10 tips for a successful job interview

I have had the opportunity to make many interviews - and participate in some - throughout my career and I write with the objective of consolidating the points that, in my opinion, I consider essential for a successful job interview. Whether it is your first job at a startup coming out of college, or for a board position at a large multinational company, these tips will help you.

First of all, be clear about your goal: making a good impression on the interviewer and to convince him or her with your experience, knowledge and skills, that you are the right person for that position.

1.      Punctuality

-         Being on time is the first positive impression you can make at a job interview, it demonstrates that you manage your time wisely and care about respecting other people's time.

-          However, unforeseen events do occur, and if such is the case, call your interviewer as far in advance as possible to inform the situation.

2.      Personal presentation

-         If the first impression is punctuality, the second is  personal presentation. Being well presented and dressed according to the company’s culture is something that will contribute to a positive first impact.

-         Each company has its own dress code, which is part of the culture. As an example of extremes, it is not advisable to go to an interview at a Bank dressed up in T-shirts and jeans, just as it is probably not appropriate to go to an interview at a tech-start-up attired in suit and tie.

3.      Impeccable CV

-         Regardless of how many interviews you have already done for the same position, always bring a copy of your CV with you and ask if your interviewer wants it. Show that you are ready.

-         Writing about  how to compose a CV is theme to a whole article itself. However I just want to remind you that regardless of the type or format you choose for your CV, review it as much as necessary to ensure that there are no grammatical or format errors and no typos. No matter how qualified you are for a position, a CV with errors shows lack of preparation and attention.

4.      Introduction

-         Prepare a short introduction about your academic and professional background. Be succinct, the goal is not going into details about your experience or achievements, but to give an overview of your journey and who you are.

-         Remember that the interviewer is the one who should guide the interview in order to ask the necessary questions to evaluate you and your "fit" with the company and position. which brings us to the next point: how to structure your answers.

5.      Answers ought to be clear, concise, pragmatic and, when possible, measurable  

-         Remember that your goal is to keep your interviewer interested in your story by passing on relevant information from your experience, knowledge and skills.

-         Listen carefully to the questions and structure concise and objective answers, with clear and, when possible, measurable examples that verify your experience.

6.      Demonstrate interest for the company and position 

-         Search for relevant information about the company and the position for which you are applying. Look for recent and relevant issues (market data, new products, competitors) that help you understand the company's and position’s key challenges.

-         The interviewer will most likely ask if you know the company, use this opportunity to show that you prepared yourself. If he or she does not ask this question, do not worry, use your answers to demonstrate that you have done your homework and use the final questions (point 8) to reinforce that you are well prepared.

7.      Motivation 

-         Demonstrate that you are interested and energetic not only in the position you are applying to, but in everything you do.

-         Don't forget to talk about the companies and projects that you have worked in, especially  those that positively impacted in your life (what makes your eyes shine)- It is never too much to show passion and enthusiasm for what you do.

-         Clearly state the reasons why you are interested in the company and in the position you are applying to.

8.      Always, always, always ask your questions

-         This part of the interview, often underestimated, is nevertheless essential. It is another opportunity for you to stand out.

-          This moment has several objectives: shows that you are prepared and have interest in the position,  it also demonstrates interest in the company and that you are capable of asking important and relevant questions. If you do not ask questions, you may yet get an image of disinterest and unpreparedness.

-         Take this moment to deepen your knowledge about the company, the work environment, culture, etc. You can ask your interviewer what are the things that he or she likes the most and the least about the company, the current challenges or what he or she expects from the position.

9.      Be yourself 

-         The interview has a double objective, the company will examine your profile and you will examine the company’s profile.

-         Maintaining a good judgment and the general rules of an interview, do not be afraid to show who you really are. If you deliver a different picture of who you are, you will never be able to evaluate and be evaluated assertively.

10.  Preparation is essential

-         If you have to choose a tip to remember in the future after reading this text, I recommend choosing this one. Preparation is the secret to a successful job interview. From writing your CV, rehearsing how to tell your story in 5 minutes and choosing the most relevant points from your experience to preparing answers to potentially complicated questions, do not undervalue the need to be well prepared.

-         Rehearse, repeat for yourself, train with a friend or family member. Make sure you’re ready to convince the interviewer that you are the right person.

To finish, an exercise.

Were you well prepared at your last job interview? What could you have done differently? How could you had been better prepared?

I am sure that with this reflection alone, you will be better prepared for your next interview.