7 Crucial Interview Tips for Success

Applying and interviewing for jobs can sometimes be a job in itself.  So, when it comes to interviewing, you want to make sure you utilizing the best practices.  Here at Cypress Creek Personnel Services, we are all too familiar with the ins and outs of the interview process, and we understand just how difficult it can be.  Therefore, we created a list seven tips to help you succeed during your next interview:

1. Be Punctual

Nothing makes a great first impression as being punctual and showing up on time. As simple as this sounds, it’s one of the most important tips.  That being said, showing up on time to an interview does not mean walking in the door at the time of your scheduled interview.  Depending on your interviewer’s perception, this could come across as minimal effort.  Unless you were advised not to, be sure to show up between 15 and 30 minutes prior to the interview. This will give you time to fill any extra paperwork they may require from you, and will generally show how much you care about the potential position.

2. Be Prepared

Companies love when you come to the interview familiarized with their history and business. This not only shows that you have a vested interest in the position, but that you’re also enthusiastic and prepared for the interview.  Do your best to research some general information about the company’s history, their mission statement, and any potential interview questions they may have for you.  Equally as important, ensure you have a couple questions or so prepared for the interviewer.  Doing so will further demonstrate your interest to the company.  Conversely, it’s almost guaranteed that the interviewer will interpret your lack of questions as disinterest.

3. Avoid Poor Eye Contact

Wandering eyes or a seemingly daydream-esque gaze could cause the interviewer to feel a sense of apathy from you.  If this is a position you’ve been vying for, this is definitely something you should be aware of and avoid.  Actively maintaining eye contact will show you care about the position and that you are engaged in the conversation.  Remember that your eyes can convey much more emotion than you realize, even when your facial expression is neutral.

4. Avoid Poor Posture

Avoid slouching or lounging around in your seat during an interview.  Along with poor eye contact, poor body language can speak volumes over the words you speak.  Be sure to sit with your back straight and your body facing towards your interviewer.  This not only shows that you are engaged, but it portrays respect and professionalism for the interview.  Actions speak louder than words, make sure your body language is constructive.

5. Avoid Overspeaking

For the most part, your portion of the speaking during an interview should primarily be done when answering a question.  This means answering questions with elaborative yet concise responses.  Your responses should not go off into one sided rambly tangents or go off topic. What may come off as sociable to some may come off as unprofessional to others, and could potentially lead to you losing an opportunity.  However, the opposite can also be said.  Don’t be afraid to show some personality in your answers.  They are interviewing you for a reason, be the best you that you can be. .

6. Be Authentic

The best interview answers are the ones that come from personal experiences.  Interviewers particularly appreciate when you can give a response that shows how you previously or potentially would handle hypothetical situations.  In your responses, you should not only choose experiences that are relevant to the question at hand, but you should also open up and show your personality.  This helps the interviewer determine if you would be a good fit for the company’s culture, and it helps you develop a rapport.

7. Be Sure You Follow Up

Contrary to popular belief, the interview process is not over after the interview has concluded.  Within a couple days of your interview’s completion, you should follow up with a thank you.  In this day and age, that could just be a simple email thanking your interviewer for their time and consideration.  Gratitude goes a lot farther than you know.  Maybe you don’t get the job this time around, but next time they could reach out to you first when there is an open position.