Job interviews aren’t the best experiences, especially with those robotic hiring managers. It’s like there’s a school of ‘How to keep a poker face during an interview’ made for them. But, even if your nerves are near boiling point, you need to ace the job interview and walk away satisfied.

 

Not everyone gets the job of their dreams, but some do. What separates the chaff from the wheat?

 

The key is in how you prepare for the job interview. If you aren’t prepared to ace it, then you are certainly prepared to fail it. Most people don’t need to master all the cheat tips because they’ve already paved their way to success. Through early preparation and experience, they can walk into any interview room and exit with the job bagged. You too can become a mastermind of nailing interviews by learning simple ways of acing them. The goal is to get the job and not to jump from one interview to the other, so we hope you’ll only need these tips once. Good luck!

 

While you’re at it, you can also check out the eight interview mistakes to avoid making.

 

Cheat tips to acing a job interview

1. Connect with your interviewer

One misconception people get about interviews is that they have to be serious. The fact that it is serious business doesn’t mean you should be emotionless. You could hurt your chances of getting the job if you lose all your personality. A stone-cold stare is okay for the hiring manager (they’re wired that way). But you need to show you’re more than the resume. Men are more guilty of doing this – giving the squint-eyed suspicious glare and being emotionless. They believe that shows seriousness, but employers really just want to know you besides the resume. This is a silent request from them, even if you they give you the stone-faced stare.

 

 

2. Do your research to boost your confidence

Certainly, you’ve observed that you feel more confident when you talk about a familiar topic. The same thing applies to a job interview. You need to do your research on the company as well as the role you’re applying for. Knowing what they want will help you to be who they want. This way, you would anticipate the questions asked even before they are uttered. Also, you can stalk the interviewers online, if you know them.

 

3. Practice makes perfect

How right is this? By practising an elevator pitch, you can elaborate on why your background and skills are perfect for the job. You would be able to control your voice, tone and the manner of speech. Your confidence level will reach its peak. However, be careful not to exceed its limit and come off as an egotistical person.

 

4. Firm handshake

Shaking hands is a global way of greeting. There’s nothing like a firm handshake to reveal your confidence, even if it’s nonexistent. When you meet the interviewer, shake their hand firmly and be certain your hands aren’t sweaty. While shaking, maintain eye contact and smile with your lips and eyes. Doing this reveals both confidence and warmth.

 

5. Compliment the company

Complimenting the company and not the person is more preferred in this situation. You don’t want to take any chances of offending the person in your act of trying to be ‘nice’. The safe thing to say is, “I appreciate the opportunity to meet with you.” Then you can pay the company a compliment by saying, “I’ve always admired your company and its reputation for supporting social causes.” Then, ask, “How are you today?” By saying these words, you’ve established yourself as a polite, appreciative, articulate and warm person. You’ve made a good first impression and will likely get a smile out of the hiring manager.

 

6. Show some personality

Try to be enthusiastic, excited, assertive, confident and in control when answering questions. Aim to be believable in everything you say, and try not to lie while you’re at it. The safest emotion is a genuine one. Therefore, reveal genuine human emotions and some personality that prove you’re more than the resume.

 

7. Watch your body language

While you should watch the words you use (e.g damn, sh*t, etc), you should also watch your body language. Even if you’re exhausted or bored, don’t let it show. That’s one emotion you need to bury for now. Don’t scowl, squirm in your seat, cross your arms, point your figure in their face or incessantly tap your foot.

 

8. Open-ended questions

When asked a question, they want to hear more than a yes or a no. By watching their facial expression and body language, you will be able to tell when you’re talking too much or not enough. The same thing applies when you ask a question. Try not to ask a yes and no question; make it open-ended. For example, “What made you decide to work here?” or “Why is this job open?”

 

9. Assertiveness

When the hiring manager is talking, try to maintain reasonable eye contact or nod. Doing this shows you’re listening.

 

10. Follow-up with a thank you

Now that you’re done with the hardest part, don’t forget to say thank you. Failing at this can ruin your chances of getting the job. So, remember to express gratitude after your interview, you can also send a follow-up “Thank you” mail after that. Doing that could make you ace the interview, but lose your chances by forgetting to say, “Thank you.”

 

Practice these tips before your job interview and prepare to ace it. It’s not rocket science; it’s just the right communication skills.