5 Ways to Ace Your Interview

Job interviews can be stressful events for even the most confident individual, but being prepared with these pro tips can make them go much smoother.

Research

Research yourself: Think about how you can fill the employer’s needs and what skills you bring to the table.

Research the position: Have a clear understanding of what you will be asked to do and think about how you are the best person to fulfill those tasks.

Research the employer: Common questions in interviews are about what you know about the company where you are applying. Be sure to have a good grasp of what the company does and why you want to work at the company.

Show and Tell

Have short stories prepared that show how you solved a problem or showcased some of your skills. Sometimes it is not enough to just say that you can do something; what will set you apart to interviewers is your ability to convey that skill in a meaningful way. Sharing personal stories during an interview helps give you an emotional connection with a hiring manager. Stories also tend to be more memorable than facts, keeping you top of mind when hiring decisions are made.

Practice Your Interview Skills

The way you tell something is as important as what you say. Look at yourself in a mirror and practice some responses to questions that an interviewer may pose. You don’t want the responses to be scripted, but you want to look like you have all the answers about yourself. When practicing with yourself, be sure to speak out loud. It is easy to believe that just thinking about answers will suffice, but you will be better prepared to speak after practicing aloud.

First Impressions Matter

The first impressions that an employer has of you can make or break an interview. Be sure to arrive early — 10-15 minutes early is a good timeframe to be waiting in the reception area. Once you meet your interviewer or group of interviewers, be sure to have high energy and make eye contact. A strong but not overpowering handshake is also a great way to make a good impression.

Online Interviews, Be Prepared

Online interviews should be treated the same as in-person interviews. Being prepared is key. Check everything that you will need for your phone or online interview an hour beforehand. Test your microphone and camera, and make sure that everything is charged or plugged in to avoid difficulties. Make sure that you are in a quiet environment and that people know you are on an interview. Be sure to stay fully engaged and keep distractions to a minimum. Having previous work on your desktop and ready to show is a great advantage during remote interviews.

Sources

How to Ace an Interview: 5 Tips from a Harvard Career Advisor – youtube.com/watch?v=DHDrj0_bMQ0

Interviewing Tips from Michigan Civil Service Commission, Career Services

michigan.gov/documents/interview_26251_7.pdf

Michigan Veteran Affairs Agency

michiganveterans.com/p/Tips-for-Job-Seekers