How Can I Pass an Interview?

A job interview is the first step in advancing your career. Every company will require you to go through at least one round of interviews. The key to passing and either landing the job or moving on to the next round is nailing your interview.

We know you will be nervous, so we have compiled some helpful advice to help you pass your job interview.

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How do you get selected for a job interview?

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Apply to the right position

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When applying for jobs, make sure you do research first. Make sure your background matches the job description for the open position. If your skills and experience don't align, you may not get an interview.

If you are looking to change industries, take some time to find the requirements needed for the position. For example, if you need a degree or certificate, you might want to try to get that first. It's best to have your skills and background front and center on your resume when you apply to a company.

Remember, your application is the first impression a company will see of you and you want to make it count.

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Double-check your application

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If you want a new job, it's a good idea to double-check your application before sending it to the company. If your resume or cover letter has mistakes, you might not even get the job interview. Answer each question to the best of your ability and take your time.

You may ask a good friend to look it over before sending. The second set of eyes can catch little errors.

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Preparing for a job interview

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Practice

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Before you go to a job interview, practice common interview questions. You want to feel confident in your answers. While you can't know exactly which interview questions you will be asked, you can be prepared.

Here are a few of the most common interview questions.

• Tell me about you yourself
• Why do you want to work here?
• What makes you the best candidate?
• Where do you see your career in five years?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?

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Be prepared

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Besides preparing for the top interview questions, there are some other good things you can do before your interview. Here are some interview tips to make the best of your time during an interview.

• Wear appropriate attire
• Show up on time
• Know about the company's history
• Visit the company's website and any social media platforms
• Search for press releases or a recent news article
• Find any mutual connections you have with the interviewer

If you get nervous during job interviews, it's a good idea to bring a few notes. Write down some of the things you may want to mention during your interview. For example, any skills, work experiences, or accolades you have received. You will also want to have a list of questions you can ask the interviewer.

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During your job interview

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Be professional

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Your job interview is the first impression the company will get of you, so you want to put your best foot forward. Remember your manners. Make eye contact, be polite, and always offer a handshake. At the end of your interview, say thank you and make sure you have everyone's email address to send a follow-up.

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Ask questions

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During every interview throughout your career, you will want to ask questions. A good question can leave a great impression on the recruiter or hiring manager and help you pass that first or second interview. Just as you practiced common interview answers, you will want to prepare a few interview questions you can ask.

Here are a few sample interview questions you can ask to make the most of your time.

• What does a typical workday look like for this position?
• Is there an opportunity for career growth at the company?
• Are you interviewing a lot of candidates?
• What are some of the challenges I may face in this position?
• Can you tell me about the people and team I will be working with?

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Follow up

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Most interviewers expect candidates to send a follow-up after their job interviews. You will want to thank them for their time and reinforce your desire to work at the company. Remind them about your background and why you are the best candidate for the job.

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What not to do

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We have provided you with some great interview tips on what to do before, during, and after an interview to help you score the job. Below are a few interview tips on what to not to do throughout the process.

• Avoid talking about salary or perks early in the process
• Don't talk badly about past employers
• Try not to lie about your experience or background
• Don't show up late

You will not get many chances to make a good first impression on a future employer. Ideally, you want to master your interview performance and be as prepared as possible. Think of examples from your last role that shows your career development.

With a little preparation and work, you will score an interview for your next job and advance your career.