A job interview can truly be taxing on any given individual – especially if it is your dream job and you have been waiting for quite some time to secure an interview. Even for experienced and seasoned individual’s, a job interview can be very stressful. Whether you have secured an interview by applying yourself, or applied for a direct hire employment program, nervousness and being unsure about yourself is very common.

Even the most qualified individuals find difficulty in answering basic questions in an interview, and this article will guide you regarding certain tips and tricks that will surely help you succeed in your job interview:

1.             Dress well

Earlier, dressing for an interview used to be very simple – a formal suit with a tie, and you would be good to go. However, as company culture has evolved, it is necessary that you dress according to the workplace culture of the firm you are visiting. If the company culture is relaxed and employees have no dress-code whatsoever, you should appear in a semi-casual dressing. However, if company culture is bureaucratic and formal, you should dress formally. You should also make an effort to search for the company’s dress code and grooming policies before showing up for your interview.

2.             You need to work on your non-verbal communication

Individuals who practice religiously their verbal communication skills, often overlook or disregard the importance of non-verbal communication. The way you shake your hand, whether or not you make eye-contact, your posture, the movement of your hands – all of this and more conveys something or the other about your personality. Make sure that you do not move your hands too much during the interview, and that you make eye contact with your interviewer. Your non-verbal communication should exude confidence and make them feel that you are truly in your comfort zone.

3.             Make sure to answer all questions

Often in an interview, when we find ourselves face to face with a question we are unsure about how to answer, we tend to beat about the bush and ignore the question to our best capabilities. However, interviewers are very smart in this regard, and catch your slyness in a matter of seconds. Instead of beating about the bush, you should ensure that you answer all the questions in the interview to the best of your abilities. If you do not know the answer to a question, or need a minute to think of a response, be honest about it with your interviewer.

4.             Ask questions

Individuals who ask questions at the end of the interview about company culture, operations or about absolutely anything, make a conscious effort to interact with their interviewer. Such individuals have a higher chance of succeeding in their interview. This is because this demonstrates their interest in the company, and interviewers take such questions graciously. Individuals who do not ask any questions at the end of the interview may risk appearing too stuck up or disinterested in the organization.

5.             Practice makes perfect

While this is a pretty clichéd advice, individuals should make sure that they practice common interview questions before every interview. Why do they want to work in this company? What is their motivation? What are their career goals? etc. are some of the questions they are likely to be asked during the interview, and hence they should prepare for them well in advance. Another common question that almost all interviewers ask is about the strengths and weaknesses of their interviewee. Instead of giving textbook answers, try to be creative and honest, as companies value honesty. If you have any weaknesses, you should also demonstrate a motivation to change and work on yourself.

6.             Don’t talk a lot

Individuals often get nervous during interviews and keep blabbering non stop when asked about a topic they are comfortable with. This is a fatal mistake and by doing so you could risk losing your interviewer’s interest and confidence both. While it is not encouraged that you hold back either, you should obtain a balance between saying what’s required and omitting unnecessary information.

Preparing for a job interview is not as most individuals think it is. The only requirement is for you to be confident and clear your mind of any distractions before beginning your preparations.