The primary purpose of a job interview is to uncover whether a candidate is the right person for the job. To do this, the interviewer tries to identify not just if you know your job but also whether you will fit the company’s culture well. Interviewers today are always on guard to look for answers that look way too rehearsed to say what the interviewer wants to hear.

 Top things that hiring managers look for in a candidate through an interview is his level of knowledge, source of motivation and a lot of details for anything that you say to back that up.

Here is a list of things that you absolutely must do to nail your interview:

1. Prepare to describe your unique strengths, your ability to work hard and dependability. All with concrete examples.
2. Admit your flaws when asked about weaknesses but also show what you are doing to correct them.
3. Know the company well. You should atleast be updated about the major players in their industry and what sets them apart from others.
4. Being frightened, worried or extremely nervous during the interview can indicate to the interviewer that you won’t be able to handle the rigors of the job. So think positively before your interview.

Now, onto the things that you definitely should not do, if you want the interviewer to consider you for the job:

1. Never be late for your interview. It gives out signals that you are irresponsible. It’s ideal to reach the destination 15 minutes early.
2. Don’t wear anything too tight or revealing. Strong perfumes are also very distracting. You should however always be formally dressed and smell fresh.
3. Do not interrupt or try to dominate the hiring manager as he speaks.

Checklist: Things to Keep

• 2 copies of your resume. The employer may take a copy or make references for you to explain in your resume.
• Pen and notepad. This shows that you are interested in being there.
• Directions of the destination and contact details of your point of contact

Moderating your pitch and answering questions

Not just what you say, but how you say it is important to determine your level of confidence and your competence to the interviewer.

It’s a good idea to match your tone according to the volume and pace of the interviewer. Relax your shoulders and keep your back straight to allow easy breathing. This will help you sound warm and smooth rather than nervous. However, make sure you do not try to answer questions in another voice than your own or you may risk clarity.

Another important thing to do is keep your sentences short and simple so that the interviewer is not lost in comprehension. If your hiring manager is confused about your performance there is greater chance of a negative outcome than a positive one. This also means that you shouldn’t trail off into silence while answering questions.

Listening during your interview; why important and tips to improve

Getting too caught up in what you should be saying can make you lose track of what actually the interviewer is asking. Effective listening helps you in catching all the non verbal and often involuntary messages from the body language of the interviewer. This is important for you to know if the interviewer is interested in your answer or is unpleased.  

Here are some tips on how to have a positive body language:

1. Get enough sleep before your interview so you can focus on what the interviewer is saying.
2. Do not fidget with your hands and turn your cell phone off completely.
3. Lean in slightly toward the interviewer and show interest and understanding through your facial expressions. Remember to maintain eye contact.

Finally, interviews are fast-paced processes. There is little time to think about anything else rather than the exact question that you have been asked to answer. So it is important that you practise both speaking and listening to be able to perform well in the actual day.