Looking to ace your next job interview? Whether you’re meeting in person or through a screen, the fundamentals of success haven’t changed much. In the most common scenarios, you need to show the interviewer or group of interviewers that you have the skills and temperament to excel in the position. And you’ve got an hour or less to make your case.
The good news? Success in interviews is less about natural talent and luck and more about solid preparation and proven techniques. Whether you have an interview coming up soon or just want to brush up on your skills, these job interview tips will help you put your best foot forward.
Perfect planning means nothing if you can’t execute in the moment. The following interview tips will help you navigate the interview itself, keeping you poised and professional from start to finish.
DO pay attention to your communication style
Keep your responses concise and clear. While it’s natural to feel nervous, try to minimize verbal fillers like “um,” “like” and “uh.” Strike a balance between professional and personable — avoid excessive jokes or controversial topics, but don’t become robotic, either. If you lose your train of thought, simply pause, regroup and continue with a different but related topic. No need for lengthy apologies.
DON’T oversell yourself
While it’s necessary to express enthusiasm for the position, candidates who answer every question with too much eagerness may come across as insincere. And this shouldn’t have to be one of our interview tips at all, but never overstate your qualifications. Hiring managers can often see through this tactic with ease.
DO stay positive and professional
No list of job interview tips would be complete without this one. Avoid disparaging comments regarding former employers, colleagues and companies. Also, stay away from self-deprecating comments that do not support a positive image of you or demonstrate competence. You should always conduct yourself professionally regardless of how casual the interviewer is in their attire or demeanor.
DON’T waste your chance to ask thoughtful questions
Here’s a powerful interview tip: The questions you ask can be as important as the answers you give. While some job seekers rely on generic, pre-prepared questions, you can set yourself apart by building on the conversation you’ve just had.
For example, if your interviewer mentions their company’s commitment to continuous learning, ask something specific like: “Earlier you mentioned your learning and development program. Could you tell me about a colleague who started in a role similar to this one and grew into a different position through your training initiatives?” This shows you were actively listening and care about professional growth.
