A job interview can become the deciding factor that will help you get the job you want in a matter of minutes. And what you need to do is extensive preparation. It starts when you move past the application stage. Aside from knowing the appropriate attire, learning body language cues, and gaining confidence, the one thing that many job seekers overlook is what questions to ask.
So, as a potential employee, which questions are vital to giving you an advantage over your fellow candidates?
In this article, read more about interview etiquette, proper interview attire, and confidence-building tips. Plus, know the five best questions to ask in an interview.
Interview Etiquette
Before you go to an interview, you should remember basic etiquette tips. After all, you want to leave a good first impression on the interviewer, regardless if you’re getting the job or not.
Mind Your Body Language
You don’t want to come across as either nervous or aggressive. From the way you stand to how you watch the interviewer speak, a confident body language is of the essence.
Things to remember:
- Your posture
- Your handshake
- Your gaze when talking
- Your gestures
- Your expressions
Arrive Early
You don’t want to run late during your interview. It can cost you your application because timeliness is a key factor in any job interview.
But arriving early doesn’t mean you should be there an hour before the interview. The best is to be there 15 minutes before the interview. This will enable the interviewer to do their last-minute preparations as well.
Turn Off or Switch Your Electronics to Silent
You want to focus on the interview, and electronics could distract you and the interviewer. By this time, you should inform people that constantly communicate with you that you’re unavailable to talk.
What to Wear
Many experts would agree that the best attire to wear in any job interview is business casual.
You want to look professional in your interview. But, if you can, check the background of the company you’re working for. Indeed suggests that you should find out the company’s dress code. It’s so you can avoid looking underdressed or overdressed in a job interview.
According to Indeed, a button-down shirt and dark jeans are the best to wear in an interview. For women, you can wear flats or heels, and for men, wear closed-toe, neat shoes.
If you can, have a dress rehearsal, as Careerbuilder recommends. You want to make sure that everything’s all fitted and nothing’s missing too. It will allow you to make some tweaks when necessary.
How to Gain Confidence
Job seekers know the uneasy feeling a job interview could bring them. But while that’s the case, many follow the “fake it ‘till you make it” mindset. This gives them a surge of confidence during a job interview and land the job. But if you’re dreading the interview, here are some tips that can guide you in overcoming it.
Rehearse the Interview
A common suggestion among experts is to practice the interview with anyone you know. You can practice with a confidant. They can ease your nerves and help you improve. Plus, this way, you have an idea of what to expect in the interview as well.
Do Some Breathing Exercises
Confidence doesn’t only mean how you present yourself or the way you speak. It’s also how you can compose yourself during the interview. And one way to do this is breathing exercises or meditation. Many find that breathing exercises can clear one’s mind and may reduce nervousness.
Rest
It may seem like a simplistic tip, but ample rest can go a long way. After all, you don’t want to appear tired during an interview. Rest will help in making you feel confident. Plus, think of rest as giving you a fresh start in the day. It allows you to think clearly and even work on being more positive.
Questions to Ask
It’s a no-no to say no after the interviewer asks a prospective hire, “do you have any questions?” This means you’re genuinely interested in knowing more about the job and the company culture. And if you’ve come up blank, list down these five essential questions to ask a potential employer in an interview.
What’s your favorite part about working at your job?
This question is applicable when the interviewer is a direct supervisor or the employer. You want to know which responsibilities or aspects of their job seem enjoyable for them. It will allow you to assess if you might share the same type of enjoyment. Or if they have something else in mind, that would persuade you to take the job, if you’re accepted.
Do you feel like you have a stable work-life balance?
If you ask this, you’ll understand how the company sets a work-life balance. For one, would you have time to yourself during weekends or holidays? Or perhaps if you take this job, can you still set aside some time for personal matters. It’s not an off-limits question; you’re simply curious how they handle work-life balance.
What inspires you?
This may seem like a personal question, but you want to know what drives them to work for the company. What are their motivations to stay? Plus, it might give you some insight into your future employer and their character.
Do you feel like there may be room for growth in this company?
While it might be a closed-ended question, you can follow up with what types of opportunities you can have. If you’re serious about taking this job, you want to know how it can help you move forward career-wise.
What question should I be asking you right now to show how serious I am about this job?
Sometimes, job seekers may tend to forget to ask the right questions, and the interviewer might have the question for you. It’s common to overlook many questions that others have been asking. Who knows, maybe the interviewer can provide you with answers that might help you decide if you think this job is right for you.
If you ask any of these questions, you’re engaging with the interviewer. After all, if you want to land the job and become part of their team, you should also get a feel for their work environment and culture. This way, you’ll evaluate if this is the right job for you.
