13 Essential Tips for a Successful Interview in 2024
A successful interview leaves a positive impression, builds trust, and paves the way for a successful working relationship.
Boost your chances of acing your next interview! Discover expert tips and tricks on how to prepare, impress, and follow up, and learn how to make a lasting impression on your interviewer. Read our comprehensive guide to a successful interview and land your dream job today!
1. Be on time
Arrive 10-15 minutes early. Interviewers often are ready before the appointment. Plan your route, check for traffic updates, and leave some buffer time for unexpected delays. Showing up early demonstrates your punctuality and enthusiasm for the opportunity.
2. Prepare questions in advance
Having a short list of questions and thoughts shows you have done your research and want to know more about the organization and the position. This also helps you to engage in a meaningful conversation during the interview. Some examples of questions to ask include:
What are the biggest challenges facing the team or department right now, and how do you see this role contributing to solving them?
Can you tell me more about the company culture and work environment?
How does this role fit into the overall organizational structure, and who would I be working with closely?
What opportunities are there for growth and professional development within the company?
3. Bring a reliable pen and a small note pad
Write down your impressions and thoughts immediately after the interview, but avoid taking notes during the conversation. This helps you to stay focused on the discussion and maintain eye contact with the interviewer. Jotting down key points and follow-up questions after the interview also helps you to remember important details and prepare for any subsequent interviews.
4. Greet the interviewer with a handshake and a smile
Maintain eye contact, but avoid a stare-down. A firm but not crushing handshake and a genuine smile can go a long way in making a positive first impression.
During the Interview:
5. Expect to develop rapport
Follow the interviewer’s lead and don’t jump right into business. Take a few minutes to build a connection and establish a comfortable atmosphere. This can involve small talk about the weather, the office location, or a recent news article related to the industry.
6. It’s okay to be nervous
As you gain experience, you’ll become more at ease with the interviewing process. Remember that it’s normal to feel some level of nervousness, and it can actually show your enthusiasm and interest in the position.
7. Focus on your strengths
Highlight your attributes, transferable skills, and willingness to learn. Avoid apologizing for a lack of experience. Instead, emphasize how your skills and education can be adapted to the role and how you can contribute to the organization’s success.
8. Listen carefully and answer concisely
Ensure you understand the question, and ask for clarification if needed. Avoid rambling or going off on tangents. Keep your answers focused and relevant to the question being asked.
9. Watch your grammar
Employers value candidates who can express themselves properly. Even if you have to go slowly and correct yourself, accuracy is preferred over ungrammatical fluency.
10. Be prepared for personal questions
Anticipate how you will handle such questions without losing your composure. Some examples of personal questions include:
Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Why do you want to work for this company?
11. Wait for the interviewer to mention salary and benefits
Research pay scales using salary surveys and information on the Career Services website or in the career library. Avoid bringing up the topic of compensation and benefits unless the interviewer initiates the discussion.
12. Don’t expect a job offer at the first interview
Often, you’ll be invited to a second or even third interview before an offer is made several weeks later. Be patient and don’t be discouraged if you don’t receive an offer on the spot.
Closing the Interview
13. Close on a positive, enthusiastic note
Ask about the next step, thank the interviewer for their time, and express your interest in the job. Leave quickly and courteously with a handshake and a smile. This helps to leave a lasting positive impression and shows your appreciation for the opportunity.
Additional Tips
- Dress professionally and appropriately for the industry and company culture.
- Be prepared to provide specific examples of your accomplishments and how they can be applied to the role.
- Practice your responses to common interview questions, such as “Why do you want to work for this company?” or “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
- Bring extra copies of your resume, references, and any other relevant documents.
- Turn off your phone or put it on silent mode during the interview.
- Show enthusiasm and interest in the company and the position.
- Ask insightful and thoughtful questions during the interview.
- Follow up with a thank-you note or email after the interview to express your gratitude and reiterate your interest in the position
- Post-Interview Tip
Send a thank-you note
Express your appreciation for the interview and reaffirm your interest (if true). This can be a handwritten note or an email, and it should be sent within a day or two after the interview. This helps to keep you top of mind for the interviewer and shows your professionalism.