Given below are ten tips from job search and career gurus to ensure that you will be able to wow your interviewer from the moment you step in:
A non-sweaty, firm handshake, nice smile and eye contact will make you appear likeable. Employers mostly hire people that seem likeable.
Be prepared to indulge in small talk. This will help you break the ice. It will also put everyone at ease while showing your abilities of making conversation with executives, coworkers and potential clients.
Be prepared to show that you know quite a lot about the firm as well as the person interviewing you.
Don't sit down or take a head of the table unless you are asked to do so. This will demonstrate that you know how to behave in such professional situations.
Open the conversation with a few penetrating questions which prove that you have done your homework well on the organization, the position, industry, competition and the department.
Practice answers to a few commonly asked questions so you would come across as someone who is well-prepared and confident.
If you are asked to tell something about yourself, ensure that your answer makes sense professionally. For example, telling the interviewer about your weekend activities and family would not be the right approach. Simply focus on the work areas in
which you are productive and most effective.
Ask questions which will make you appear interesting. Leave your interviewers wanting more by adding valuable, quality content to the conversation.
Follow the interviewer's body language. If the interviewer is leaning forward, try to do the same. This will build a rapport with him/her on the subconscious level and provide a deeper connection.
An interview strategy must also include some type of proof that you have been able to complete various job related tasks successfully. The best way to do that is to combine a specific example with strength you possess to show the interviewer that you have accomplished tasks in the past. Accomplishments can be quantified by using dollars, percentages and numbers where possible.
