Among the many applications submitted, yours has been selected for an interview. Yes, it is a good sign but receiving the call for an interview is just half the battle won. Acing the interview is the key to getting the job. You could be one of the many applicants that are going to be interviewed, so it is always important to stand out from the rest. But how you may ask? 

Preparation

Imagine yourself walking into a room with a few pairs of eyes staring at you to assess the way you carry yourself and speak. It is likened to an actor entering the stage to perform. As much as preparations and rehearsals are important to an actor, your preparation for an interview is vital too. Practise makes you more confident as you are clear on what you have to say and do. Here are some ways to prepare for an interview:

• Get ready answers for several common questions like ‘Why did you apply for this job?’ or ‘What are your strengths and weaknesses?’
• Be sure to familiarise yourself with the background of the company you are going for your interview
• Practise in front of the mirror to evaluate yourself and make improvements where necessary

You may despise such simple preparation, but you would be surprised by the amount of help it provides during the interview. However, ensure that you do not regurgitate your answers like you have memorised a script.  

Punctuality

Always arrive at least a few minutes before. No employer wishes to hire someone who turns up late for work. Moreover, arriving late for an interview reflects badly on you. These few minutes could be used to settle yourself down and preparing yourself for the interview.  

Presentation

Did you know it takes only about seven seconds to form a first impression of a person? As such, the way you present yourself to the interviewers from the moment you step into the room is crucial. The first impression you give affects the rest of the interview. Ensure that you do the following:

• Appropriate dressing – Ensure that you are well groomed but do not appear flashy
• Offer a firm handshake
• Maintain eye contact – Good eye contact shows you are confident and sincere
• Put on a smile – A smile helps to calm you down and appear easy going and friendly

An interview is more than just answering questions. It is a two-way communication between you and the interviewers. Therefore, asking questions is a must. By not asking any questions, it could show that you are not interested. But of course, make sure your questions are relevant.  

Posture

When you walk in, stand straight and be confident. During the interview, sit up straight. Your body language speaks a lot about you. By slouching, it shows that you lack confidence and are incompetent.  

Politeness

Be polite to everyone, even if it is the receptionist. When you enter the interview room, greet the interviewers by the proper names and titles. You would surely want to leave a good and lasting impression on the interviewers.

Remember to thank them for their time after the interview. It does not end right here! Sending an email to the interviewers after the interview to thank them would definitely leave a lasting impression on them.  

There is no second chance in an interview. It is either you make it or break it. Why not spare no effort to ace the interview? These five points would surely lead you into acing every interview that you have to go for and landing your dream job!

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Article contributed by TBC HR Consulting‘s Team