6 Steps to a Successful Job Interview

6 Steps to a Successful Job Interview

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1. Dress for success

This is especially important for in-person interviews, but even for virtual interviews, you should still be dressed appropriately – both top and bottom – and avoid looking like you just rolled out of bed or came home from the beach.

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2. Test your setup

The day before a virtual interview, test your setup and connection to avoid delays or technical issues. Test your camera view, clean up or blur your background, monitor your body language, project your voice (use a microphone/ headset for better audio), practice making eye contact by looking at the camera not the screen. Lastly, make sure you fully charge your devices.

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3. Research the company you are interviewing with

This is especially important for in-person interviews, but even for virtual interviews, you should still be dressed appropriately – both top and bottom – and avoid looking like you just rolled out of bed or came home from the beach.

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4. Prepare your elevator pitch

An elevator pitch is a clear, brief personal introduction. It communicates who you are, what you’re looking for and how you can benefit the company – all in about 30 seconds or less. Many hiring managers will start an interview with “Tell me a little bit about yourself” and this is where your pitch comes in.

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5. Practice common interview questions

Practice your answers to common questions such as “Why did you leave your previous position?” and “What are you looking for in your next role?” For behavioral interview questions – such as “Describe a time when you ran into conflict” – be prepared to answer using the STAR technique:

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5. Practice common interview questions

– Situation: Describe the event or situation. – Task: Explain the task  you had to complete. – Action: Describe the action you took to complete the task. – Result: Describe the result of your efforts.

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6. Be authentic

Practice and preparation may help you have a successful interview, but it's best to act like yourself when you meet with your interviewer. Be positive, assertive and confident, but also remain candid and concise in what you say. Focus on telling the truth when answering questions, using real-world examples from your career.

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