10 Tips to Crush Your Job Interview

Acing a job interview goes beyond avoiding the obvious, like arriving late, eating, or answering a call during the interview, it’s about preparing in advance to set up for success.

Here are 10 tips to succeed at job interviews

1. Don’t confuse a job interview with a job offer

Don’t assume that an invitation for a job interview means that you have the offer “in the bag“. That’s a big mistake that completely changes how you act and usually impacts the outcome.

2. Avoid trashing your previous jobs

Speaking ill about previous co-workers, supervisors, or managers does a lot more damage than you think, and so does self-deprecating your work. If you must talk about a specific situation, try talking about that through a reflective attitude, so the hiring manager sees that you have learned from that.

3. Go beyond “Yes” or “No” answers

Don’t reply with a simple yes or no. Read the room and, whenever you feel it’s appropriate, go in-depth with questions where you can showcase relevant talents, skills, and determination. You can do this by giving specific examples of your career accomplishments.

4. Ask your own questions

Don’t hesitate to ask away any doubts you may have about the job or the company’s work culture. You can even go back and expand on a particular topic you wanted to clarify or thoroughly explore.

5. Research the company in advance

Never arrive at an interview without learning the basics about the company. Scan their public information, such as website and social media accounts, to find out about their values,  history, mission, and vision.

6. Focus on your previous achievements

While this might sound obvious, don’t extend on your current company achievements from before you joined your team. It’s okay to give some context but focus on the wins you were a part of and how you contributed to them.

7. Do talk about money

Don’t be afraid to ask about money, just make sure it doesn’t come across like that it is the only thing you care about. When asked about your financial aspirations, give a range instead of a specific number, and make clear that you can accept an offer on the lower side of the range if, in general, the job can fulfill your other expectations.

8. Welcome humour, but handle with care

While a job interview is no laughing matter, if it’s part of your personality, you can go ahead and introduce some humour, from time to time. It has been scientifically proven that a smile is the best way to connect with someone else. The key is to find the right balance. You don’t want to be perceived as a robot, but don’t take it so far that you are seen as a clown (unless you are applying for a circus). Have fun, be kind, and smile when you feel like it.

9. Mind your body language

Crossing your arms doesn’t necessarily mean that you are lying or are uninterested, and most hiring managers don’t use these old parameters anymore. Though it’s true your body speaks for you, don’t focus your entire attention on how you are sitting or if you look stressed, since it will distract you from what the hiring manager is telling you. Try practicing at home and find a comfortable, yet attentive, posture.

10. Don’t expect an offer right away

There is no need to get upset if you don’t recieve an offer right away. It can take a few days, to hear back from the hiring manager. However, if you want to increaseyoue odds of hearing back from them,  remember to end your job interview with conviction and stating  that you hope to work together soon  (as long as you actually mean it).