Ace your job interview
25 July 2019
You applied for the job, have been shortlisted and now you have been invited to an interview. As you start preparing for the big day, it is important to know what to do and what not to do and say in the interview.
We have previously covered how you can make a good impression at an interview. Now, we are going to look at what you should say in your job interview.
These tips are designed to help you to say the right things and therefore to make a good impression during your interview. You don’t need to say each and every phrase in a robotic manner, only say them when it makes sense.
Never forget to mention and show that you have researched and know the company well, as well as taking any opportunity to highlight why you are the right person for the job. A positive attitude will make you a welcoming person in the eyes of the interviewer. The aim is to make a good lasting impression on the interviewer, by proving yourself as a professional, polite and conscientious person.
Below are some guidelines that you should follow in an interview:
- Be familiar with the company
In your interview make sure to let the interviewer know that you have taken the time to research the company and its current projects and activities through bringing this into a discussion. You can gather the information from multiple channels, such as their company website, social media and articles.
- Have the right experience
It is important to demonstrate your worth to the employer during the interview. You have the opportunity to prove that you have the correct skills and experience for the job. Talk about your experience and the results of the projects that you have been involved in.
- Be a team-oriented
During the interview discuss how you are a team player and thrive when working in a team. This is one of the most important qualities that employers are looking for. Give examples on your previous roles in various teams and how you contributed to the team succeeding.
- Be adaptable
Employers want to know that their staff are adaptable to an ever-changing working environment. Talk about how you are flexible and excited to learn and grow as the role grows and changes.
- Be motivated
When you mention the word ‘motivated’ it means that you have the desire to make the company perform well and that you will be a productive worker. By saying that you would be excited to join the company, it gives the opinion to the employer that you are a positive person who is dedicated to getting the job and would be an asset to the company.
- Have a plan
Employers are interested in knowing how you will be able to add value to the company while performing the roles required and implementing your ideas. During an interview you will often be asked what your five-year and a ten-year plan is. Be sure to have answers already prepared to these questions before you start your interview. Employers want to see that people have the ability to make short, medium and long-term plans and whether the company features in these plans.
- Long-term plans
Training new staff members takes a great deal of time and investment by the employer. When interviewing potential staff, interviewers are looking for people that are looking to stay at the company for many years. The interviewer will therefore be looking for someone who is looking to establish a career at the company, not someone who is just going to use the job as a stepping stone for something else. Be sure to mention that you are looking to build your career at the company and include some long-term plans that include the company in your discussion.
In addition to these general headlines, there are also some specific phrases that you can use in the interview. Remember these are recommended phrases that should only be used in the correct conversational context.
- Start the interview with a greeting
Saying greetings such as; “how are you today” or “pleased to meet you” will define your positive attitude to the interviewer and will show your confidence and assertiveness.
- Thank the interviewer
Don’t forget to thank the interviewer for his/her time and the opportunity to be interviewed. It shows that you are a humble and down to earth person.
- You have researched the company
Convey that you have information about the role and the company. Tell them that “I have done a great deal of research and I am willing to learn more from you.” It shows that you are a hard worker and dedicated.
- Explain why you are a good fit
It is always beneficial to mention that you believe that you are an ideal fit for the job by saying that “I have thoroughly considered the job description and it is aligned with my qualifications and experiences. I am looking forward to letting you know more about me and why I would suit this role.”
- Explain how you will contribute to the company
An interview provides the platform and opportunity for you to tell the interviewer about yourself and how you performed and added value to previous companies and roles. Include how you are hoping to be able to work hard and add value to their company.
- A team player
Demonstrate to the interviewer that you are a team player by saying “being a people’s person and working well with others is one of my strengths”.
- Convey that you are not scared to further develop and grow your skills
Mention during the interview that you are always seeking to further develop yourself and your skills. If you have taken any courses or studied any books to sharpen your work or life skills in the field, make sure that you mention them. Employers like employees who invest in bettering themselves.
- Mention that you really want the job
It is important to tell the employers that you really want the job and why. One way to say this is; “I would love to work here because [give reasons]”.
- Convey that you are ready
You have to convey the message that the job is a great fit to your personality and you are ready to take the next step. Ask them to let you know if they need anything else from you.
- Thanks again
After the interview, don’t forget to thank the interviewer again for taking the time to meet and chat with you.
These statements will help you to flaunt your personality to the employer. Your talents, skills, positive attitude and qualifications are just some of the things that will help you to get the job. Moreover, be confident of who you are and always be realistic. Keep in mind that by being invited to the interview, you have already been shortlisted and the company can already see some potential in you.
For more tips on how to find and secure your dream job, register for the Work Essentials online course. Click HERE to register.