As you enter the corporate world, you will encounter a lot of new things, starting with job applications. So, allow us to share six simple and easy job interview tips so that you can kick-start your dream career

Being ready is the key.

Coming prepared makes for a good first impression. Preparation isn’t only about being dressed well (though this is also very important!), but also remember what you have written on your resume. Knowing what you wrote by heart will show how confident and reliable you are during your first interview. Remember, the first few seconds of the job interview will be mostly about the things you put in your resume!

Dress for the position.

When looking for a job, the first thing you have to do is to sell yourself well. Dressing up is part of creating and maintaining a good brand for yourself. As with attending any important occasion, candidates are expected to dress appropriately for job interviews. Being in your best clothes can help you show the interviewers that you’re the ideal candidate for the position you’re applying for. However, this doesn’t mean that you need to have your hair styled or your makeup was done by professionals! Just maintain a nice and polished look that makes you feel confident and you’re good to go.

Research—not only about the position but also about the company.

Some candidates fail to research about the company and the position they’re applying for. Often times, they only check the position title, location, and the salary offered before clicking “apply.” But researching about what the company does and the duties and responsibilities of the position you’re applying for will show interviewers how interested you really are in getting the job. It will also show them that you have a vision and a sense of responsibility—in that you’re familiarizing yourself with the industry where you want to pursue a long-term career.

Be on time; know your schedule by heart.

This may sound unnecessary or trivial, but it’s not. Candidates frequently end up being late because they have overlooked their schedule or failed to research on how to get to their interview’s location. Remember: there’s no harm in double-checking. It’s better to be frantic days before your interview and over-prepare so that you can arrive on time than be frantic just hours prior and arrive late. Also, we all know that the Philippines doesn’t offer the best commuting experience, so make sure to prepare for the traffic ahead. Pro-tip: arrive 5-10 minutes earlier than the time of the interview.

Be composed.

Interviews are not always as relaxing or enjoyable as applicants wish them to be. But, as long as you’re calm and confident, you’ll certainly ace any interview and sweep any interviewer off their feet. Maintain eye-contact and try to build rapport. Building rapport is usually the interviewer’s job, but it always takes two to tango. Make sure you read the atmosphere of the interview and move accordingly. One good thing to do is to mirror the interviewer’s attitude. Imitate or reciprocate the interviewer’s behavior during the screening. This can also help make you feel more comfortable.

Sell yourself, but not too much!

Be prepared to answer questions about yourself, and be ready to think on your feet. Prepare an elevator pitch – a short but catchy spiel about who you are, what you do, and what you want to do[1]. Always remember to stay true to yourself: highlight your strengths and turn your weaknesses around. Consistency and integrity are valued during screening—these might just land you that dream job.

At RareJob, we uphold our mission and vision by giving chances for career growth and personal development. What are you waiting for? Join RareJob and pay it forward![1]

Among all these tips, there’s nothing more important than being true to yourself. It may sound cliché, but integrity is the best asset you’ll ever have. Interview and tests can only measure so much. The real test comes once you get hired. Once you’re part of the company you applied for, your next mission would be to live up to and go beyond the expectations you set during your screening.

At RareJob, we uphold our mission and vision by giving chances for career growth and personal development. What are you waiting for? Join RareJob and pay it forward![2]

[1] Interview Advice for Candidates (http://www.smart10ltd.co.uk/candidates/recruitment-tips/)

[2] Elevator Pitch Examples and Writing Tips by Alison Doyle (https://www.thebalancecareers.com/elevator-speech-examples-and-writing-tips-2061976)