These 17 Tips Will Help Turn Your Job Interview Into a Job Offer

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Many job applicants dread the job interview process, this might be as a result of their past experiences during their previous interviews or their failure to turn these job interviews into a job offer.

Some have also complained of the methods being used in this job interview by human resource managers. However, with all these challenges surrounding the job interview process, you can make your next job interview your last one by landing a job offer. This article contains tips to help you excel.

What is a Job Interview
Types of Interview
What is a Job Offer
How to Turn a Job Interview Into a Job Offer
What to Talk About in a Job Interview to Make You Standout
How to Keep in Touch with a Potential Employer
Top 10 Interview Questions
Interview Tips for Students
Job Interview Preparation
Interviewing Tips for Interviewers
How to Attract The Right Job
How to Close an Interview
Why Should We Hire You? Here is The Answer
A Simple Formula For Answering “Tell me About Yourself”
What Are The Common Interview Mistakes
Should You Accept a Job Offer Immediately?
What Are Some Good Signs You Got The Job
How Long Does a Good Interview Last
17 Job Interview Tips

What is a Job Interview

A job interview is a process where an employer asks you questions about your career, personality and life and you answer honestly while trying to impress them. Easy, right? Not really – job interviews can be really stressful.

However, if you prepare properly for your job interview – and it really is easy to do(!) – then you can get rid of the nerves and show your interviewer why they MUST hire you. And so our interview advice is designed to get your job interview ready.

Types of Interview

The more you know about the style of the interview, the better you can prepare.

The Telephone Interview

Often companies request an initial telephone interview before inviting you in for a face to face meeting in order to get a better understanding of the type of candidate you are. The one benefit of this is that you can have your notes out in front of you. You should do just as much preparation as you would for a face to face interview, and remember that your first impression is vital. Some people are better meeting in person than on the phone, so make sure that you speak confidently, with good pace and try to answer all the questions that are asked.

The Face-to-Face Interview

This can be a meeting between you and one member of staff or even two members.

The Panel Interview

These interviews involve a number of people sitting as a panel with one as chairperson. This type of interview is popular within the public sector.

The Group Interview

Several candidates are present at this type of interview. You will be asked to interact with each other by usually a group discussion. You might even be given a task to do as a team, so make sure you speak up and give your opinion.

The Sequential Interview

These are several interviews in turn with a different interviewer each time. Usually, each interviewer asks questions to test different sets of competencies. However, if you are asked the same questions, just make sure you answer each one as fully as the previous time.

The Lunch / Dinner Interview

This type of interview gives the employer a chance to assess your communication and interpersonal skills as well as your table manners! So make sure you order wisely (no spaghetti bolognese) and make sure you don’t spill your drink (non-alcoholic of course!).

All these types of interviews can take on different question formats, so once you’ve checked with your potential employer which type of interview you’ll be attending, get preparing.

What is a Job Offer

A job offer is an invitation for a potential employee, whether she has applied for a job or not, to become an employee in your organization. The job offer contains the details of your employment offer.

It generally sketches out the terms and conditions under which the employment is offered to the prospective employee. This includes salary, benefits, job responsibilities, and the reporting manager’s name and title.

The job offer also can cover the expected work hours, the desired start date, and provide additional details that are important for the prospective employee to know.

A verbal job offer usually involves telling the candidate that the offer includes all of the standard employee benefits that likely were reviewed with the prospect during on-site job interviews.

When making an offer, affirm that the prospect will make an excellent addition to the team. It is the continuation of efforts to make a potential new employee feel valued and wanted from the start of his employment.

Contents of a Job Offer

While a verbal job offer may address the details of the job in broad strokes, a job offer letter also should be provided to address the finer points. This includes the pay, bonus potential, standard employee benefits, the job title of the position you are offering, the name of the supervisor of the position, and other terms and conditions of employment.

The prospective employee needs to review the terms stated in the job offer and accept or decline. They should sign the job offer to make the hiring and the terms official.

How to Turn a Job Interview Into a Job Offer

Truly, some job interviews can be very tough that you doubt whether you can even land the job. But here is an encouraging point, the fact that you have been invited in for a job interview simply means you have the skills and qualifications required to fill the position.

Whether you are offered that position or not will depend on 3 key things all employers ask themselves:

Do you solve a problem we have?
Are you able to prevent future problems?
Do we want to work with you?

You need to think about these 3 things as you work your way through the 8 key steps listed below.

By the time you reach step number 8 you need to have convinced the interviewer that you can solve the work problem they have, prevent future issues arising and are going to ‘fit in’ really well as part of their team.

Research Carefully

The first step in preparing for any job interview is to do your homework. You need to thoroughly research the company you are interviewing with. Make sure you do the following:

Look at their website, blog, social assets, mission statement, financial disclosures and press releases.
Speak anyone you know who has worked for the company and gain a good understand of their culture and work style.
Go over the job description carefully. Look for the key problems and pain points that exist in the role.

Let’s take for example you may be applying for a role in Trade Marketing and you know the trade spend levels the company operates at are way too high and a huge issue for the company.

Make sure you use an example in your interview answers that highlights how you have negotiated lower trade spends amongst some key customers for other companies. This addresses their specific issue, making you a much more desirable candidate.

Prepare Work Examples

Before you can begin practicing interview answers you need to spend a bit of time gathering together all your work examples. Look for examples that address the needs of the role you are applying for and any experiences you have had that could enhance the new role or prevent future issues.

For example, you may have SEO experience in your current role and the company you are applying to has a weak digital presence. Your skills then become more valuable going forward.

Don’t be afraid to talk about the problems in your current role and how you have addressed these issues. Chances are the same problems exist for the role you are applying to and you will be doing yourself a huge favour by showing the employer you can deal with them.

Practise Job Interview Answers

This cannot be stressed enough. Practise, practise, practise. Ask a good friend to do some mock interviews with you. Pay attention to your answers, the confidence in your voice, your body language and more.

Dress Well

There has been much discussion about whether you should wear a business suit to a job interview or dress for the job. Some human resources expert tend to think that the business suit is a safer choice but download the FREE eBook – How to Dress for An Interview here and make your own decision. Either way you need to look clean, professional and well groomed.

Arrive Early

Too easy, arrive about 10-15 minutes early but no earlier than that. You want to look sharp and attentive not desperate.

Confident and likeable

The truth is employers hire people they want to work with even if those people are not the most qualified applicants for the job. That means even if you have less experience that the other candidates you may well end up with the role if you are more confident and more likeable than the others.

First impressions are everything so make sure you start strong. Interviewers have developed an opinion about you in the first 10 seconds and made up their mind about you in the first 10 minutes.

Start confident, have a firm handshake, use positive body language, smile and be polite. You should also see if you have anything in common with the interviewer and use that to your advantage.

Close the deal

When the job interview draws to a close, shake hands confidently, thank the interviewer for their time and ask about what their next steps are. Don’t be afraid to subtly ask for the job.

End with a statement of support like…I was very excited about this opportunity and now that I have had a chance to speak with you I am even more convinced this would be a wonderful opportunity for me and that I would be a great candidate for this role. I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Follow Up

After the interview, take a few minutes to write a thank you note or email for the employer. Thank them for their time, re affirm your interest in the role and re cap your key skills that answer why you could solve a problem for the company or prevent future problems from occurring.

What to Talk About in a Job Interview to Make You Standout

Talk about more than just what’s on your resume

The interview is your chance to shine. Your interviewer has already looked over your resume, so they know the basics. When they ask you to talk about your work history, that’s when you can elaborate and give more details about your accomplishments.

Highlight the parts of your current job that you excel at and any major achievements you’ve had. If you’re transitioning into a new field, use the time to explain how your current experience ties in to the job you’re interviewing for.

Ask the right questions

The interview is just as much of an opportunity for you to get to know the company as it is for them to get to know you. Don’t wait until the end to ask questions. Not only does asking questions help you get to know more about the company, it shows that you’re interested in the opportunity.

Some of the best questions to ask are follow ups to something you’ve been asked in the interview. That shows that you’re eager to learn more and have a genuine interest in the company.

Asking questions helps you get a better feel for the company culture. Ask your interviewer what they like most about working for the company. Have them describe a time when people came together to solve a problem.

If there are aspects of a working environment that are important to you, this is your time to ask about them. Avoid questions about perks and time off – those questions should come later.

Don’t tell them what you think they want to hear

Interviewers know when people are simply telling them what they think they should say. Be yourself in the interview. After all, that’s what made them interested in the first place. You don’t want to seem like you’re just rattling off well-rehearsed answers. Over rehearsed answers can come off as impassionate or disinterested.

Show how you’ll add value

Show the interviewer how you’d add value as an employee. While the interview format is usually rather cut and dry, your answers shouldn’t be. Elaborate on the questions that you’re asked. There’s the usual set of hypothetical questions where you’re asked ‘what would you do if…’

Go into as much detail as possible with your answers and take it one step further than the basics. Do some research beforehand and answer the hypothetical question with a situation relevant to the company and/or industry.

Make sure your speech matches your appearance

You’re in a professional setting, you’ve dressed professionally, you’ve prepared a professional resume. Your language needs to match this. Speak clearly and confidently.

Remember that the interviewer is your next potential employer, so maintain a level of professionalism in your language. The level of formality will vary by company, but professionalism is important whether you’re applying for a corporate job or a startup.

Know that your body language speaks too

Body language, proper posture, and maintaining eye contact are critical in making a good impression. You can have the most fantastic idea, but if you’re slumping in your chair when you’re delivering it, it won’t have the same impact.

Sit upright in your chair and look the interviewer in the eyes when you’re speaking. Make sure you’re not crossing your arms or fidgeting with your hands. Plus, having good posture actually makes you feel more confident.

How to Keep in Touch with a Potential Employer

Your job Interview might come out positive, but what then you hear the popular saying “We will get back to you”, how do you handle such a situation? Keeping in touch with a potential employer might be all you need to landing yourself the job. Find some tips below.

1. Ask yourself why you’re getting in contact: If it is just to say, “have you got any jobs that are suitable for me?” then we would advise you pause and reflect. Have a look back in your outbox to see when you sent your last email and try to be more specific with your query.

Have a look at their website and see if there are any roles that you think will suit you, then ask if they had considered you for the role. Remember to reattach your CV: you may be a stand out candidate, but they won’t be able to remember every detail off the top of their head

Also consider what response you got from the employer last time you got in touch – if you got a reply at all. Make your next communication relevant to their response. Check for a timescale – if it is has been around two and you think it’s reasonable to chase for a response again then do so. But remember to draw a line at one follow-up email.

2. Has anything changed since you last got in touch? If you’ve done some additional volunteering, gained a new qualification, completed some training or even had a new job in the interim – send across your updated CV. But make sure any changes are relevant to your career aspirations.

3. If you are waiting for a communication from the hirer: For instance, if you’re waiting for an interview confirmation or offer letter, then keep in contact. It’s best to keep your contact light but regular and make sure you get the tone right – eager and excited is always much better than desperate and frustrated.

If your email has not solicited a response, why not pick up the phone? The tone of an email can be easily misconstrued and it is far easier to ask the question “when will I receive the offer in writing?” over the phone, than to ask for it via email. Email is easiest, but not always the best, channel of communication.

4. If you are waiting on feedback from an interview: Make sure you agree at the interview stage when you can next hope to hear from the potential employer and if you don’t hear from them in that time frame, follow up. Again although email is most accessible, a more direct approach is advised. A quick phone call can take only minutes but might be the thing that pushes the decision in your favour.

Controlling the contact you have with prospective employees is important, so make sure it is timely and relevant.

And one final piece of advice: never, ever make contact with a potential employee with a BCC email that makes contact with all prospective employees. Make your approach is personal, relevant and tailored to the individual employer you are communicating with.

Interview Tips for Students

1) Create a Portfolio

You don’t need to be a visual arts student to have a portfolio. Even commerce students should bring a portfolio to a job interview. A portfolio can range from a website, to a blog, to a binder with your work examples. In other words, a portfolio is proof that you know what you say you know. Use this to your advantage!

2) Research the Job, Interviewer, Organization, and Industry

Before arriving to the interview, research the job so you can say why you are fit for the position. Likewise, you should research the interviewer to see what kind of experience they have within the company. Finally, it is important to research the organization and the industry. This is important as you must have the knowledge to answer any questions about the two.

3) Prepare Answers to Commonly Asked Questions

Tell me about yourself? Why do you want to work here? What’s a time you exercised leadership skills? Where do you see yourself in five years? These are some questions that you may be asked during your interview. If you know they could be asked, don’t stress about them, just prepare for them.

4) Bring a Copy of your Resumé and Cover Letter

Look prepared and professional by bringing a copy of your resumé and cover letter. Not all employers will have your resumé printed out so this gives them a chance to read it once again. Similarly, you can use these documents to refer back to previous work experiences.

5) Dress for Success

This doesn’t always mean suit and tie. Do your research on the company culture and dress code. From there, it is always best to dress one step above the “norm”. You may not want to be too overdressed but it would be much worse if you were underdressed. You still want to make a good first impression. As a result of dressing for the organization, you will fit in with the company culture.

6) Tell your Story

There is no getting out of the “tell me about yourself” question. With this in mind, prepare to tell your story to the interviewer. As you tell your story, be sure to relate it to the job you are applying to. This is your chance to make your mark and be memorable in the interview.

7) Practice Interviewing out Loud

This could be in front of a mirror, friend or family member. By telling your story out loud it will become more natural to say during the interview. You are also more likely to remember what you want to say if you practice out loud.

8) Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of every interview, you will be asked: “Do you have any questions?”. If your answer to this is no, think again. By all means you must have at least three questions to ask the interviewer. Not only does it show your interest in the position, but also answers anything that is not already on the website.

9) Follow-up with the Interviewer

You can breathe! Your interview is over. However, it is very important to follow-up with your interviewer. In that case, send a thank you email or LinkedIn message to continue to build a connection. You are more likely to land the job if you do this final tip

Job Interview Preparation

Preparing for an interview primarily means taking time to thoughtfully consider your goals and qualifications relative to the position and employer. To accomplish this, you should perform research on the company and carefully review the job description to understand why you would be a good fit. Let’s look at these five steps to preparing for an interview.

1. Carefully examine the job description

During your prep work, you should use the employer’s posted job description as a guide. The job description is a list of the qualifications, qualities and background the employer is looking for in an ideal candidate. The more you can align yourself with these details, the more the employer will be able to see that you are qualified. The job description may also give you ideas about questions the employer may ask throughout the interview.

2. Consider why you are interviewing and your qualifications

Before your interview, you should have a good understanding of why you want the job and why you’re qualified. You should be prepared to explain your interest in the opportunity and why you’re the best person for the role.

3. Perform research on the company and role

Researching the company you’re applying to is an important part of preparing for an interview. Not only will it help provide context for your interview conversations, but it will also help you when preparing thoughtful questions for your interviewers.

Researching the company and role as much as possible will give you an edge over the competition. Not only that, but fully preparing for an interview will help you remain calm so that you can be at your best.

4. Consider your answers to common interview questions

While you won’t be able to predict every question you’ll be asked in an interview, there are a few common questions you can plan answers for. You might also consider developing an elevator pitch that quickly describes who you are, what you do and what you want.

There are some jobs that may involve a test or evaluation during the interview process. For example, if you are interviewing for a computer programming, development or analytics role, you might also be asked to write or evaluate lines of code. It might be helpful to consult with colleagues in the industry for examples of tests they’ve been given to prepare.

You should also prepare to discuss your salary expectations, just in case. If you’re unsure about what salary is appropriate to ask for the position you’re applying to, visit Indeed’s Salary Calculator to get a free, personalized pay range based on your location, industry and experience.

5. Conduct mock interviews

Just like public speaking, practicing interviews is the best way to relieve anxiety and improve your confidence. Practice may be tedious, but repeatedly experiencing the interview process will make you more comfortable and help you give the right impression.

If you have friends or family to help, conduct mock interviews as much as you can. If you don’t have another person, practice your questions and answers out loud. You may find that an answer sounds awkward or doesn’t convey what you wish when it’s spoken, so this gives you an opportunity to refine your answers and commit them to memory. The more you repeat your interview, the more confident you’ll be during the real thing.

Interviewing Tips for Interviewers

To be a good interviewer, you have to be prepared, ask the right questions, listen carefully, and evaluate the candidate to see if they’re the right fit for your company. Find below some tips to help you be a good interviewer.

1. Be prepared

It’s important to prepare thoroughly before interviewing a potential employee so that you don’t come across as disorganized and unprofessional. Be sure to brush up on the interviewee’s skills and employment history beforehand by reading their resume, and print out a copy for reference during the interview.

2. Choose your questions wisely

Create a list of questions that are tailored to the role you are hiring for, such as questions relating to skills, job knowledge, and work history. You should also include behavioral and situational questions to give you a good idea of how the candidate handles challenging situations. Preparing a list will also ensure that you ask each candidate similar questions.

3. Have an interview structure

An unstructured interview can cause you to lose track of the interview and end up wasting your and the candidate’s time. The best way to avoid this is to set out a structure during your interview prep; for example, make the first part of the interview a brief introduction and description of the main goals of the position and what your company hopes to achieve, followed by the interview questions. Lastly, give the interviewee an opportunity to ask a few questions of their own.

4. Take notes and listen carefully

Notetaking is essential in any interview. It will help you keep track of how each candidate performed and allow you to compare candidates once the interview stage is over. Be sure to clear your mind and focus on what the candidate says so that you can note any positive or negative attributes. You might also want to use a scorecard to assess the candidate’s answers effectively.

How to Attract The Right Job

1. Decide what you want. Get clear on what you want in your job. If you aren’t sure, make a list of the things you don’t want. Then take that list and turn it into positives. For example, if you have “I don’t want to work 80 hours a week” change it to “I only work 40 hours a week or less.” Remember to include your boss, co-workers, commute, and work environment.

2. Remove your doubt. Believe in yourself and have confidence in your ability to get the job. Believe with your very fiber of your being that you will get the job. Hold your head up high and smile. Talk as if you already have the job. Forget about if and when. It’s already yours.

3. Expect the best. Let go of feelings of failure and doubt. Expect that everything will work out in the best way possible. This may take practice, but the more you practice, the easier it will get.

4. Pay attention to how you feel. You create with your feelings. The more opportunities you can find to feel good, joyous, and happy, the faster you will succeed at using the Law of Attraction for your job search. Be grateful for your new job as if you have it now.

5. Pay attention to signs. Keep your eyes and ears open for signs that your job is coming to you and for actions to take. It might be something someone tells you or an email from a recruiter. Take advantage of opportunities when they come.

6. Be committed. Fully commit to getting a job. Be persistent and dedicated. You can’t look for a job with half-hearted hopes that one might come along. You have to decide that you are getting a new job and it is already yours.

7. Take responsibility for the situation you are in. The Law of Attraction starts with you. If you don’t have passion for the work you are doing, you probably won’t do a very good job. You need to stay focused on what matters – you. When you do that, everything else will fall into place.

8. There’s more than enough. There are plenty of jobs for everyone and the right one is coming to you. There are thousands of open positions and more are being created every day. If you get a job, you won’t be taking one away from someone else. And, if someone else gets a job, it isn’t taking one away from you. There are more than enough jobs for everyone.

9. Something better is on its way. If you don’t get a certain job you apply for, remember that it just means something better is coming. Whether you know it or not, there was something about the job that didn’t fit what you were looking for. The Law of Attraction is focused on bringing you your dream job.

10. Take action. The Law of Attraction requires action. You can’t just sit around and do nothing, expecting someone to knock on your door and hand you a job. There is effort involved. You have to look for the job, apply for it, interview for it, and accept it when it’s offered to you.

How to Close an Interview

1. Ask pointed questions about the job and the company

Hiring managers often conclude job interviews by swapping places with you, so to speak, giving you a chance to ask them questions. This is a prime opportunity to shine. Take full advantage by asking good interview questions that will provide you with information you can’t find online, recommends Jaime Klein, founder of Inspire Human Resources, a New York City–based HR consulting firm. A few recommendations:

Why is this position open?
What do you expect me to accomplish in the first 90 days?
Are there opportunities for additional training and education?
What do you enjoy most about working here?
How is performance measured in this role?

2. Restate your interest in the position

Before you head out the door, take a minute to reiterate that you want the position, says Carole Martin, job interview coach and author of Boost Your Interview IQ. A high level of engagement is key to showing a hiring manager that you’re really into the job.

Also say you think you’d be a good cultural fit for the company, which is a pressure point for employers, considering more than six in 10 (64%) human resources managers say they’ve misjudged a candidate’s fit with their company’s work environment, an OfficeTeam survey found. Mention that you look forward to being part of the team.

3. Summarize why you’re the one for the job

To end on a high note, restate your value proposition at the end of the interview. After all, you’re not the only person going after this job, so you want to put a giant spotlight on your talent. In a couple of sentences, talk about the key skills and experiences you bring to the table, Scivicque says. Pro tip: Make sure your selling points are tied directly to the job duties.

4. Find out next steps

This sounds like a no-brainer, but a lot of job candidates forget to ask what the next step of the hiring process is, laments Stamford, Connecticut–based executive coach Anne Marie Segal. “You need to walk out knowing what to do next,” she explains. In addition, ask if there’s anything else you can provide, such as references or work samples. Most important: Find out the best method to follow up with the interviewer. (“Is it OK if I email you in two weeks if I haven’t heard from you?”)

5. Send thank-you emails

Surprisingly, three out of four job seekers don’t even bother sending a thank-you note after an interview. To set yourself apart, take the time to write thank-you emails to each employee—including the receptionist!—you met with during the hiring process, and send them within 24 hours after the interview.

To show the interviewer(s) you were engaged, mention specific things you discussed during the interview. The best way to do this is to write down notes immediately after the interview so you don’t forget what you talked about.

Why Should We Hire You? Here is The Answer

1. Show that you have skills and experience to do the job and deliver great results

You never know what other candidates offer to the company. But you know you: emphasize your key skills, strengths, talents, work experience, and professional achievements that are fundamental to getting great things done on this position.

2. Highlight that you’ll fit in and be a great addition to the team

Show the interviewer that you have corresponding personal and professional traits that make you a great addition to the team. At larger companies, departments and their staff vary greatly. Marketing people are different from IT specialists. Identify the company’s culture and the department’s characteristic features and tell the interviewer how you will fit in.

3. Describe how hiring you will make their life easier and help them achieve more

Determine what problems they had so far, what new issues or goals they have now, and how your specific skills and experience can come in handy. Scour the company’s website and social media channels to research their roadmap and history. Google their media mentions and case studies. Reread the job ad you applied to. Use this information to guide your answer.

4. Show enthusiasm for performing required duties, not just capability

Your application lets them know you’re willing to do the work. Being called for the interview means they think you’re capable. Apart from highlighting your skills and experience, show them your enthusiasm to prove you’ll have positive attitude towards your tasks. But don’t go overboard—a wide smile will never substitute professional qualifications.

5. Always speak honestly

Be honest with both yourself and your prospective employer. You won’t make it far if you lie. Recruiters often ask follow-up questions to check if you’re consistent with what you’ve written on your resume.

A Simple Formula For Answering “Tell me About Yourself”

Here is a simple and effective formula for structuring your response: present, past, future.

Present: Talk a little bit about what your current role is, the scope of it, and perhaps a big recent accomplishment.
Past: Tell the interviewer how you got there and/or mention previous experience that’s relevant to the job and company you’re applying for.
Future: Segue into what you’re looking to do next and why you’re interested in this gig (and a great fit for it, too).

This isn’t the only way to build your response, of course, and you can tweak it as you see fit. If there’s a particularly potent story about what brought you into this field, for example, you might decide to start with that “past” story and then get into what you’re doing in the present.

What Are The Common Interview Mistakes

1. Arriving late
Since job candidates often have several interviews with different managers scheduled back to back, two things could happen when you show up late: Either your first interview is cut short, or you disrupt the schedules of several interviewers. Neither is good for you, since it either shortchanges your time with an interviewer or makes multiple people grumpy.

2. Arriving too early
On the flip side, arriving too early can also irritate a hiring manager, since it is equally disruptive to their schedule. It’s important to arrive at least 10 minutes early to get through any security and check in with reception, but it’s a mistake to arrive any earlier than 15 minutes before your scheduled interview time.

3. Appearing unpolished
Looking put together signals that you care about the interview and want to put your best foot forward. However, all too often people show up to interviews appearing rumpled, wrinkled, stained and wearing clothes that don’t quite fit. It’s not a fashion show, but it is important to carefully select your outfit, brush your hair and take a look in the mirror before you arrive.

4. Not bringing a resume
In an ideal scenario, the hiring manager would be ready with your resume, but days are busy and not every interviewer is organized. That means you should always have a copy for each person you expect to meet with, plus some extras in case you have unexpected interviews. Not only is it practically helpful, it signals that you are thoughtful and prepared.

5. Displaying low energy
This one is hard to define but an interview killer. Here’s what it looks like: Slumped shoulders, lack of eye contact, slowness to respond to questions, and a general lack of enthusiasm for the company or role. If you don’t clearly want the job, it’s near impossible to persuade someone to give it to you.

6. Focusing too much on themselves
Talking endlessly about what you want, how this job is the direction you want to go in your career, and how the experience would be great for you is meaningless drivel to an interviewer.

Companies don’t pay you to help you out! They hire you because you have traits and skills that will help them achieve their goals. Use your responses to illustrate how you can be of service to the hiring manager.

7. Seeming unprepared
Further, not demonstrating a basic knowledge of the role or providing clear examples of your past performance makes it seem like you just rolled in after only glancing at the company’s website.

Interviewers tend to ask the same fundamental questions about your background, skills, interest in the company and why you think it’s a good fit. At minimum, read up on the company and prepare a few anecdotes about projects you successfully completed.

8. Not having any questions
Most interviewers leave time at the end to answer questions. Usually, they know you’re vetting them, too, and want to make sure it’s a two-sided conversation. It’s also a bit of a test. The questions you ask often reveal the way you think and what’s important to you. It also shows that you care enough about the job that you want to know more.

Not having any questions prepared signals you don’t care, aren’t curious, or haven’t done your homework. If you freeze up, throw out an old standby question like, “What does success look like in this role?” or “What’s the culture like here?”

9. Asking weirdly personal questions
Conversely, some candidates get a little too personal with their questions. I’ve had people ask me about my family, previous companies I worked for and why I chose to leave one company for another. This line of questioning might make the hiring manager feel uncomfortable and also doesn’t illuminate anything for you or them.

10. Forgetting to follow up
So many people forget this basic rule of interviewing: Follow up within 24 hours by email to thank the interviewer for their time and underscore your interest in the position. If you don’t do it, hiring managers may think you’re not interested or organized, or they may simply forget about you.

11. Following up too aggressively
While it’s important to follow up, you should not send multiple emails or call an interviewer. It is extremely awkward to receive a call out of the blue from someone demanding to know why they haven’t heard from you. Send your follow-up email, and then move on with your life. Anything more is probably too much.

Should You Accept a Job Offer Immediately?

Don’t accept an offer immediately, even if you are sure you want the job. It is reasonable to ask for a few days to think it over; be wary of any employer who insists that you make a decision right away.

Express enthusiasm, but buy time

Just because you’re not accepting the position on the spot doesn’t mean you can’t convey your natural excitement at being offered the position (assuming this is a job you actually want) . It doesn’t hurt your negotiating position to be happy about having been offered the role and the opportunity to work in this company. In fact, it helps your case. Your potential employer wants to work with someone who wants to work with them.

Ask for the offer in writing

You want to get the offer in writing before you start negotiating or say yes to the job for two main reasons. First, you want to ensure that this is a firm job offer and there are no miscommunications about the details of the package that’s on the table. Second, seeing it in writing will allow you to decide what parts of the offer you’re happy with, what you may want to negotiate, and what questions you want answered before you commit.

Decide whether or not to negotiate, and prioritize what matters most to you

Well meaning campaigns that tell women to #ask4more can complicate women’s feelings about negotiations. It can make women feel a responsibility to negotiate salary, like ending the wage gap is their responsibility when really, it’s a systemic problem.

What Are Some Good Signs You Got The Job

1) Watch for Leading Microexpressions

Generally speaking, even if the interviewers are professional and neutral, their microexpressions can’t hide their interest in you. If you have seen the TV show Lie to Me, you probably have a basic idea of microexpressions, and how they can potentially give away what a person is thinking. While it’s hard to identify what exact microexpressions correspond to signs they will hire you, if they are consistently nodding or giving looks or sounds of approval, you’re on the right track.

2) Listen for Specific, Definitive Language

Interviewers are usually cautious about their language, but if they are using words that indicate positivity or more long-term implications, that’s a leading indication you might get the job. For example, if the interviewer says “when” instead of “if” or says “you will” instead of “you would,” these words choices can serve as a sign you got the job after an interview.

3) Pay Attention to the Questions Asked

During the meeting, an interviewer may dial back their professional tone to instead interact with you more casually. Don’t worry – this does not mean they are not interested in your qualifications (if that were the case, they would probably end the interview quickly). More likely, they feel satisfied with your professional background and want to learn more about you on a personal level.

If they begin to steer their questions to your interests both in and outside of work, your past experiences and references, or even where you went on your last vacation, this is a great sign that you aced the interview. You can choose to be professional or loosen up yourself, but never understate the good conversation that is generated from these simple questions. Your answers can demonstrate that you’re a fit for both the job and the culture of the company or team you’re joining.

4) Assess the Level of Detail Discussed

Most of the time, interviewers try to be objective and neutral. They usually talk about the company, its culture, and the role in question as broad entities. When they start talking to you about specific work and projects using language that goes beyond that found on the company’s website or job description, it may indicate that they view you as a serious candidate and that you have a higher probability of receiving an offer.

5) Listen for Signs You’re being “Marketed” to Others

If the interviewer takes you on a tour of the office, allows you to meet other colleagues on the team and in the company, and treats you like you’ve already accepted an offer, you are in the driver’s seat. Additionally, if the interviewer introduces you to a senior leader, even having a simple, 5-minute conversation is a good sign you got the job. Think about it from their perspective: when the interviewer recognizes your potential, they will be more comfortable introducing you to their co-workers and boss. They want you to meet critical stakeholders, but they also want their team to meet you and sign off on your candidacy.

How Long Does a Good Interview Last

Interviews can last anywhere from 15-30 minutes to several hours. The length of an interview depends on several factors, including its structure.

17 Job Interview Tips

1. Start by researching the company and your interviewers. Understanding key information about the company you’re interviewing with can help you go into your interview with confidence. Using the company’s website, social media posts and recent press releases will provide a solid understanding of the company’s goals and how your background makes you a great fit.

2. Practice your answers to common interview questions. Prepare your answer to the common question: “Tell me about yourself, and why are you interested in this role with our company?” The idea is to quickly communicate who you are and what value you will bring to the company and the role—it’s your personal elevator pitch.

3. Reread the job description. You may want to print it out and begin underlining specific skills the employer is looking for. Think about examples from your past and current work that align with these requirements.

4. Use the STAR method in answering questions. Prepare to be asked about times in the past when you used a specific skill and use the STAR method to tell stories with a clear Situation, Task, Action and Result.

5. Recruit a friend to practice answering questions. Actually practicing your answers out loud is an incredibly effective way to prepare. Say them to yourself or ask a friend to help run through questions and answers. You’ll find you gain confidence as you get used to saying the words.

6. Prepare a list of references. Your interviewers might require you to submit a list of references before or after your interview. Having a reference list prepared ahead of time can help you quickly complete this step to move forward in the hiring process.

7. Be prepared with examples of your work. During the interview, you will likely be asked about specific work you’ve completed in relation to the position. After reviewing the job description, think of work you’ve done in past jobs, clubs or volunteer positions that show you have experience and success doing the work they require.

8. Prepare smart questions for your interviewers. Interviews are a two-way street. Employers expect you to ask questions: they want to know that you’re thinking seriously about what it would be like to work there. Here are some questions you may want to consider asking your interviewers:

Can you explain some of the day-to-day responsibilities this job entails?
How would you describe the characteristics of someone who would succeed in this role?
If I were in this position, how would my performance be measured? How often?
What departments does this teamwork with regularly?
How do these departments typically collaborate?
What does that process look like?
What are the challenges you’re currently facing in your role?

9. Plan your interview attire the night before. If you’re speaking to a recruiter before the interview, you can ask them about the dress code in the workplace and choose your outfit accordingly. If you don’t have someone to ask, research the company to learn what’s appropriate.

10. Bring copies of your resume, a notebook and pen. Take at least five copies of your printed resume on clean paper in case of multiple interviewers. Highlight specific accomplishments on your copy that you can easily refer to and discuss. Bring a pen and a small notebook. Prepare to take notes, but not on your smartphone or another electronic device. Write information down so that you can refer to these details in your follow-up thank-you notes. Maintain eye contact as much as possible.

11. Plan your schedule so that you can arrive 10–15 minutes early. Map out your route to the interview location so you can be sure to arrive on time. Consider doing a practice run. If you’re taking public transportation, identify a backup plan if there are delays or closures.

12. Make a great first impression. Don’t forget the little things—shine your shoes, make sure your nails are clean and tidy, and check your clothes for holes, stains, pet hair and loose threads. Display confident body language and a smile throughout.

13. Treat everyone you encounter with respect. This includes people on the road and in the parking lot, security personnel and front desk staff. Treat everyone you don’t know as though they’re the hiring manager. Even if they aren’t, your potential employer might ask for their feedback.

14. Practice good manners and body language. Practice confident, accessible body language from the moment you enter the building. Sit or stand tall with your shoulders back. Before the interview, take a deep breath and exhale slowly to manage feelings of anxiety and encourage self-confidence. The interviewer should extend their hand first to initiate a handshake. Stand, look the person in the eye and smile. A good handshake should be firm but not crush the other person’s fingers.

15. Win them over with your authenticity and positivity. Being genuine during interview conversations can help employers easily relate to you. Showing positivity with a smile and upbeat body language can help keep the interview light and constructive.

16. Respond truthfully to the questions asked. While it can seem tempting to embellish on your skills and accomplishments, interviewers find honesty refreshing and respectable. Focus on your key strengths and why your background makes you uniquely qualified for the position.

17. Tie your answers back to your skills and accomplishments. With any question you answer, it is important that you tie your background to the job by providing examples of solutions and results you’ve achieved. Use every opportunity to address the requirements listed in the job description.

Conclusion

Review tips on how to handle different interviews. These include tips for phone interviews, second interviews, lunch and dinner interviews, behavioral interviews, interviewing in public, and more advice for interview success.

Also review signs that your job interview went well, so you can see what skills you may need to brush up for next time.