Are you trying to get a job, but have no idea how to handle interviews? Job interviews can be pretty nerve-racking, especially if you haven’t had much experience. The Hong Kong Internship Platform presents you a blog that will allow you to be better prepared by using tips below.

What should you do to ace an interview?

To increase the chances of having a successful job interview, take the time to prepare before meeting with the hiring team. Think about the topics you are likely to discuss, ways to position yourself as a strong candidate and opportunities to make a positive impression on the hiring team. There are some homeworks that you need to do for your interview preparations:

• Research: Learn as much as you can about the company and the position you’re applying to.
• Planning: Carefully consider what to wear and how to present yourself professionally (Most people use suits).
• Practice: Reflect on the most effective ways to discuss common interview subjects.

How to ace a job interview

Here are seven things to keep in mind as you prepare for a successful job interview:

1. Research your potential employer

Before your interview, research the organization so you can be knowledgeable about its accomplishments, goals and mission. Browse the company’s website to learn about its history, recent announcements, executive officers, values and culture. Then search for recent news about the organization to study its latest achievements and future goals.

By doing research, it will help you to prepare and contextualize your interview answers. With knowledge about the organization, you’ll be able to quickly tie your background, qualifications and achievements back to the company to impress them.

2. Review and understand the job description

Study the job description so you are prepared to explain your fitness for the job’s roles and responsibilities during the interview. Pay focus to keywords such as required skills and experience, as well as on the responsibilities that a successful candidate will have. Consider how your qualifications and goals align with the description so you can discuss relevant examples with the hiring team.

3. Practice answering interview questions

While your conversation may include several job-specific topics, most interviews include at least a few standard questions. To prepare, review a list of the most popular interview questions, and practice how you would answer. Focus your responses on the organization, the position and your relevant qualifications and goals.

4. Understand the STAR method

During job interviews, many hiring managers ask behavioral questions to assess how candidates handle common situations in the workplace. To prepare for these questions, get to know the STAR method, which involves discussing the situation, task, action and result. The STAR method is pretty popular due to its simplicity. To use this method, begin by explaining the context of the situation before discussing your role, or task in these circumstances. Next, reflect on the actions you took to handle the challenge and the result of your initiative. 

5. Dress appropriately for your interview

To make a good impression on the hiring team, take steps to prepare and dress appropriately when you meet them. Try to check and review the company’s website or social media profiles to research the employee dress code and use that to guide what you wear. In most cases, a business casual outfit—such as dress pants with a professional shirt—or a business formal suit will work best for interview attire.

6. Think about your questions in advance

Although interviewers often ask more questions than they answer, most expect candidates to show their interest in the job and company by asking informed questions. Try preparing these in advance by reflecting on what you want to know, from corporate culture and organizational goals to opportunities for professional development and growth.

7. Follow up after the interview

Once the interview ends, you can take additional actions to increase your chance of getting the job. Try sending a thank-you email to the hiring manager within a day after the interview. In the email, reiterate your interest in the position, and express your gratitude for the interview. If you do not receive a response within a week after the job posting closes, consider sending an additional follow-up email to express your continued enthusiasm for the position and interest in taking the next step in the hiring process.

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Resource: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/how-to-ace-your-next-interview