Do you have an interview lined up soon? Congratulations! Now, it’s time to buckle down and get prepared so you give yourself the best shot of landing a second interview – and, hopefully, the job.  

Here are five tips to help you ace your next job interview: 

Do your research.

Rule number one for making the most of your next job interview: Research the company ahead of time. Nothing is worse than going into an interview blind, with little to no idea of what the position entails or what the company does. Find out all you can. Research their website and social channels to get an idea of the organizational culture; use LinkedIn to learn more about who you’ll be interviewing with. You’ll feel more prepared and comfortable the more research you do. 

Practice.

Sit down in front of a mirror ahead of your interview and practice. Think about common interview questions, and prepare your answers to them. Focus on your body language and posture, as well as your facial expressions. Practice maintaining normal eye contact throughout the conversation. Note any quirks you might have – talking with your hands, for example – and adjust them as needed to not be a distraction.  

Take it slow.

When the big day comes, and you’re actually sitting down in your interview, remember to take a deep breath and go slowly. Most of us tend to talk fast when we get nervous. Remind yourself to speak at a normal pace and volume. It can be helpful to think of the interview as a conversation, rather than an interrogation – because that’s exactly what it is.  

Come prepared with questions.

The interviewer will almost definitely ask you if you have any questions as the conversation is wrapping up. If you say “no,” you appear disinterested or that you’re just ready to have the interview over with. Always come prepared with a few additional questions about the role and the company itself. It’s a great way to give yourself a leg up and learn more about the job at the same time.  

Remember to say “thank you.”

Always remember to thank the interviewer for their time before leaving the interview, whether it’s face-to-face, on the phone, or over Zoom. It doesn’t hurt to send a follow-up thank-you email later in the day, too. This will help keep you top-of-mind, and it’s simply polite. 

Land Your Next Job Interview With Us

If you’re ready to get your next interview lined up, contact HCR Personnel Solutions’ expert recruiters. We’ll connect you with top employers around the Greater Toronto area and throughout Southwestern Ontario.