Everything about Job Interview (6 Tips and Tricks)

Preparing for an interview is the most conscientious thing you can do. A job vacancy at a firm usually implies a genuine need for more personnel, which means that the people you’re interviewing with are taking time out of their busy schedules to speak with you. The best way to respect this time is to arrive completely prepared to answer their inquiries as well as to ask intelligent questions of your own.

2. SHOW RESPECT TO EVERYONE YOU MEET

This applies to many aspects of life, and it is especially true in the context of a job interview. Make a conscious effort to be respectful from the moment you leave your house on the day of the interview. Be conscious of how you act on the way to work or in an elevator – no one gets points for cutting off the CEO in the parking lot or forgetting to keep the door open for the hiring manager.

Consider how you will treat everyone in the office with respect and present yourself well ahead of time. Security guards, receptionists, and anyone else you come into contact with on your route to the interview room may be asked to provide comments on you.

3. USE POLITE AND CONFIDENT BODY LANGUAGE.

Hold your head high and bring your shoulders back as you go into the building. Professionalism and confidence will be communicated through your posture and stride. You should practice this stroll before the interview so that it feels natural.

Sit with your back straight and shoulders open while you wait for your interviewers. Hands can be placed on your lap or on the armrests. Feet should be level on the ground or crossed at the ankles. Avoid using your phone so that you may maintain open body language and focus on being present.

Bring your belongings in a bag or portfolio that is simple to grasp and can store all you need – you don’t want to appear weighed down or chaotic.

Maintain a sense of common space. Don’t loiter in the waiting or interview rooms in a way that bothers others (resting your feet on another chair, spreading your legs, placing your belongings in a chair someone else could sit in, etc.).

Find the proper balance for your energy during the interview. You want to appear cheery but not aggressive. One method to achieve this equilibrium is to avoid leaning too far back or leaning too far forward. Sit up straight, gesticulating with your hands rather than shifting your body.

4. BE A NATURAL AT INTRODUCTIONS.

If you’re sitting and someone approaches you, get up before shaking their hand. Smilingly look them in the eyes. Say their name and greet them with something like, “It’s good to meet you…” If you pronounce their name out when you first meet, you will be more likely to remember it.

You should be forceful but not overly grip their hand during the handshake. Check that your hand isn’t limp. If you happen to be on the receiving end of a limp handshake, gently squeeze their hand. This may cause them to tighten their grip.

When being asked or answering questions, make eye contact. This eye contact does not have to be constant or intense. Use it strategically to show that you’re paying attention or to underline an important point. You want to portray to the interviewer that you are completely focused on them and in the present moment.

5. KEEP YOUR TABLE ETIQUETTE IN MIND

Some interviews may take place over a meal. All of the fundamentals of table manners apply here:

• If your dinner is the first to arrive, wait until everyone else’s food has arrived before eating.
• Put your napkin across your lap.
• Don’t talk if you have food in your mouth.
• To begin, take small, manageable bites.
• It is preferable not to consume alcoholic beverages during an interview. Use your best judgment and stay within your comfort zone if your interviewer orders drinks. A seltzer or soft drink is always an option.

6. WRITE A THANK-YOU NOTE

Within 24 hours, you should send a thank you email to the hiring manager. This might be a short note thanking them for their time or a lengthy note elaborating on some of the topics you discussed. Check out our advice on how to write a thank you note.

If you have multiple interviews on the same day with different people, send a personalized thank-you note to each person who interviewed you.

In addition to the email, a handwritten letter is appropriate. This is an excellent method to make an impression, especially if you feel a connection with the hiring manager. Even if you don’t receive the job this time, completing the loop with a thank you note can be a good approach to show your appreciation.