I’ve spent almost 10 years interviewing thousands of candidates and developed a blue print for NAILING your next interview, follow these steps and you will dramatically increase your chances.

1. Know the position you are applying for.

If you can get your hands on one, study the job description to truly understand what the company is looking for. If the job description calls for leading a team, tailor your answers accordingly. Knowing this, you can navigate the interview and discuss examples from previous jobs that will exemplify this trait. Do this for all significant traits or qualities that you identify in the job description. This is one of the easiest ways to nail your job interview.

2. Research the company you are interviewing with.

One of the best ways to nail your job interview is to study the company and its current activities. Knowing what projects and key clients they have with will help tailor your answers specific to their business needs. Doing so will also show the interviewer that you have done your homework, and also have a genuine interest in the position and the company. You should have minimum 3 great examples you know the company – year it was founded, who the directors are, company vision – they don’t have to be complex – just anything about them!

3. Study your CV and know it well.

As a candidate, you should know your resume like the back of your hand. In any job interview, anything on your resume could potentially be probed. It is your responsibility to convince the interviewer that you can come in and do the job. Speaking intelligently about each of your previous positions and how they relate to the role you’re interviewing for will give the employer confidence and comfort the have the right person. You should print a copy and take one with you, if you’re going through a recruitment consultant, ask for a copy they’ve sent to the client to ensure you’re singing off the same hymn sheet – gets awfully awkward very quickly if you’re not in tune!

4. Take an INTERVIEW TOOL KIT.

Being prepared for your interview is the best way to nail it. Putting together an “INTERVEW TOOL KIT” is a great job interview strategy. Not only will you want to have ample copies of your resume in your kit, but you can also include other items you will need like directions to the office, copy of the job description, company overview, current pr pen and a notepad. Put the copies of your resume in a neat folder and keep the other items in a small bag in your car.

5. Arrive 30 minutes before.

If you aim to be there 30 minutes before, you should have plenty of time. You wouldn’t turn up to a flight for that amazing holiday with minutes to spare, so why risk missing an interview that could change your life? You need to allow for traffic, getting lost, finding a park, finding the building and even more importantly gathering your thoughts. I suggest you have at least 10 minutes before walking in to gather your thoughts, read through your CV and summarise your key strengths.

6. Display your skills by ALWAYS giving examples.

The interviewer wants to know you are hardworking, but it’s hard for them to believe you unless you prove it. Tell a story of how you were hard working and instead of just saying it. Don’t leave it up to the imagination of the interviewer to figure out how. Don’t take it for granted – Rather, explain in detail and give a really great example to illustrate it. Two words after every answer, FOR EXAMPLE – I’m extremely reliable, for example I have not had a sick day in 30 years. You get the gist!?

7. Three Key Strengths.

You must know your strengths, even if you’re not the next Wolf of Wall Street that can sell ice to the Eskimos, you need to know your strengths. During your preparation work out what you’re most proud of, what you’re best at and what you’re known for delivering consistently. You would not believe the amount of people that stumble on this question, make sure it’s tattooed in your brain! Same goes for weakness, rather think about this as an area for improvement because everyone has one. Spin the negative into a positive, I don’t have experience on Microsoft Excel, although I wish to learn!

8. Build rapport.

You know the saying, “First impressions count” That holds very true in the case of job interviews. If you want to NAIL your job interview, you are going to know how to build rapport. You will create a great setting for your interview by greeting the interviewer with a firm handshake, making direct eye contact and a pleasant smile. You can also start off by asking how he or she is doing and or make a comment about the weather. Building rapport is crucial to any successful interview.

9. Be yourself.

No matter how badly you want the job, it you aren’t a good match, you aren’t a good match. Never try to be what you “think” the job require. Let your true self shine through and you’ll send off the positive energy you’ll need to ace your job interview. If you aren’t being true to yourself, the interviewer will sense your lack of authenticity right away.

10. Questions and Next step.

Always have two or three questions for them at the end, perhaps around career development, upcoming projects, the company vision or what makes them such a great company to work for. Don’t ask questions like how many hours, start and finish times or even money (especially in first stage interviews) unless they’ve asked you. Always remember, you’re interviewing the company just as much as they’re interviewing you, ask questions which give you a greater understand about whether the company is what you’re looking for. Always finish the interview by asking what the next step is and declare your keen interest and them and the opportunity. If you want it – show it!

Whilst there is no magic in securing a job, remember attitude is absolutely key – whilst you may not have all the necessary skills, with the right attitude you maybe well be given the chance – that chance could change your life.

Follow these steps, NAIL your next interview and secure the perfect job!

Source- www.eighty4recruitment.com