Interview Tips That Will Help You Get Job in 5 Easy Steps

Congratulations! You've reached the next stage of the recruitment process. You want to say the right things to persuade the interviewer to hire you while standing out from the other candidates. You also hope to negotiate the best salary possible. But there's another thing you want to do that many people overlook - you also want to find out if this job is one which will be fulfilling and right for you. 

So without further ado, let's get to the crux of what can help you land the job of your dreams (as opposed to that of your nightmares):

1) Research, research, research

Chances are you're flying on cloud nine once you get the phone call inviting you to the job interview, but there are a few things you should ask before you hang up the phone. Firstly, find out who will be interviewing you and get as much information as you possibly can about the interview process. Ask what types of questions will be asked, how long it will take and get as many details as you possibly can.

Swing into action. Look at the job description and think about how your experience relates to it in practical terms. Your goal is to find proof that you can do the job so as to present this during the interview.

Don't just research the job itself but also the company. Visit the organization's website and social media pages. Find out what people are saying about the company, and look at articles in the media pertaining to its reputation. Slowly, you'll begin to formulate an opinion so that when you are at the interview you'll have some background knowledge about the place. Don't neglect to also visit sites like Glassdoor where employees write about their experiences with the company, including salary reviews.

2) Practice makes perfect

Write a list of potential questions you may be asked and rehearse these. Practice in front of the mirror and with your friends. Record yourself. Are you speaking too fast, are you mumbling, or do you exude confidence? The good news with confidence is that it comes with experience so the more interviews you attend and the more difficult questions you answer, the more confidence you'll exude.

3) Prepare before the interview

Pick out the clothes you will wear with care. If unsure, it is best to err on the side of conservatism. Make sure you attend the interview looking clean, well-groomed and dressed for the occasion.

Give yourself a little bit of extra time for traffic and a tea or coffee break to soothe the nerves before you walk through the door with a crisp copy of your resume and a portfolio of your work (if necessary).

It is appropriate to arrive five minutes early. You don't want to be too eager or too late. In the office, look around while you wait to be called in. Can you envision yourself working there or do you see red flags before you begin? Don't forget that this is also an opportunity for you to decide whether this is a place where you would want to spend 40+ hours per week for the next few years.

4) Your attitude

Switch your phone to silence, spit out the gum, put on a big smile and your positive boots on, because it's showtime.

You want to exude competence and enthusiasm, and the best way to do that is to be engaged. Follow the cues of your interviewer. Answer the questions succinctly and properly. Actively listen to what the interviewer says, and don't interrupt.

Interviewers are more likely to hire people they like so be engaging, grateful you are being given the opportunity to be there and enthusiastic about the organization and the work they do. Also be diplomatic about previous employers as this is not a time for negativity. Be honest and upfront about your own worth, and focus on what you can offer to the company and the value you bring.

Don't forget to ask questions to give you an idea of what it is like to work at this organization so that you, too, can decide if this opportunity is the right one for you. Also find out what the next step of the recruitment process will be as you don't want to be agonizing too much in the weeks ahead.

5) Following up

It is natural to feel a little nervous at the interview. You may have a brain freeze and later kick yourself for not bringing up a point of interest.

Send a brief thank you letter and raise any other issues you feel would enhance your chances.

If you are not contacted by the time the interviewer had said they would call, it may be a good idea to reach out and ask whether the recruitment process has ended. Sometimes these processes take longer than planned.