Job Interview Tips to Help You Get Hired

Last Updated on June 3, 2024 by Michael

So, you’ve finally landed that job interview you’ve been dreaming of. Congratulations! Now, it’s time to prepare for the big day. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with these foolproof tips that will have you nailing that interview like a boss.

Dress to Impress (or at Least Not to Distress)

First things first, let’s talk about your outfit. You want to look professional, but not like you’re trying too hard. And definitely not like you just rolled out of bed and threw on the first thing you found on your bedroom floor.

Here are a few dos and don’ts:

• Do wear something that fits well and makes you feel confident. But don’t wear anything that’s too tight, too short, or too revealing. You want to be remembered for your qualifications, not your cleavage.
• Do make sure your clothes are clean and wrinkle-free. But don’t spend hours ironing your shirt only to spill coffee on it right before the interview. That’s just bad luck.
• Do wear comfortable shoes. But don’t wear your favorite pair of sneakers, even if they are the most comfortable shoes you own. Save those for your victory dance after you land the job.

Research the Company (aka Stalk Them on Social Media)

Before you walk into that interview, you better know everything there is to know about the company. And we mean everything. From their mission statement to their favorite office snacks, you should be an expert on all things [insert company name here].

Here are a few tips for researching the company:

• Check out their website and read everything you can find. And we mean everything. Even the fine print at the bottom of the page. You never know when that information might come in handy.
• Follow them on social media and engage with their posts. But don’t be a creeper and like every single post from the past five years. That’s just weird.
• Talk to people who work there or have worked there in the past. But don’t ask them for dirt on the company. That’s just bad form.

Prepare for Common Interview Questions (and Some Uncommon Ones Too)

You know those interview questions that everyone asks? The ones like “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” and “Where do you see yourself in five years?” Yeah, you better have some good answers prepared for those.

But don’t stop there. You should also be prepared for some curveball questions that might catch you off guard. Like “If you were a type of fruit, what would you be and why?” or “How many ping pong balls can fit in a Boeing 747?” (Yes, these are real questions that have been asked in interviews.)

Here are a few tips for preparing for interview questions:

• Practice your answers out loud. But don’t practice them so much that you sound like a robot. You want to sound natural and confident, not like you’ve memorized a script.
• Come up with some creative answers to those curveball questions. But don’t be too creative. Saying you’d be a durian fruit because you’re prickly on the outside but sweet on the inside might not be the best answer.
• Be honest. But don’t be too honest. Saying your biggest weakness is that you’re a perfectionist who works too hard is a bit of a cliché. Come up with something more original and authentic.

Arrive Early (but Not Too Early)

You know what they say, “If you’re on time, you’re late.” But if you’re too early, you might come across as desperate or annoying. So, what’s the sweet spot?

Here are a few tips for arriving at your interview:

• Aim to arrive about 10-15 minutes early. That gives you enough time to check in, use the restroom, and catch your breath before the interview starts.
• If you arrive too early, don’t just sit in the lobby twiddling your thumbs. Take a walk around the block or grab a coffee nearby. Just don’t be late because you were too busy exploring the neighborhood.
• If you’re running late, call ahead and let them know. But don’t make a habit of it. Punctuality is key.

Make a Good First Impression (aka Don’t Be a Weirdo)

You know what they say, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. So, make sure your first impression is a good one.

Here are a few tips for making a good first impression:

• Smile and make eye contact. But don’t stare them down like a creepy stalker. That’s just unsettling.
• Give a firm handshake. But don’t crush their hand like you’re trying to assert your dominance. And definitely don’t give them a dead fish handshake. That’s just gross.
• Be friendly and personable. But don’t overshare or get too personal. They don’t need to know about your recent breakup or your cat’s digestive issues.

Show Enthusiasm (but Not Too Much Enthusiasm)

Employers want to hire people who are excited about the job and the company. But there’s a fine line between enthusiasm and desperation.

Here are a few tips for showing enthusiasm:

• Ask questions about the job and the company. But don’t ask questions that you could easily find the answers to on their website. That just shows you didn’t do your research.
• Talk about why you’re interested in the position and what you can bring to the table. But don’t go overboard with the self-promotion. Confidence is good, but arrogance is not.
• Follow up after the interview with a thank-you note. But don’t send a novel-length email or a bouquet of flowers. Keep it short, sweet, and professional.

Be Yourself (but Like, the Best Version of Yourself)

At the end of the day, the most important thing is to be yourself. But like, the best version of yourself. The version that’s professional, confident, and likable.

Here are a few tips for being yourself:

• Don’t try to be someone you’re not. If you’re not a morning person, don’t pretend to be one. If you’re not a sports fan, don’t pretend to be one. Just be honest about who you are and what you’re looking for.
• Let your personality shine through. If you have a good sense of humor, use it (appropriately). If you’re passionate about something, talk about it. Employers want to hire real people, not robots.
• Don’t be afraid to admit your weaknesses or mistakes. But don’t dwell on them either. Show that you’ve learned from them and have grown as a result.

The Art of the Follow-Up (aka Don’t Ghost Them)

The interview may be over, but your work is not done. Now, it’s time to follow up and show them that you’re still interested in the position.

Here are a few tips for following up:

• Send a thank-you note within 24 hours of the interview. But don’t send a generic “thanks for your time” email. Personalize it and reference something specific from the interview.
• If you don’t hear back after a week or two, follow up with a polite email or phone call. But don’t be a pest. If they say they’re still considering candidates, respect that and give them some space.
• If you don’t get the job, don’t burn bridges. Thank them for the opportunity and ask for feedback on how you can improve for future interviews. You never know when another opportunity might come up.

What Not to Do (aka How to Royally Screw Up Your Interview)

Now that we’ve covered what to do, let’s talk about what not to do. These are the things that will guarantee you won’t get the job, no matter how qualified you are.

• Don’t show up late. Or worse, don’t show up at all. That’s just rude and unprofessional.
• Don’t badmouth your previous employer or coworkers. Even if they were the worst, keep it to yourself. Negativity is not a good look.
• Don’t lie or exaggerate on your resume or in the interview. Trust us, they will find out. And when they do, it won’t be pretty.
• Don’t bring up salary or benefits in the first interview. That’s like asking someone to marry you on the first date. Just don’t do it.
• Don’t be a know-it-all. Even if you are the smartest person in the room, nobody likes a showoff. Be humble and willing to learn.

The Moment of Truth (aka The Dreaded Salary Question)

Ah, the salary question. It’s the moment of truth in any job interview. How do you answer it without selling yourself short or pricing yourself out of the job?

Here are a few tips for navigating the salary question:

• Do your research beforehand. Know the market rate for the position and your experience level. But don’t just pull a number out of thin air. Be prepared to back it up with data.
• Don’t bring it up first. Let the interviewer bring it up. If they don’t, you can always ask about it at the end of the interview or in a follow-up email.
• Be honest about your salary expectations, but also be flexible. If the number they offer is lower than what you were hoping for, don’t be afraid to negotiate. But also be willing to compromise if necessary.
• Remember, salary isn’t everything. Consider the overall compensation package, including benefits, vacation time, and opportunities for growth and advancement. Sometimes, a lower salary with better benefits can be worth more in the long run.

The Final Countdown (aka The Waiting Game)

Congrats, you made it through the interview! Now comes the hard part: waiting to hear back. It can be tempting to refresh your email every five minutes or stalk the company’s social media for any signs of life. But resist the urge.

Here are a few tips for surviving the waiting game:

• Keep applying to other jobs. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Even if you think the interview went well, keep your options open.
• Stay busy. Don’t sit around moping and waiting for the phone to ring. Go out with friends, pick up a new hobby, or binge-watch that show you’ve been meaning to watch. Distract yourself.
• Be patient. The hiring process can take time, especially if they’re interviewing multiple candidates. Don’t assume the worst if you don’t hear back right away.
• If you do get the job, celebrate! Pop some champagne, do a happy dance, and get ready to start your new adventure.

The End (aka The Beginning)

And there you have it, folks. The ultimate guide to nailing your job interview and landing your dream job. Just remember, be yourself, do your research, and don’t be a weirdo. Oh, and don’t forget to wear pants. That’s important too.

Happy job hunting!