There are many different things that affect whether you land a job or not, including your skills, your experience, and other qualifications. But after you’ve moved on in the application process, you will sooner or later come to the interview stage. It’s great when you make it this far, but it’s also a make-or-break time, so you need to be fully prepared.

While there are specific tips for virtual interviews, more and more interviews are taking place in person again as employees head back into the office. In this article, we’ll share 7 interview tips to help you get hired.

The 7 Best Tips for Job Interviews

1. Do Your Research – In order to be prepared, you should do your research on the company and the specific role ahead of time. This will allow you to both answer and ask relevant questions about the position and the company, and show the interviewer that you are serious about the opportunity.

2. Practice – Another essential tip to help you prepare for an interview is to practice ahead of time. Sit down with a friend or family member and have them ask you common interview questions so you can rehearse your answers and make sure you are covering all of the necessary information. You can also work on your posture and body language while practicing to make sure you look professional during the interview.

3. Be Early – It’s also recommended to show up to the interview 15 minutes early. Doing so will allow the interview to get started on time, and it will also prove that you are reliable, prepared, and will be where you need to be when you need to be there.

4. Stay Calm – It’s easier said than done, but try to stay calm during the interview. This will keep you from seeming nervous and allow the interviewer to view you in a professional light. Part of being able to stay calm comes from other tips on this list, like preparing ahead of time. You can also use breathing techniques and other tips to calm your nerves before your interview.

5. Build a Relationship – Try to build a relationship with the interviewer and connect with them personally. Ask about them, their day, or anything else they mention. If you share certain interests or have similar experiences, it can help to expand the relationship past simply an interviewer and potential employee, and make you both feel more comfortable.

6. Be Honest, But Stay Positive – You should also be honest and genuine during your interview. While you are trying to impress the interviewer, you shouldn’t lie or try to be what they are looking for if that’s not really who you are. This also applies to talking about your past experiences, and you should be honest about difficult times or shortcomings in a positive manner, especially avoiding dragging your previous company or specific co-workers.

7. Follow Up – Finally, a critical part of every interview is following up with the interviewer. It’s generally advised to follow up within 24 hours of the interview. Be sure to thank the interviewer for their time, express your interest in the position again, and offer any additional information they may need to help make their decision.

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