Best Tips for a Successful Job Interview

Though we’re all good at some things, interviews aren’t one of them. Employers are eager for candidates with skills that will make them successful at their job, but interviewing is an area that many struggles with. Your opportunity to impress, however, is within your control! So, as you’re preparing for the big day.

You’ve finally landed an interview… now what? There are a number of things you need to do to get ready for your interview.

Make sure you prepare yourself before you ever step foot into the interview:

Research the company and the hiring manager.

A job interview can be nerve-racking, no matter how prepared you are. Research the company and the hiring manager beforehand, and be prepared with answers if any questions arise.

Write down questions to ask during the interview.

The interview is an important part of any job search. You’re hoping to impress the person interviewing you, and you want to answer any questions as best you can. However, the job search is a two-way street, and the interviewer is evaluating more than just your skills. Your interviewer wants to know you have what it takes to perform the job, so it’s important to prepare and make sure you don’t miss out on any important details.

Plan your outfit.

When it comes to a job interview, dressing professionally is always important. Make sure you’ve dressed appropriately for your industry, and don’t forget to make a follow-up plan with the person interviewing you. Preparing ahead of the interview is the key to success.

Define your career goals.

Job interviews can be nerve-racking, but you don’t have to dread them. If you have an open mind and do your research, you can rock your next job interview. If you define your career goals, you can rest easy and know you’ve done the best you can.

Set your “elevator speech” (short, concise speech about yourself).

One of the best things you can do to prepare for a job interview is to prepare a short, concise speech about who you are. This is your “elevator speech”-a short, concise speech that you can give about who you are and what you can bring to the company. Think of it as a way to introduce yourself to the interviewer in 30 seconds (or less).

Practice answers to common interview questions.

Effective preparation for a job interview extends to anticipating and practicing responses to a range of questions. While some inquiries are generic, others are intricately linked to the specific company, employer, or position you’re targeting. For instance, if you’re eyeing a position at Starbucks, it becomes vital to gear your preparation toward addressing industry-specific queries. Expect questions about your customer service experience, your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, and your familiarity with Starbucks products. That being said, to get the job, check out these starbucks interview questions. This can improve your readiness for a successful interview and increase your chances of securing the position.

Practice walking in heels.

Wearing heels to a job interview is a great way to stand out-unless you trip on the hem, grab hold of the side of the dress, or somehow manage to fall flat on your face. But most women know to avoid wearing flip-flops and sandals to a job interview since they’re open to interpretation: they may be too casual, or they may be too fancy. But high heels? Those can be hard to find a balance between.

Have your resume/CV updated.

A resume is there to highlight your work experience, skills, and qualifications and is an essential tool to get you an interview. But what can you do to make your resume stand out in the crowd?

Make a list of questions to ask during the interview.

You want to make sure that you are on track with your career plans and knowledgeable about the company’s goals and values. Of course, you’ll need to have prepared answers to common interview questions as well. Additionally, when preparing for a job interview, coming up with thoughtful interview questions to ask your potential employer can be an excellent strategy to showcase your enthusiasm and gain valuable insights about the role and company culture.

Give yourself enough time to arrive early.

Arrive early, but not too early. You don’t want to be the last one to arrive before everyone else. Plan to be a few minutes early, but make sure you give yourself enough time to park your car and find a bathroom. If you have a lot to carry, consider setting it down in your vehicle and carrying it inside.