30 Jan Anatomy of a Job Interview: Ace the Test

One aspect of job interviews never changes: they’re nerve-racking! But technology and hiring trends have added some new elements you need to master. Here’s how to ace your next interview.

Dress professionally—and comfortably.
Yes, people dress casually at many workplaces these days. But as a candidate, you need to take it up a notch. Choose clothing that’s polished and classy, but still allows you to move with ease and feel like your best self.

Research relentlessly.
With the Internet at your fingertips, there’s no excuse not to have a thorough understanding of the company and its challenges. Check news articles and the company’s website and social media feeds, and talk with current and former employees if you can. Glassdoor.com, which offers anonymous workplace reviews, can tell you a lot about a company’s culture.

Anticipate the questions you’ll be asked.
Open-ended standbys like “Tell me about yourself” allow you to deliver a succinct summary of the skills, traits, and accomplishments that make you a great fit for the job. More pointed questions—“Has your work ever been criticized? What was said?”—let you show how you’ve used criticism as an opportunity 
to learn.


Rehearse on camera.
A job interview is a performance. So do what actors do and practice until you can deliver your talking points effortlessly. Record yourself with a webcam to be sure you’re coming across the way you want to. (This will be especially helpful if you’re asked to interview via Skype or Google Hangout.)

> For more tips, check out the website of global talent management firm Lee Hecht Harrison, at lhh.com