10 Top Tips for Landing the Job

An impressive resume with a long list of professional achievements can get you through the initial stages of the hiring process, but it's the interview that will make all the difference in the final stages. Don't let a less-than-perfect interview stand between you and your dream job. The following tips will help you land the job you've always wanted.

1. Research the organization

While preparing for an interview, conduct thorough research on company you want to work for. Visit their website and gather information about the kind of work they specialize in, their clients and their annual turnover rate. This way, when the interviewer questions you about your desire to work for the company (and they most certainly will), you can explain how your skills will be a valuable asset to their team.

2. Research your job profile

Besides educating yourself about the organization in general, you should also research the position you have applied for and the responsibilities it entails. Once you know what your interviewers are looking for, you can prepare your answers accordingly.

3. Know your resume

Though it's all there on paper, you can earn some extra brownie points by having your resume memorized so you can recite back your achievements off the top of your head. Thorough knowledge about your past projects will help leverage you as a talented candidate.

4. Be Specific

Once you get used to the interview process, you'll notice that there are often staple questions asked to every candidate. One of these questions relates to the qualities and achievements that make you well-suited for a particular job. While answering this question, try to avoid generalizations. Instead of making generic statements, like "I am devoted to excellence," support your response with concrete examples from past experience. This gives a better idea of the potential value you can bring to a company.

5. Be prepared for tough questions

Surprisingly enough, the toughest questions in an interview are typically not related to hard core skills or data; instead, they're often the broad questions that require a well-thought out answer. For instance, a question as generic as "Tell us something about yourself" can be immensely difficult to answer, but is key to gauging how well you articulate yourself. The key is to keep your answer simple and grounded. Start with a little background information about the place you come from and your education, then gradually move in a more professional direction.
Similarly, when asked about your strengths and weaknesses, try not to go overboard with either of them. Begin with a general statement, and narrow it down by offering examples. Once again, strike a balance between personal and professional information.

6. Dress professionally

When you hunt for information about the nature of an organization, also pull up some data about its work environment. Try to get an idea about what people wear to work on a normal day and dress accordingly. To err on the safe side, dress one notch above the general standard (i.e. if the dress code is semi-casual, stick to a slightly more professional outfit). Refrain from wearing loud jewelry, swanky watches or anything that attracts too much attention.

7. Build a rapport

From the moment you walk into an office, you are under constant scrutiny. During the course of the interview, you will be judged on a lot of parameters, including your body language and your general behavior. Establish eye contact with your interviewers, shake hands with them and smile gently as you enter the room. These seemingly trivial gestures can go a long way.

8. Conceal your nervousness 

While it's only natural to be a little edgy and nervous before an interview, try your best to conceal your nervousness. Certain actions, like fidgeting with objects or tapping your feet, can portray a lack of confidence. Avoid these consciously, and do your best to appear calm and confident.

9. Practice in front of a mirror

As was mentioned earlier, there are a set of staple questions that come up in a majority of interviews. Frame model answers for these questions with multiple examples, and read them aloud in front of a mirror. When you hear yourself talk, you will recognize your weak areas and improve on them gradually. This is also a great way to improve your body language.

10. Follow up promptly 

Immediately after the interview, send an email to your interviewers, thanking them for their time. Besides being a polite gesture, this is reflective of your strong communication skills. If you don't hear from them within a few days, send a follow up email and emphasize your interest in the job.
Keeping the above tips in mind, you're already well on your way to acing the next interview. Do your research, relax, and be yourself- your next job might be just around the corner!