Smart Tricks to Nail That Job Interview (a Complete Guide)

Did you write that professional CV and a killer cover letter that the hiring manager invited you for an interview? Congrats my friend! Now the work has just begun, therefore you need to work smarter in order to nail it and get that dream job! After all there is no need for you to be considered for an interview yet you are not serious or well prepared for it.

Are you aware that candidates who are well prepared, smart and A-game players succeed at the end of the day? They do thorough research and back up their data with facts. No wonder inexperienced candidates get hired while intelligent and experienced professionals fail job interviews! So, are there hidden secrets to help job-seekers succeed in job interviews? No, rather there are proven strategies and techniques to help you get that dream job.

Here is a complete guide to help you land your dream job

The more you prepare the higher the chances of succeeding in a job interview, therefore take time to do the following;

There is nothing that disappoints an interviewer than learning that the interviewee has no idea about the company and the industry. The recruiter feels as though He/she made a mistake in short listing your name for the interview. But why allow the interviewer regret? Be smart and research on the following;

• Company name, key personnel, products/services, location, history and culture.
• Company’s competitors and areas which you can add value. Note, the interviewer wants someone who will add value to the company and for you to stand out from the rest of the interviewees, you have to play smart.
• Company’s latest news and mentions
• Job description: Familiarize yourself with the role, know about the qualifications and qualities that the employer is seeking, ensure that you understand the role and you are well versed with terminologies associated with that role.
• The interviewer: Go an extra mile and ask about who will be interviewing you —use Google, LinkedIn or any other social media to learn about each person.
• Develop a list of commonly asked interview questions related to the job interview you’re expecting. Do as much as possible to search for and answers and rehearse on how you are going to answer questions as well as showcasing your abilities and accomplishments. Note, do not memorize your responses but carefully develop a narrative to guide you

I am sure you’ve come across the statement first impression matters! Actually let me emphasize by saying it matters a lot! Dear candidate, even though the company does not care about your dress code, I can assure you that a well dressed interviewee earns more points. The best thing to do is, finding out about the company’s culture and dress code. Then dress in uniformity with company culture and the job.

I remember a young lady who went for a nursing job interview, dressed like a nurse and the interview panel thought she was one of them. Believe me or not she was hired instantly- courtesy of dress!

• Punctuality: Make it your responsibility to arrive at least twenty minutes before the interview. This will help you relax and not to be tensed during the interview. It also gives the interviewers a sense of seriousness.
• Bring extra resumes or a portfolio. You can go an extra mile by putting them in folder labeled with the employer’s name.
• Greetings: Once you enter the interview room start by greetings, by this I mean formal greetings and with a smile of course!
• Listen: Observe your interviewer keenly, make eye contact and match that style and pace. Remember, not to talk too much. Skillfully let the interviewer know that you heard what was said.
• Be well prepared to answer common questions like -tell us about yourself, as well as difficult, behavioral and “illegal” interview questions.
• Good non-verbal communication: This is where most candidates fail, most probably they are tensed. Try to relax and be humorous- the interviewer wants to know you better, can you socialize with others? I remember we went for an interview and there was this gentleman who entered the interview room so confident. When asked the question- tell us about yourself, he mentioned his name and added the statement that he was single but not searching- the whole interview panel busted into laughter! This made an avenue for both parties to be friendly… and the outcome was obvious. Note, I do not mean you go saying that you are single…but don’t be too serious.
• Speak confidently and passionately. Showcase your knowledge and don’t be afraid to sell yourself and your fit with the job and department/division/organization.
• Ask questions: When asked if they have any questions, most candidates answer, "No." This is a very wrong answer. Even if you don’t think that you answered the interviewer correctly, take time to ask questions. This will help the interviewer know that you are serious as well as help you find out if this is the right place for you.

Before you leave the interview room, remember to thank the interviewer for their time and listening to you. Let the interviewer know that you really like the job and you were excited about it even before the interview.

You can also send an authentic thank you note after the interview. This will give you an edge over and above equally competent candidate who will not do so.