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Useful Tips For A Job Interview And Common Interview Questions
6 MIN

Useful Tips For A Job Interview And Common Interview Questions

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6 MIN
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Uploaded on
Nov 2, 2022
|
Last updated on
Mar 12, 2023
Uploaded on
Nov 2, 2022
|
Last updated on
Mar 12, 2023
Job Interview
Students! Become an interview intermediate.

Your palms are sweaty, knees weak arms are heavy, there’s vom...wait we don't really have to go all the way. Mr Eminem surely knew a thing or two about nerves on big occasions and how they can get the better of anyone, leading to the creation of this masterpiece. What he didn't know however is how those words capture a job interview candidate's emotions too.

We know how nerve-racking job interviews can be and therefore have made a list of the top 20 tips for a job interview to help you through your quest.

Tips for job interviews, now we know that you don't need too many voices speaking to you and too many chefs spoil the dish, but it certainly helps to get some right advice for your potential interview.

So without further ado here are our best (and heavily researched) tips for a job interview. We have separated the tips into three categories: Before the interview, During the interview and after the interview, making your job even easier so read away!

Before the Interview 

Before you go or sit for any type of interview, it is important to prepare well for the event to make sure that you do not face any hiccups during the process. So here are some tips for job interviews to remember before it actually happens.

Develop an "intelligence" system

The most basic tip for a job interview would be this. Research this company, its employees, its specific activities, and its mission before leaving for an interview. Not exactly one of the core interview skills but this will help you greatly.  Many employers are pleased to know that their candidates are familiar with the firm's operations and are willing to share their future vision

Preparation of answers to common interview questions

As it turns out, most executives ask the same questions during interviews. So make sure to note down this tip for a job interview in your notepads. Despite this, many job seekers treat these questions as "primitive" and answer them without thinking.
It is widespread for such "would-be employees" to receive a response at the end of an interview: "I will call you back... but I can't guarantee that."

Dress to impress aka pay attention to your interview outfit

A very important tip for a job interview that you should remember, dress well. First impressions matter a lot. If hired, you would represent the company, therefore how you show yourself during the interview could have an unintentional effect on the interviewer's assessment of your suitability. Although it may be a dress-down day at work, it is always advisable to arrive in professional attire unless otherwise instructed. 

Maintain a clean profile on social media

Perhaps a bit of an unconventional tip for a job interview, but useful nonetheless. You shouldn't be shocked to see them browsing your profiles as well. Make it a habit to solely use social media for social purposes.
Avert liking or sharing any postings that disparage your coworker, your superiors, or your employer. Your social media profiles are now scanned by businesses to better understand your personality. 

Have faith in your resume and how it relates to the job description.

Although this is a given, it's nevertheless vital to review your distinctive offering. Examine the job description in depth and make numerous comparisons between your experience and the necessary and desirable requirements. Describe a variety of your experiences, not just those related to your current position. Give illustrations of valuable, skill-enhancing activities like volunteering. The key is variety!

Be on or even before time

Another really important tip for a job interview is to adhere to the time. It's always a good idea to give yourself 10 to 15 minutes before your interview to unwind. When you are irritated, it is challenging to appear composed and in charge of the circumstance.
Consider what you want to learn about the position and the organisation during this time, as well as what you want to emphasise about yourself. Breathe!

During the Interview 

Now that you’ve finally reached the coveted seat. Here are some tips for a job interview when you are sitting in the candidate's chair.

Smile and make eye contact

A pleasant tip for job interviews would be just to smile. Some hiring managers genuinely believe that if new hires avoid eye contact and look at the floor and ceiling constantly, they cannot be trusted to do responsible work and be empowered. Another group of recruiters believes candidates should not be afraid to smile and even to joke a little- as it gives them a sense of comfort and truthiness. Though admittedly this is trickier to achieve if your interview takes place via online web conferencing.

Keep a calm and confident attitude

This is one of the most crucial interview skills to have. A prospective employee's excessive anxiety and uncontrollable excitement during the interview prevent them from showing their best side to management.
An interview can be halted in just a few minutes when slurred speech, trembling voice, or constant "sorry, sorry" is used. An important tip for a job interview, which is pretty much universal is to keep calm and compose yourself.

Listen Listen Listen

Perhaps the most important tip for a job interview is to be a good listener. Listen to the question being asked if you want to provide a thoughtful response. You'll be able to respond to the question with force and organisation if you follow this advice. This is one of those interview skills that you have to develop to make sure you ace your interview.

It's a two-way street

Keep in mind that it is a two-way process. It might not be the most common but definitely is an important tip for a job interview that you can apply. Candidates frequently overlook the fact that the interview is as much about them determining if this is a company and individuals they could work with as it is about the interviewer determine if you could do the job and fit in. 

Put your things away and get rid of any distractions.

This is a rather unconventional tip for a job interview but still effective. Make sure there are no distractions present before you enter the room. Turn off your phone, including the vibrate and silent modes. Never leave anything on the table; always keep it out of sight. Avoid bringing anything extra because doing so could make you seem unprofessional. 

Showcase your accomplishments to highlight your worth.

Highlight your qualities as a worker, a colleague, and a representation of an organisation through your comments. This is the sort of interview skill that if used correctly can surely get you far in the eyes of the hiring manager.
Emphasize your dedication to a task, teamwork, confidence, good attitude, and work ethic. These will set you apart from other candidates with comparable experience. This is an essential tip for a job interview so be sure to apply it at the right time.

Keep it real

Some might argue that this isn’t a good tip for a job interview, but it's an interview skill that you have to master. Be sincere in your responses. What are your weaknesses is a common query. Never, ever claim to lack any.
However, avoid shooting yourself in the foot. Try saying something along the lines of I view flaws as opportunities for growth. I'm currently working on some of the following areas.

Stay persistent

If things get difficult, you shouldn't give up in the middle. Continue on till the finish to demonstrate that you don't quit under any circumstances. Consider this a very important tip for a job interview as it can make or break your chances.

To make your point, try to offer a variety of options. Don't defend a flawed argument out of egotistical motivation either. It won't help advance your cause. Giving up doesn't mean you should regret not expressing your opinion when you had the chance to. 

Don't be afraid to sell yourself

We are not all salespeople and this aspect of the interview can come as a challenge to those who prefer not to stand in the limelight. Remember this tip for a job interview as it can go a long way. You must exhibit the best version of yourself to the interviewer. The interview is your main opportunity to draw attention to your achievements, whilst showcasing your experience, relevant skill set and ability to be an excellent addition to the team. Prepare well and give it your best shot! 

Finish the interview on a positive note. 

Another very important tip for a job interview to keep in mind. Always express your gratitude to the interviewers and your desire to work for them at the conclusion of the conversation. Never fail to express your desire to cooperate with them. Make sure the organisation knows how helpful you will be as well. It aids in pay negotiations as well. 

After the interview

First, take a deep breath and pat yourself on the back as you’ve done a great job. Now there are some things to keep in mind after you’re done with your interview.

Reflect

Not really a tip for a job interview but more of general advice is to always spend some time after the interview to think back on your preparation and the knowledge you picked up from the conversation. Think about accepting the position if it is offered. Examine how this position would fit into your larger career objectives and decide if it would be a good move.

Ask for feedback

Never forget to express gratitude for communications, ideally within 24 hours. Send a follow-up email to remind them if you were given a specified timeframe. This is one of the important tips for a job interview that people overlook. Employers value candidates who follow up promptly, but many applicants hesitate to do so. It's possible that you won't be selected this time, but you will be called first when the opportunity arises again.

Remember it’s just an interview
Last but certainly, the most important tip for a job interview is always to remember that it’s just a simple conversation about you and your work and there will be plenty of them in your lifetime. You will have plenty of time to sharpen your interview skills as you go forward in life. The more interviews you go through the better your interview skills will get. 

Now that you have some handy tips for a job interview, lets take a look at some If you wish to know what the interviews look for in an interview then head to our blog.

Common Interview Questions

No matter what kind of interview you are giving, where you’re giving it and what profile you’re giving it for, there are some common interview questions that you will face everywhere. These common interview questions are almost universal and you can be sure that you will be facing them. So prepare well.

Tell me something about yourself.

The title for the most common interview question goes to this one. It doesn't get more generic than this. It's important that you prepare for this question because it sounds so straightforward. Here's the deal: Don't divulge everything about your professional or personal past.
Instead, make a pitch that explains in clear, persuasive detail why you are the ideal candidate for the position.Finally, transition into why you desire this job and why you are the ideal candidate. 

Describe your resume to me.

This inquiry, along with "Tell me about yourself," is a common interview question. However, your response should group your qualifications by your previous employment and tell the tale of your career rather than centring on what traits and abilities make you the greatest candidate for the post. As with "Tell me about yourself," you could also start with your current position before discussing your background and future plans.

How did you find out about this job?

Another apparently common interview question, but one that gives you the chance to stand out and demonstrate your enthusiasm for and connection to the organisation. For instance, mention the buddy or professional contact who told you about the job and then explain why you were so pleased about it.Even if you came up with the job posting on a haphazard job board, mention what in particular drew your attention to the position.

Why do you wish to work for this company?

Avoid generalised responses when answering this common interview question. You are passing up an opportunity to differentiate yourself if what you say can be applied to numerous other businesses or if your response makes you sound like every other applicant.
Regardless of the path you take, be sure to be specific. And if you're deep into the employment process and still unable to explain why you would want to work for the company you're meeting with? It can be a warning sign informing you that this job is not a good fit.

What makes you want this job?

Perhaps the most common interview question that one can face. Once more, employers prefer to work with people who are enthusiastic about their jobs, so you should have a strong justification for applying. (And if you don't? You should probably submit your application elsewhere.) 

Why should we hire you?

Although this common interview question looks straightforward (and perhaps daunting! ), if it is asked of you, you're in luck: There is no better setting for you to provide the recruiting manager with your qualifications. Your task is to develop a response that demonstrates your ability to not only perform the work but also to produce excellent outcomes, your ability to successfully integrate into the team and the organization's culture, and why you would be a better hire than any of the other applicants.

What value can you add to the business?

IA common interview question that surprisingly many people fail to give a good answer to. Interviewers aren't only interested in your background when they ask this question. They want to know that you are aware of the issues and difficulties their business or department is facing, as well as how you will fit into the current structure.
Read the job description carefully. Research the organisation. The goal is to then relate your experiences and talents to what the organisation requires while providing an example of similar or transferrable work you've completed in the past.

What is your biggest professional accomplishment?

Don't be timid when responding to this common interview question if you have a history of producing excellent outcomes at previous employment because nothing shouts "hire me" better! Utilizing the STAR method—situation, task, action, and results—is a terrific way to achieve this.
Give the interviewer a background on the scenario and the task you had to do before describing what you did and the results you obtained. For example, "In one month, I streamlined the process, which saved my group 10 person-hours each month and decreased errors on invoices by 25%.

Why do you have a gap in employment?

Another common interview question is about any kind of gap in your resume/education. Perhaps you were simply taking a break and exploring your interests, tackling health problems, or visiting different countries.
It might simply have taken you a while to find the correct position. No matter the cause, you should be prepared to talk about the gap (or gaps) on your resume. Practice stating your response aloud, please. The most important thing is, to be honest, but you shouldn't divulge more information than you feel comfortable with.

What are your best qualities?

Here's a chance to mention anything that makes you fantastic and a perfect fit for this position. Think quality, not quantity, as you respond to this question. When answering this common interview question, remember not to boast but broach gently. Don't just reel out a bunch of adjectives, in other.
Instead, choose one or a few unique traits that are pertinent to this role and provide examples to support them. And now would be the ideal opportunity to bring up anything you've been wanting to because it makes you a strong candidate but haven't gotten the chance to.

What are your weaknesses?

Beyond pointing out any obvious red flags when responding to this common interview question., Your interviewer is attempting to assess your self-awareness and honesty with this question. Therefore, neither "I can't fulfil a deadline to save my life" nor "Nothing! I'm perfect!" are acceptable answers.
Consider something you struggle with but are trying to get better at to strike a balance. For instance, you might not have always been good at public speaking, but you recently offered to chair meetings in order to improve your public speaking skills.

Conclusion

So these are our picks for the top tips for job interviews, hopefully, they help you when the day of reckoning finally arrives. We hope this blog helped you learn how to prepare for job interviews effectively and enhance your interview skills. If you still need some help look no further and head to our blog for some additional help.

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