How to ace interviews (A note from an ex hopeless case)

Ironically, the best part about the job hunt has been the interviews. I say ironically because I have generally been hopeless at them.

Compared to my very first job interview, today I am much more aware of my strengths and shortcomings. I know what I have to offer. So even though I get that there are ten other candidates vying for the same position, I am confident and don’t act desperate. I think it is something every employment-seeker should understand.

It is also very important to prepare for the interview. Here are some points that are often overlooked:

Prepare questions: Interviews usually end with “Do you have any questions?” This is a tough one because you might have already asked questions during the course of the interview and gathered all the information you needed. Still, not asking a question makes you look bad and uninterested. So prepare some questions in advance.

- Alison Green of “Ask a manager” is a big fan of the “magic question” : Thinking back to people who have been in this position previously, what differentiated the ones who were good from the ones who were really great?
- Penelope Trunk writes about questions that you should NOT ask.

Have a nice day: I am kind of superstitious and believe that if my day starts well, it will end well. So I will try to avoid any stress on the day of the interview. This means getting up early in the morning to avoid transport hassles on the way to work. Dressing up and feeling pretty. Having lunch at a restaurant with a friend. If I feel good throughout the day, I go into the interview with a positive attitude.

Take notes: Yes, because they will make you look organised and professional.

Send a thank you note: It takes only two minutes and yet most candidates don’t do it. Good for you, because it will make you stand out.

Don’t send in the mail right as you walk out through the door. Don’t wait for more than 48 hours either. Refer to your notes and include something thoughtful. Like if you discussed the employee training programme, say how it added to your motivation to work at the company.

Be sincere throughout the process though, because insincerity shows.

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