4 Things You Can Do To Help You Ace That Interview
By: Benny Lim
Tags: Jobs, Life, Interview, Careers, Lessons

Having worked in the corporate world for the last 14 years, I’ve had my fair share of going for interviews to be hired, as well as, conducting interviews to hire others. For some, it’s an enjoyable process because it tests their personality and how they handle the pressure of answering difficult questions that are posed to them.

For others, just the thought of going for a job interview makes them sweat and nervous because they’re just not confident enough. They admit defeat even before they step into the interview room.

I started out as the latter. I think most of us do, especially if we’ve not had much experience in that respect.

But later on, I became the former. I started going to interviews just to see how well I can do in them, even when I wasn’t looking for a job. I just wanted to keep my interview skills sharp and also to keep abreast of what the interviewers are asking in their candidates.

To be fair, I’ve been offered jobs that I had to politely decline because I wasn’t looking to change jobs but the experiences that I’ve got over those interviews will be good for me in the future when I do want a change of scenery in terms of my career.

But for now, I’d just like to share with you 4 things that you can during an interview which could potentially help you to get the job that you want.

1. Search up on the company and position that you’re interviewing for

One of the first things that I always get asked about when I go for interviews is why I’m interviewing for the position and why the company. If you have no idea what the company does or what the position is for, don’t bother staying for the rest of the idea because your interviewer will not waste their time with a candidate that doesn’t show any effort on their part.

Do a background search of the company. You can usually get all the information you need from their corporate website. Do a search on what the position is for.

Are you interviewing for a sales position? What does a salesperson do? What can you bring to the sales team if you’re hired?

Why did you pick to interview with the company? Although we all know the reason is that you need a job but by showing them that you actually know about the company, what it does, what it stands for, it shows you’re serious about the role and would leave a good impression on them.

A quick search won’t take up much of your time but could be a big help along the way.

2. Dress for the occasion

I’ve been in an interview where the person being interviewed came in his gym clothes. You may be shaking your head but the position he was interviewing for was actually as the caretaker and supervisor of my company’s gym. We didn’t specify what he should wear but personally, I thought that was a smart move because he dressed for the occasion and he knew his stuff.

All the other candidates came in suits and although that is professional, I just didn’t see the need for that because of the position that they were interviewing for.

I’ve also seen candidates interviewing for more professional roles but coming in jeans and sneakers.

Don’t do that.

Dress for the occasion.

If you’re interviewing for an executive-level position and above, come in a full suit if possible. Wear a tie, do your hair nicely, shave, and put on some cologne. If you’re a woman, wear a skirt that’s of an appropriate length (usually either just above the knees or below the knees), tie your hair up nicely if you have long hair and put on your best perfume.

Some may say that it’s sexist to ask men and women to dress a certain way but it will help you to give off a good first impression when you step into that interview room. Good first impressions matter more than you think.

What is the position that you’re interviewing for? Dress for that.

3. Show confidence throughout the interview

It’s not really a dealbreaker but when a candidate shows confidence in themselves throughout the interview, it puts confidence in those conducting the interview as well.

And one way to have confidence is when you know your stuff. That’s why it’s important to do your research.

When you have the answers, you will have the confidence no matter what the question is because you know that you’re prepared. Carry yourself well. Speak well, sit well and hopefully, everything will go smoothly.

4. Ask questions that show your interest in both the position and the company

At the end of the interview, you would most probably be asked if you have any questions for them.

This is the opportunity for you to impress them further with your questions. One thing that you can ask if where does the company see itself in 5–10 years time? What is the company’s vision for the future and what can you expect should you really excel in your new position upon being offered the job?

Asking questions about the future of the company, the direction it has shows that you plan to stay long in the company. One thing employers look for in a potential employee is also longevity. If the candidate hints that he/she won’t be staying long and is just using them as a stepping stone, then their chances of being hired would be significantly reduced.

But if you show genuine interest in the company and show that you’re in it for the long-run, you increase your chances of being the selected candidate.

With the way things are in the world right now due to the pandemic, competition for jobs are higher than it has ever been before. Crushing your interviews will be very crucial in giving yourself the best possible chance of getting a job.

To recap, these 4 points could potentially help you to ace your interview:

Search up on the company and position that you’re interviewing for Dress for the occasion Show confidence throughout the interview Ask questions that show your interest in both the position and the company

Do these and hopefully, it will give you the best chance of impressing your panel of interviewers and possibly, getting you a job.

All the best!