A positive job interview can be characterized as performing and articulating precise details during the interview process that sets you apart and lands you the job!

To stand out, rather than to think outside the box, this is the time to think like there is no box.

The secret to a successful interview begins with these three steps:

• Comprehensively research the company prior to the interview.

The preliminary step in laying the groundwork to the superlative job interview is to research and find everything you can on the business you will be interviewing with.  Carefully examine the job’s description… exactly what are they really looking for in an employee?  Do you meet or exceed their requirements? Begin to compose good notes and review them often. Well prepared notes will also equip you for a pre-screening phone interview if there is one.

You can never do too much research regarding the position, duties, its place in the company’s culture, and most importantly – its role in achieving the company’s mission.  To that end, ensure you know and fully understand the company’s mission statement because it is probably one of the most significant items in learning a company’s culture.  Is the company numbers driven?  Or, are they customer fulfillment driven?  Familiarizing yourself with the company’s culture might also include checking to see if they display a diversity statement.  A company that visibly presents a diversity statement is one that respectfully maintains that they do not discriminate against job candidates during the employment process and fully embrace a diversely rich workforce.

•  Prepare for the interview by taking part in one or more mock interviews comprised of questions you envisage you may be asked during the interview;

When preparing to take part in one or more “mock” interviews, make the interview experience as practicable as possible. Dress and equip yourself as though you are going to a “real in-person” interview, including bringing your up-to-date portfolio information and multiple copies of your updated resume.  Ensure that your “pseudo” interviewer asks you at least 20 of the most common behavioral interview questions.   If possible, have someone record your practice interview so that you can review and hear how you perform, look, and sound.  Do you give the impression of being composed, or do you look ill at ease?  If you feel you appear uncomfortable or self-conscious, start the simulated interview over and try smiling (yes, a fleeting smile can help alleviate anxiety).

And finally:

• Develop answers to the questions asked which clearly articulate why you should be the interviewer’s candidate of preference.

You will soon become aware that the more you practice the less distraught you will be for the actual interview. Fine-tune your vocal tones as you answer the mock interviewer’s questions. Rehearse and ascertain how to modulate your voice to place emphasis and enthusiasm on noteworthy information you want to express to the employer in the course of the interview, and endeavor to speak in a lower, measured intonation in other portions of the interview. Once the interviewer has ended their portion of the interview and asked if you have any questions for them, have several well developed questions to pose to them regarding the job or the company – but don’t fail to remember that salary and benefits is a segment of a subsequent future interview and is not broached in the “initial interview” unless brought up by the employer.

Finally, end each and every interview with a solid handshake and a genuine smile.

Superlative job interview accomplished!

Picture Source: Adobe Stock