4 Ways To Land A Perfect Job Interview

I’m assuming that you’ve landed an interview. Hoorah! Congratulations. Now, the next stop: Don’t screw it up.

I want to give you a quick and easy way to get started preparing for your job interview, and of course, that begins with learning how to answer the most common tips to achieve a perfect job interview.

Be sociable

Making a great first impression and establishing a real connection is everything. Smile, make eye contact, be enthusiastic, sit forward in your chair, and greet the interviewer by his /her name. Of course, more importantly, be the best version of yourself. We all want to work with people we like and whom we get along with. Use your charm and your manners as an advantage.

Ask questions about what really matters to you

Focus on making sure that the job is your priority: Who you will work with, who you will report to, the scope of responsibilities, etc. Interviews should always be conversational, and interviewers respond positively to people as eager as they are to find the right fit. Plus, there's really no other way to know you want the job. And don't be afraid to ask several questions.

Make sure to leave a mark

 A sad truth of interviewing is that later on the interviewers often don't remember anything about you -- especially if we've interviewed a number of candidates for the same position. Sometimes you may be identified by ‘hooks’ so use that to your advantage. Your hook could be a unique outfit, or an unusual fact about your upbringing or career. Hooks make you memorable and create an anchor for interviewers to remember you by -- and being memorable results to a positive feedback.

Know what you can offer immediately

Researching the company is a given; go a step farther and find a way you can contribute to a critical area. If you have a specific technical skill, show how it can be used as a company advantage. But don't say, for example, "I would love to be in charge of managing your social media marketing." One, that's fairly presumptuous, and two, someone else might be already in charge. Instead, share details regarding your skills and say you would love to work with that team. If there is no team, great -- you may be put in charge. If there is a team you haven't stepped on any toes or come across as pushy. Just think about what makes you special and show the benefits to the company. The interviewer will be smart enough to recognize how the project you bring can be used.

Reinforce a connection with your follow-up. Email follow-ups are fine; handwritten notes are better; following up based on something you learned during the interview is best: An email including additional information you were asked to provide, or a link to a subject you discussed (whether business or personal.) The better the interview -- and more closely you listened -- the easier it will be to think of ways you can make following up seem natural and unforced. And make sure you say thanks -- never underestimate the power of gratitude.