Writing resumes and cover letters, searching through job postings, and completing applications can be time-consuming and exhausting. Landing an interview, especially at a position you are very excited about, can inject a sorely needed boost of enthusiasm and hope.

However, the interview phase is merely the start of the hiring process and a competitive step that must be overcome prior to a potential job offer. Consider that the average corporate job posting receives around 250 applications and, from those, four to six candidates will be chosen for the interview process.

Preparation Pays Dividends

There are nigh infinite resources online, from LinkedIn to YouTube to TikTok, that can help you prepare for your next interview. It is important that you familiarize yourself with the company, its values, and its products or services prior to walking in the front door. If you happen to know who will be conducting the interview, whether it’s an individual or a panel, you should do some research on them and their role within the company as well.

Bring extra copies of your resume and any documentation, such as a portfolio, that may be helpful during the interview. Lastly, it is crucial that you familiarize yourself with the most commonly asked interview questions so that you can have your best answers ready to go. Proper preparation will prevent you from being caught flat-footed and stammering through your responses.

If interviewers perceive that you are unprepared, it will leave them with the impression that you lack diligence or sincere interest in the position. Either of these assumptions will likely end your candidacy for the job.

First Impressions Matter

As the saying goes, “you only have one chance to make a first impression.”

It cannot be overstated how true this is during the interview process. Up to 65% of hiring managers said they would not extend a job offer to a candidate that failed to make eye contact, was not dressed appropriately for the position, or folded their arms across their chest during the interview.

Attire, body language, posture, confidence, and etiquette can be major influencers in the final hiring decision so it is imperative to make the absolute best impression. Attempt to answer questions fully, but avoid being too long-winded and never speak poorly of past employers. Be sure to give the interview panel or hiring manager your full attention. For this reason, experts recommend that if you take notes during the interview, do so sparingly.

Practicing your interview with others beforehand can also help you learn to control your initial impression and body language.

Steps to Follow Up

While the days of sending formal thank you notes may be bygone, it is still strongly recommended that you follow up after the interview, usually by email.

Use this opportunity to thank the interviewer or recruiter, let them know you are available should they need any additional information, and, if appropriate, summarize the interview as a gentle reminder that you are the best candidate for the position. You might also use this as a final chance to restate your interest in the position and the company.

Then, be patient. Keep in mind that the typical time frame from interview to job offer is currently close to 4 weeks. If you have been given a window in which to expect a response, such as one week or by the end of the month, and that time has passed, it is acceptable to send an email and politely inquire about the current status of the selection process.

Hiring decisions can be delayed for a multitude of reasons, but this small act of thoroughness can sometimes be the final factor in securing the job offer.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, there is no perfect formula for acing every interview, so instead, each candidate should strive to tip the odds as far in their own favor as possible. During the interview, managers are waiting to hear the right answers that you will be the best fit for this specific position within their organization.

They are also watching for any negative reason or shortcoming to remove you from the pool of potential candidates. Use every tool and strategy to your advantage: be prepared, dress appropriately, exhibit positive body language, be polite and confident, be engaged and ask questions, provide great answers, be thankful, and follow up appropriately after the interview.

Job seeking is tough work, but these tips should help during the critical interview phase.