How To Ace Your Next Job Interview

1) Research and Role Play

Prior to your interview, do your homework on the company. Look them up online, research their competitors, learn about some of their recent accomplishments and milestones. Find out what you can so you aren’t walking into the building completely blind about the company and what it is that they do. The more knowledge you have, the more confident you will be. It’s also a good idea to practice for the interview. The best way to properly answer crafty interview questions is to be prepared. Whether that’s reciting some lines in front of the mirror by yourself, or using a friend to ask you some of the most common interview questions. Be prepared to tell the interviewer about yourself and your career goals. Practice your answers for your phone, Skype, or in-person interviews prior to them actually happening and don’t just memorize your CV, you don’t want to sound scripted. One of the most common interview questions your potential new boss might ask you is: “tell me about yourself.” This easy enough sounding question can surprisingly get candidates into trouble. Trust us when we say that they don't want to hear about your dating life or hobbies! Practice makes perfect!

2) Dress To Impress

When doing research about the company, try and investigate what the culture and the dress code are like. If you’ve been working with a South Florida executive recruiters, ask them what the company culture is like or how they would suggest you dress for the in-person interview. Even if their work environment seems business casual, and even if your interview is on “casual Friday,” you will still want to probably wear business formal attire on your first visit to the building. The interview dress code rule of thumb is this: Always dress slightly better than the corporate dress code and the position you’re applying for requires. Remember, first impressions are everything and cannot be erased!

3) Avoid These

DO NOT ARRIVE LATE FOR YOUR INTERVIEW. Always arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled interview time and always expect something to get in your way of being there on time, whether it’s traffic, an accident, bad weather, etc. Also, never speak poorly about your previous employer. If you speak badly about your former boss or colleagues, your potential new employer can only assume you will do the same thing to them. Do not overshare or make inappropriate jokes during the interview. Think of this interview as a first date, would you eat an onion sandwich on a poppy seed bagel right before meeting someone new? Then don’t do it before your big interview!

4) Remain Calm

Interviews can be nerve-racking, but think of it like this: the hardest part is over. Sometimes just landing an opportunity to interview and getting your foot in the door can be the biggest challenge. You are fighting with hundreds or other applicants for your resume to be seen. Be aware of your body language during the interview and try not to fidget. Smile when you speak, and make eye contact with the interviewer. There is no need to rush your words, and try not to interrupt the person who is conducting the interview. Even if the interview is going horribly and you know you do not want this position, never be rude. You never know, this person could tarnish your name in the industry and prevent you from getting another job.

5) Follow Up Afterwards

This may come as a surprise, but some people forget to follow up with a “thank you” after their interview. This can be done with a hand written note or a simple email. This step is crucial as skipping it can take you out of the running for the job. A thank you note also gives you the opportunity to touch on some points that weren’t discussed in the meeting, or even ask some questions you forgot to ask while you were in the building. We like Forbes’ ways to follow up after an interview.

Interviewing is a learned skill, but if you practice these tips before, during, and after your interview, you will be a pro in no time. For more of our favorite tips on how to ace your next job interview, check out this south Florida executive recruiter, Sloane Staffing’s blog here.