If you’re one of the 10 million people in America who are currently in the market for a new job, this one’s for you. Say you’ve come across an opportunity, online or otherwise. (Contrary to what you might think, most jobs are actually found via networking. So if you’re looking for work locally, plan to attend some of Savannah’s top networking events.) Anyways, after discovering the opportunity, you put in an application, and you’ve been called in for an interview. Congratulations are certainly in order, but we don’t want to get too ahead of ourselves. Landing the interview is the easy part. You have to nail the interview to really seal the deal. 

Depending on where you are in your career, you may have plenty of interview experience. But you can never be too prepared. There are certain things that you can do to set yourself up for success when you meet with your potential employer. So, without further adieu, here are some helpful tips that you can use to nail your interview. 

1. Research the company.

Start preparing for your interview by doing some preliminary research on the company. Spend some time perusing the company website and check out their social media as well. During the interview, your interviewer is likely to ask you what you know about the company. Demonstrating that you’ve done your homework is a good way to indicate genuine interest in the role. And employers are more likely to hire candidates who have knowledge of the company. 

2. Study the job description.

Familiarize yourself with the job description to know exactly what the company is looking for in a potential hire. Having a good understanding of the requirements of the position will help you navigate the interview and identify the ways that your skills align with those listed in the job description. 

3. Study your resume.

Know your resume very well because your interviewer will likely ask questions about your work experience. Speaking confidently and knowledgeably about your experience and providing relevant examples when appropriate will serve you well in the interview process.

4. Make a good first impression.

You only have one chance to make a first impression, so you want to do everything you can to make it good. Show up well groomed and well dressed. Stick to business casual. Start with a firm handshake and a congenial smile. And be sure to make eye contact with the interviewer, but not in a creepy way. 

5. Ask questions.

Though the interviewer will pose most of the questions, you definitely want to have some questions for them at the end of the interview. When researching the company and studying the job description, come up with two or three relevant questions. You can ask about the role, upcoming projects, career development, company culture, etc. Keep in mind that the interview isn’t just about figuring out if you’re a good fit for the job. It’s also about determining whether the company is a good fit for you. Ask pertinent questions that will help you make that decision.

6. Follow up.

Within 24 hours of the interview, be sure to send a quick email thanking the interviewer for their time and consideration. Recap a couple of things you talked about during the interview and share your excitement about the potential to work with the company. A lot of jobseekers don’t make an effort to follow up. This small step can help you stand out from the crowd. 

These tips will help you kill it at your next interview. Use them to your advantage and get ready to succeed!