A career coach’s guide to nailing your next job interview -

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the job market, interviewing is part of the process to landing your dream job. The interview, though, involves so much more than just answering some basic questions. Interviewing can be considered an art form, and one that can be mastered with effort and a lot of practice. Taking time to prepare will help set you apart from other candidates and give you a competitive edge!

From researching the company and role, to utilizing the STAR methodology to answer questions, the tips included in this gallery will help you master your next interview. So, grab a pen and paper and get ready to jot down your favorite takeaways for a successful interview. Simply click on.

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Preparation is key (make sure to do your research) -

Before the interview, take time researching online and do a deep dive into the company, including its mission, values, and even appearances in recent news.

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Know the job -

Read (and reread) the job description. Make sure you understand the role, responsibilities, necessary skills, and, ideally, what success looks like in the role.

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Plan your outfit -

Dress professionally, with the company culture in mind. Aim to feel confident and comfortable. For some interviews, a suit might be appropriate; for others, dressy casual will work just fine.

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Logistics -

Go the extra mile and map out your interview location online, plan your commute, and factor in buffer time (just in case). Make a good first impression by being punctual and professional.

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Gather materials -

There are several items to carry along with you on the day of the interview. Bring at least one to two copies of your CV, reference letters (if requested), and a notepad with a pen.

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Check the tech - If the interview is online, prior to it practice with applicable video conferencing tools. Ensure your background is blurred, your name is correctly displayed, and the mic and headphones are working.

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Salary knowledge -

This is very important! Before going into an interview, research appropriate salary ranges for the role and location. You want to ensure you know your worth and are able to set realistic expectations.

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Be kind to everyone -

From the logistics and interview coordinator to the hiring manager, everyone you meet during the interview process reflects the company culture. Be kind and courteous to everyone, regardless of title.

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Be your best self (and bring positive energy) -

If the interview is in person, make sure to greet everyone with a smile, a firm handshake, and confident eye contact.

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Body language matters -

Non-verbal communication can be just as important as what you have to say and share. For example: don’t cross your arms, do sit up straight, maintain eye contact, and project positive energy.

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First impressions count -

When first meeting the interviewer(s), be sure to smile, introduce yourself, and speak clearly. Also, it can be helpful to repeat the interviewer's name for recall and to ensure you heard correctly.

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Active listening -

Make sure your phone is on silent or off entirely. Additionally, pay close attention to the interviewer's questions and respond thoughtfully.

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During the interview (use the STAR method) -

In most cases, it’s important to structure your answers using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, and Result) method.

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Step 1: Situation and setting the scene - Start by briefly describing the relevant situation or challenge you faced. Also, be sure to use key words and avoid jargon.

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Step 2: Define the task -

Succinctly, yet effectively, explain what your specific responsibility or goal was in that situation. Additionally, what were you tasked with and how was success measured?

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Step 3: Action -

Clearly explain and highlight the specific actions you took to address the challenge. From start to finish, go step-by-step and briefly describe how you tackled the task at hand.

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Step 4: Results -

This is arguably the most important piece of the STAR method. Finish your answer by highlighting the results of your actions and the impact it had on either the company, bottom-line, efficiency, or other relevant metrics.

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Quantify your success -

Whenever possible and appropriate, quantifying the positive results you achieved helps highlight the impact for a potential employer. For example: “drove a 10% increase in bottom-line growth, year-over-year.”

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Focus on relevant achievements -

From your earlier, company-specific research, you’ll know what skills and qualities are relevant to the job. Ensure your answers use achievements that highlight these skills and qualities accordingly.

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Enthusiasm is contagious -

Taking time to show a genuine passion and excitement for the role and the company will go a long way. People want to work with like-minded individuals who also appreciate the job.

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Communicate with confidence -

Clarity is king (or queen)! Speak clearly and concisely, and avoid rambling. Your responses should range between two to three and a half minutes in length, max.

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Be honest and authentic -

Don't try to be someone you're not; showcase your authentic personality and strengths. If you don’t have experience in a particular area, be transparent and highlight how a similar skill set might enable you to complete this requirement.

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Embrace the pause (and silence) -

Take a moment to collect your thoughts before answering—you want to avoid blurting things out! Instead, use silence to come across as a calm and collected communicator.

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Bridge the gap (with transferable skills) -

It is your responsibility to demonstrate how your skills from previous experiences apply to the new role. Don’t assume the interviewer will put two and two together—do the leg work for them.

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Turn the tables and ask insightful questions -

Prepare and ask thoughtful questions about the specific role, team, company culture, and career path.

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Engagement is key -

Show genuine interest in the company and the opportunity through your questions, demeanor, and overall presence. It takes a lot of effort to interview someone, so make it worth their time.

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Recap and reiterate -

At the end of the interview, summarize your key qualifications and reiterate your interest in the position. This is a nice and professional way to tie up any loose ends.

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Next steps -

Always conclude the interview by asking for a timeline and next steps. This shows the interviewer you’re still interested in exploring your candidacy for this role and with the company.

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Send thank you emails -

Send a follow-up email within 24 hours thanking the interviewer(s) for their time and reiterating your interest. Pro-tip: include a quick thank you note to anyone else involved in helping organize the interview.

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Stay positive - Regardless of the outcome, maintain a positive attitude and learn from the experience. Be sure to respond to any updates with a friendly and thankful demeanor, as you never know when an opportunity might present itself.

Sources: (Robert Walters) (LinkedIn) (Six Degrees) (Harvard Business Review) (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) (The Muse) (Indeed)

See also: Biggest mistakes people make when applying for jobs

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