7 steps to NAIL a job interview

Don’t you just wish there was an easy way to get to land your dream job? a way that requires no effort and in a second you would find yourself in the company you always dreamed of or getting the big office. Well, let me tell you that there is good news and bad new..

The good news is, yes! there is definitely a way or actually many ways you can land your dream job. The bad- or rather expected- news is NOTHING in this life is for free.

Far and away the best prize that life offers
is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.
“
Theodore Roosevelt

Landing your dream job would actually take a lot of preparation from your side. From planning and research to possibly going shopping and getting a bit fancy. Most importantly, preparing a small presentation of your work and showing instead of telling.

1- Mark your calendar

Set a reminder of the exact date and time of the job interview with the name of your interviewer (if available). Put it all in one place to easily check it when the interview date approaches.

2- Study the job description

Read about any missing topics or terminologies that you may not know about.

For example, If you are applying for a job that requires some knowledge of a software, make sure you read about that software and acquire basic knowledge of what it does before going in the interview.

3- Do your research

Have a high level knowledge on what that company makes. Also, use social media to search your interviewer’s portfolio. Some details from his/her experience may come in handy.

Very frequently employers ask questions that are industry related and it’s better to be prepared for such questions. It shows deep knoladge and proves interest.

4- Prepare an elevator pitch

Whether by a speech, a portfolio, a presentation or just anything that can show your interviewer that you are not getting some information out of a book, in fact, you really know what you are talking about.

5- Dress the part

First impressions last so it’s better to look sharp and on point. Ask about the company’s dress code before you go and get prepared to dress up a little bit but not too much. The employer would be accessing your appearance for sure and deciding if you are a good fit with the team.

6- Show up on time

Even if you ran little late, you must call 30 minutes before the interview timing and apologize for the delay.

7- Be yourself

Companies now more than ever hire for character and attitude more than skill. It’s up to you to show a strong well rounded character that can get the job.

Interview NO-NOs

Get too offended or defensive from questions | Sometimes, it’s part of the interview to get you a bit irritated to see how you would react in stressful situations. Keep your cool and manage situations professionally. For example, some interviewers may challenge your companies reputation or work environment. It’s better to come up with a professional, balanced answer even if you agree with the negative statement.
Get a phone call | Never check you phone or gaze off when the interviewer starts asking a question. Just give your interviewer your undivided attention. For example, if your interview is in an open space, don’t keep looking around while the interviewer is talking, just try to keep your focus.
Not show up without an apology | It’s out of respect to people’s time to apologies for not being able to make it to the interview or even not being interested in the position. It may happen that you would get a better offer from another company before an interview. In this case, you must call before the interview with a significant time and thank the interviewer for his interest and explain professionally that you are going for another job offer.