Tips to excel in your next interview

a group of people sitting at a table with a laptop
January 11, 2016

Whether you’re preparing to interview for your first professional position or you’re looking for a new one, the interview process is arguably the most important step in the job process. That said, there are a few easy things you can do to make sure you leave a strong impression with potential employers. Here are four of them:

1. Dress the part
One of the first ways to make a good impression with prospective employers is to look sharp when you walk through the door. When picking out what you’re going to wear on the big day, you should select formal business attire. Guys should be in a suit and tie. It’s probably a good idea to arrive with a clean-shaven face, too. Ladies can wear a blouse and skirt or a suit. Make sure you bathe the morning of your interview or the night before. The important part of your appearance is that it is acceptable in a professional workplace.

2. Bring your resume
During a lot of interviews, hiring managers will ask you questions about the experience you’ve listed on your resume. Bringing a copy of your resume to the interview itself will help you stay on the same page as your interviewer throughout the process. While you should know all about the information you’ve listed on your resume, it doesn’t hurt to have a hard copy to glance down at every once in a while. Don’t just bring one copy of your resume either. You won’t always know how many people are going to be in the room during your interview, but it’s a good idea to ensure they all have copies of your resume as well. Bring at least a handful of resumes to be prepared for group-interview scenarios.

3. Do your research
You should know all about the company you are interviewing with before you set foot in the office. Take the time before the day of your interview to research the company. In addition to learning about the company you’re interviewing with, it’s a good idea to be updated on relevant news in the industry. Interviewers are sure to be impressed with your knowledge about trends in your field.

4. Ask questions
Although you’re the one being interviewed, it’s a good idea to ask questions. A lot of interviews conclude with a segment like that, but if not, be sure you ask some questions before leaving the room. It shows you have a genuine interest in the company, which will go a long way in making you a stronger candidate for the position.