Going For a Job Interview: 4 Essential Tips

Published on: February 2, 2021 (Updated on: April 22, 2024)

I remember being so nervous the first time I had to go to a job interview. I was so nervous and bothered that I won’t say the wrong thing. I had prepared all manners of speech to likely questions I thought might come up in the process of the interview. Guess what? In the end, it wasn’t as hectic as I had thought, plus I got the job eventually. It was that day I realized what most people don’t understand about job interviews. In this post, I am going to share with you 4 tips for making a great impression when going for a job interview.

You see, the truth is that your interviewers aren’t trying to scare you or make you look incompetent. They only want to be sure that they are hiring the right man or woman for the job. They want to be sure that you can get the job done as expected. I don’t think that’s too much to ask. Is it?

So, if they are going to find out whether or not you have the ability to perform, how else do you suggest they do it? Now, you understand the reason for going for a job interview, right?

Let’s talk about your own role since we now know the role of your interviewer. Well, on your part, you are there to prove to your interviewer and other managements of staff that as far as that role is concerned, you’ve got everything it takes. So, how do you go about that?

1. Dress confidently when going for a job interview

The first place to begin when it comes to making a great impression at a job interview is to look and speak confidently. Your confidence will go a long way in determining whether you’d get the job or not.

Employers want to be sure that you know what you are doing, and the best way to prove that to them is to be confident.

To be confident, however, it starts with your looks. Wear what makes you feel confident about yourself. It’s not about wearing the most expensive cloth in your wardrobe, but wearing the one that brings out the confidence in you.

Also, note that keeping a neat appearance is a part of dressing confidently. Make sure your fingernails are clean, your hair and face, as well. Don’t appear all sweaty and rough. Polish your shoes and keep your bag clean as well when going for a job interview. Be as organized as much as possible.

2. Use the similarity-attraction hypothesis

Most times, when going for a job interview, we are mostly concerned with what we have to say, forgetting that we also have to learn to listen to the interviewer. I know you want to find all the right answers in your head while they are talking or asking the next questions, but sometimes, it is important to pay attention to what they are saying. It will guide you into answering them.

One of the best ways to connect with a person and make a great impression is to find out what they are passionate about and interact based on that. We tend to like people who share similar attitudes and opinion with us. That’s what the similarity-attraction hypothesis is all about.

For instance, if you know that your interviewer values excellence and quality in their work, if you do, too, then you should work that up into your conversation. However, there is only one way to find out. Listen and pay close attention to your interviewer.

3. Do a thorough research of the job role before going for a job interview

Again, the purpose of a job interview is to find the best fit for the available role. How do you prove to be the best fit if you don’t know much about the role?

So, you need to do thorough research on the role that you are applying for before going for a job interview. Find out what skills are expected of you; what qualifications; and what achievements as well. A good way to do this is to check the job description of the role and check for the necessary skills needed to fill this role. This should educate you better on the role.

4. Research yourself

Finally, you need to research yourself as well. What are your achievements? How did you achieve them? What skills did you demonstrate and develop along the way?

Employers want to be sure that you are self-aware. They want to know that you know what strengths and weaknesses are. They also want to know more about your team spirit, and if you’ll make a good leader, should you lead a team.

With these tips, I believe it wouldn’t be too difficult to make a great impression when going for a job interview. Good luck!

Also read how to answer the interview question, “Tell me about yourself”.