Check the news to see if the company has done anything noteworthy lately.[4]
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    3
    Review the format of the interview before you arrive. Wait for specific instructions from the interviewer about how the actual interview will go down. Some businesses may have a straight question and answer process, while other companies may expect you to give a presentation. Feel free to ask any questions ahead of time, so you can prepare and adjust for your interview as needed.[5]
    • Double-check all the details of your interview ahead of time. If you’re presenting something, confirm how long your presentation needs to be, along with any other elements of the interview.
    • If you need any IT, such as a laptop and projector with Powerpoint, communicate this to the organisation as soon as possible so they can be prepared.
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    4
    Read through the job description again. Look over the job listing so you can refresh yourself on the particulars of the position. Re-reading this section can give you a good idea of what the interviewers may ask you in the interview.[6]
    • For instance, if the job asks for 5 years of experience, the interviewer may ask you to describe some of that experience.
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    5
    Practice answering potential interview questions.[7] Note that every interview will be different, and that it’s impossible to entirely predict what questions you will be asked. Brainstorm some sample questions that could come up in the interview, as well as how you plan on answering them.[8] Additionally, brainstorm some anecdotes you can share at the interview that really showcase your past experience and knowledge.[9]
    • For example, if your interviewer asks you why you want the job, you can say something like: “I want to be a Public Relations Coordinator so I can make a positive difference in the world around me.”
    • If you’re asked about your strengths and weaknesses, you can say something like: “I’m great at staying focused and prioritizing tasks. Unfortunately, I’m such a perfectionist that I can get caught up in the details instead of the big picture sometimes.”
    • Ask a friend or family member to help you conduct a practice interview as you get ready. This can help you improve your on-the-spot thinking skills, and also help you prepare possible answers ahead of time.[10]
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    6
    Dress to impress your potential employer. Pick out a sleek, professional outfit that fits you well, like a dress shirt and blazer, or a blouse with a pencil skirt. Finish off your outfit with a polished pair of shoes, so you look as professional as possible.[11]
    • For instance, a dress shirt with matching slacks and a nice coat is a great outfit to consider.
    • A pants suit or skirted suit are other good options to consider for your interview.
    • You should dress professionally for any interview, even if it’s a virtual one. This lets your potential employer know that you really take the job seriously.[12]
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    7
    Provide a professional email address to potential employers. Give your potential employer a professional email address, like a combination of your first and last name. If you have to sign up for a conferencing service, choose a simple and professional username that clearly states who you are. Try not to use hobbies or other nonsense words in your usernames, or else the interview might not take you as seriously.[13]
    • For instance, janebrown@gmail.com is a much better email to use than janelovesfalloutboy@hellokitty.com.

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