Resource & Advice

Interview Skills

6 tips to improve interview performance

1. Research on Employer Company
Research on the Employer Company – Success in a job interview starts with research of the employer company. You should understand the Employer Company, interviewer, business nature, backgrounds, and the vacancy. The more research conducted, the more educated you will be to answer and ask questions effectively. Wanted information can often easily be found on the company’s website, published materials, news, search engines, social networks, or even personal networks.

2. Prepare Quality Answers for Interview Questions 
A crucial factor to having a successful interview is to prepare responses to expected interview questions. Since interview questions can be diverse depending on different positions and industries, effective answers should derive from the thorough understanding of the job duties so you can effectively share detailed yet concise responses. Specific examples and accomplishments should be focused and a good tool for remembering the responses is to put them into story that can be told in the interview. Experienced scenarios can provide vivid details that show you are proficient in dealing with certain situations and not just theoretical sayings.

3. Dress Code
Proper grooming for the interview can immediately make a positive impression on how you perceive the job, as well as to the level of understanding of the company culture, formality, and environment. If possible, it is best to find out the exact dress code required for the position from within the employer company, such as from asking someone that knows of it. Otherwise, it is advisable to overdress than under. Personal hygiene is especially important to positions that require dealing with external and internal parties.

4. First Impressions
Time Manner — Being on time is simply being respectful. In most cases, try to arrive about 15 minutes before the schedule interview to complete the application form and allow to get settled. Most importantly, it gives you a chance to observe the dynamics of the work environment.

You should always be polite to anyone you encounter before, during and after the interview, from the receptionist area to the interview room. Bear in mind that employers that care about their employees would be curious how applicants treat staff members. Some candidates can make good interview and fail immediately after when employers find out their receptionist staff was disrespected.

When the interview starts, make a strong first impression by dressing well (see #3), arriving on time (see #4), and when greeting the interviewer, smile, make eye contact, stand, offer a firm handshake and receive the business card with both hands sincerely.
Remember that having a positive attitude and expressing enthusiasm for the job and company are important in the initial stages of the interview.

5. Be Authentic, Energetic, Focused, Confident, Candid, and Concise. 
For any interview, the qualities of good responses include authenticity, truthfulness, and concise answers. Avoid any long and rambling responses that can show lack of effective communication skills. Finally, never “badmouth” a former or another employer, colleague, or boss. The focus should be on showcasing your experience, skills, and fit with the job and the company.

6. Ask insightful questions
The interview usually ends on asking if you have any questions for the interviewers. It is best to avoid answering “No”, because you would be turning down an opportunity to prove your ability and show keen interest to the position. Insightful questions you ask about the job is crucial to employers judgment on hiring when it comes down to competition between applications with similar skills and experience.

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