Five ways to ace a job interview

About a month ago, a hiring manager reached out to me for a role vacancy in a start-up. 

Considering myself more than qualified for the role, I barely prepared for the job interview and on the D-day of the interview, I was completely thrown off when the hiring manager asked me the first question, “tell us about yourself?”

As I stuttered to answer this question, I remember feeling a sense of regret wash over me and instantly, I knew I wouldn’t be getting an offer from this company.

You’d be shocked at the number of qualified candidates who lose job opportunities due to certain avoidable reasons.

A job interview can be a scary event — almost as if you were awaiting trial at a law court.

But most organizations will require candidates to go through an interview to determine the number of factors like; culture fit. Candidate’s qualification, their understanding of the role, managerial skills amongst others. To say the least, interviews are an inevitable part of the hiring process that a candidate most likely has to go through.

Some of you reading this might argue against job interviews — “why do I have to go through a job interview to determine my competence?” “It’s unfair that I have to go through a job interview, I’m not an eloquent speaker but I am a great fit for the role in question” – all of these are questions that could cross through your mind. However,

• Prepare

An interview is the first physical close-up contact a recruiter will have with you hence, you’ll want to be on your best behaviour.

Demonstrating that you’re prepared for the interview will not only make the hiring manager’s job easier but will also cause them to be impressed seeing as you took initiative to come prepared.

Carry out thorough research on the hiring company, the latest projects they might be working on, key personnel relevant to the role you’re being interviewed for. LinkedIn, the organisation’s website, their social media pages, are great sources to begin your investigation.

• Be Confident

Confidence is one of the key qualities any recruiter will be looking out for in the candidates they’re interviewing. So make sure to make a confident impression.

If being confident during an interview seems impossible to you, take the time to reflect on triggers that could be causing your lack of confidence. For instance, nervousness or fear of the unknown.

If this is the case, talk yourself into relaxing, minimizing over-thinking, and selling yourself impressively to the hiring manager.

• Ask Relevant Questions

Nothing screams, “aren’t I awesome?” than a candidate who asks relevant questions.

Remember that a job interview is a two-sided street, meaning that you have as much right to ask questions about the organisation in order to make a decision.

So fire away from your questions but ask relevant questions like what the work culture in the organisation is like and benefits.

• Negotiate Your Salary

You’d be shocked to know that negotiating during your interview is rather impressive to the recruiter. Never go for an interview without negotiating the salary, or stipend, you think you deserve.

By negotiating, you are telling the recruiter the value you’re placing on your skills, as well as years of professional experience.

•  Understand The Organisation’s Culture

Every organisation has its set of distinctive cultures which affects the way members of staff relate with team members, superiors, and vice versa. Should you be able to demonstrate an understanding of the organisation’s culture, mission, or vision, during the interview, you have a high shot at impressing the recruiter.

The secret to keeping in mind is that companies are always on the lookout for candidates fighting their organisation’s culture or values.