Tips to up your job interview skills in 2024

Going for job interviews can be quite intimidating, whether it’s your first one or the 10th one. It doesn’t matter how often you’ve done the dance; somehow, it always leaves you feeling nervous.

The good news is that with the right preparation, you can stand out and show you’re the best candidate for the position.

What is an interview skill?

It’s actions and practices you use to show prospective employers that you are the best candidate for the job. It’s your interaction with the recruiter in a verbal and non-verbal way, clarifying why they should hire you for the job. This includes what you say, how you say it and direct eye contact throughout the process.

Here are some of the most useful tips to help you improve your job interview game in 2024:

1. Take note of your appearance

The first thing you want to do is look the part. So, if you don’t already have an appropriate interview outfit, it’s time to get one. If you’re unsure what to dress like, research what employees at the company wear and dress one step up in terms of formality.

Wear your confidence and make sure it’s an outfit that looks great but is also comfortable. Prepare your outfit beforehand so it doesn’t make you stressed at the last minute. Ensure your hair looks neat and your fingernails are cut and clean.

First impressions last, so make sure you leave them with a great one.

2. Know the job

There’s nothing worse than going to an interview and showing that you have no idea who the company is, what they do or what they expect of you. Nothing screams ‘unsuitable’ or unprepared more than someone who shows up for an interview without knowing who they are meeting or why they are there.

Think of it this way: you’re looking for a long-term partner with whom you will have to spend a lot of time. Ideally, you want to build a good relationship instead of showing no interest initially. If you’re not going to show interest, then why should they?

3. Be on time

Regarding interviews, your arrival time is just as important as your appearance. Arriving late sets a precedent that you will continue to do so once employed.

Check the traffic at the time before the interview, and make sure you familiarise yourself with the path before you go. It’s better to arrive a few minutes earlier than too late.

4. Pack your bag

You must have a couple of things with you on the day. Make sure you have copies of your resume, as well as pen and paper. That way, if you’re asked to fill in anything, you don’t have to ask around for a pen.

It further shows you’ve come prepared and you’re ready to start. Depending on the job title, you may also want to include examples of your work. This is more for creatives.

Questions to prepare in advance

While every job interview is different, they often have similar interview questions. So, practice your answers to the most common interview questions. You can also try digging deeper and searching for common interview questions for that particular field.

Some common questions asked in nearly every job interview:

• Can you tell us a little about you?
• What do you consider to be your strengths and weaknesses?
• Have you experienced a difficult situation in your workplace before, and if so, how have you handled it?
• Why are you looking for a change to a new company/position?
• What is your salary expectation?
• Why do you think you are the most suitable candidate?
• Is there anything you want to ask us?

With these questions, and all others they may ask, you want to avoid giving simple yes/no answers. Questions are created to help the interviewer know more about you and see how you’ve prepared for the interview.

With the last example question above, we often want to say no, but if you’ve researched the company, its vision and client base, you can prepare some interesting questions for them in advance.

Remember, consider it a relationship; it should never be one-sided. Both parties need to show interest. Rehearsing these questions in advance will also be a great way to improve your answers and calm your nerves.

Active listening

You may have done your preparation, but don’t just automate the process. It’s important to practice active listening from the start. Make direct eye contact and focus on what they are saying to you.

By listening carefully, you can incorporate some of the new information they share into your answers to their questions. Communication is an excellent skill for most companies, so stay focused and make them feel heard. You want to leave a lasting impression of fully engaging and respecting your interviewees.

Pace yourself

Another important tip is to control your pacing. When we’re nervous, we tend to try to get something over and done with as quickly as possible. However, in this type of environment, you need to control your actions and reactions. You don’t want them to sense you’re angsty to get out of there. Take a deep breath and focus your attention towards the interviewer.

You’ve got this!

There is always a guarantee of getting a job, but you can turn the odds in your favour by arriving early, coming prepared and showing respect to everyone in the building. It’s an experience that can only build you up, whether you get the job or not.

It’s important not only for the company but for you as an individual to show what you’re capable of. When you leave that interview room, you want to walk away with your back straight and your head high. Knowing you did everything you could. Good luck!