Job interviews are crucial moments in anyone’s career. They represent an opportunity to showcase your qualities, skills, and potential to contribute to the company. However, success in an interview involves more than simply answering questions well; it involves a series of behaviors that can make a good (or bad) impression. In this article, we’ll explore what you should do—and what you should avoid—to ensure that your job interview is a true success.
What to Do: Essential Behaviors for Success
1. Search the Company and the Job
One of the first steps to preparing for a job interview is to research the company and the position you’re applying for. This includes understanding the company’s mission, values, organizational culture, products or services offered, and the latest news about the company. Additionally, it’s important to be familiar with the responsibilities of the position you’re interviewing for. Not only will this show that you’re genuinely interested in the opportunity, but it will also help you tailor your answers to align your skills and experience with the company’s needs.
2. Practice Authenticity and Transparency
During the interview, be yourself. Recruiters value authenticity and can quickly spot when a candidate is trying to be something they are not. Be transparent about your skills, experience, and expectations. If there are any gaps in your resume or skills you lack, explain them honestly and demonstrate your willingness to learn and grow in the role. Transparency builds trust and can be a competitive advantage.
3. Show Interest and Proactivity
Show interest in the position and the company from the beginning. Ask relevant questions about the role, the challenges you will face, and the company’s expectations. Be proactive by mentioning how you can add value to the team and help achieve the organization’s goals. This shows that you are not only interested in the position, but also in contributing to the company’s growth.
4. Maintain Positive Posture and Body Language
How you physically carry yourself during the interview is just as important as what you say. Stand up straight, make eye contact, smile naturally, and use open gestures to demonstrate confidence and openness. Avoid crossing your arms, as this can indicate defensiveness, and maintain a friendly and approachable demeanor throughout the interview. Positive body language is key to creating a comfortable and trusting environment.
5. Listen Carefully and Respond Objectively
A job interview is a dialogue, not a monologue. Listen carefully to what the recruiter is saying, show that you value what he or she has to say, and avoid interrupting. When it is your turn to speak, respond directly and objectively, focusing on your qualifications and how they apply to the position. Avoid overly long answers and get straight to the point, without beating around the bush.
6. Prepare to Share Your Experiences with Concrete Examples
Be prepared to talk about your past experiences using specific examples that demonstrate your skills and accomplishments. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to structure your answers. This approach helps you tell stories clearly and logically, demonstrating your value as a professional and your ability to solve problems and achieve results.
7. Give Thanks and Show Appreciation for the Opportunity
At the end of the interview, thank the recruiter for the opportunity to participate in the selection process. Reinforce your interest in the position and ask about next steps. A simple “thank you” and a thank you email sent a few hours after the interview can go a long way, demonstrating your professionalism and consideration for the recruiter’s time.
What to Avoid: Behaviors That Can Compromise Your Interview
1. Arriving Late or Unprepared
Arriving late for an interview is one of the most common and serious mistakes you can make. It shows a lack of commitment and disorganization. Plan to arrive at the interview location at least 10 to 15 minutes early. Also, never show up for an interview without first researching the company and the position. A lack of preparation is easily noticed by the recruiter and can hurt your chances of being hired.
2. Badmouthing Previous Jobs
Avoid badmouthing previous employers, bosses, or coworkers at all costs. This can make you seem disloyal, immature, or incapable of handling conflict professionally. Instead, focus on how each past experience helped you grow and develop your skills, even if it was a challenging environment.
3. Lying or Exaggerating Your Abilities
Lying about your qualifications or exaggerating your skills may seem like a good idea to impress a recruiter, but in practice, it can be a big risk. Most companies conduct background and reference checks, and any lies that are discovered can result in immediate disqualification. Additionally, if you are hired based on false information, you may not be able to meet the company’s expectations, which could lead to early dismissal.
4. Being Vague or Incoherent in Your Answers
Vague or incoherent answers can suggest a lack of preparation or self-awareness. When a recruiter asks a question, they expect to hear specific examples that demonstrate your skills and experience. Answer clearly and, whenever possible, provide concrete examples to illustrate your answers.
5. Showing Desperation or Overconfidence
While it’s important to show enthusiasm for the position, avoid appearing desperate or overly confident. Recruiters prefer candidates who are motivated by the opportunity to contribute to the company, rather than those who appear desperate for any job. Likewise, avoid overconfidence, as this can come across as arrogant.
Conclusion
Your behavior during a job interview can make all the difference between getting the job you want or not. Knowing what to do and what to avoid is essential to impress recruiters and increase your chances of success. Be authentic, show interest, prepare yourself properly, and maintain a positive attitude. By following these steps, you will be closer to landing the position you desire.
