Interviewing for a new job can be nerve-wracking. You’ve likely spent hours perfecting your resume, researching the company, and practicing answers to common interview questions. However, even the most prepared candidates can slip up under pressure. Bombing an interview can cost you your dream job.
Luckily, avoiding common mistakes is easy with the right preparation. In this article, we’ll discuss how to avoid bombing your next interview through proper research, practice, and a positive mindset. Read on to learn key tips for interview success.
Research the Company Thoroughly
One of the easiest ways to bomb an interview is failing to research the company properly. Interviewers want to see that you took the time to learn about the business. Lack of company knowledge signals disinterest in the role.
Before your interview, thoroughly research the company website and social media pages. Learn about the company’s history, mission statement, products/services, culture, and major competitors. You should also research key employees like the CEO and individuals you may meet during your interviews.
Having in-depth company knowledge allows you to provide thoughtful answers when asked “What do you know about our company?” or “Why do you want to work here?” It also enables you to ask smart questions about the company’s goals and challenges.
Key Research Tips:
- Review the company’s “About Us” and “Culture” pages
- Check the company’s social media profiles, especially LinkedIn
- Use search engines to find recent news articles about the company
- Search for employees on LinkedIn to learn about the leadership team
Conducting thorough company research takes time. However, it’s a critical step to avoid bombing the interview.
Practice Answering Common Questions
Another way to avoid interview disaster is preparing answers for common interview questions ahead of time. Don’t wait until the interview to decide what you’ll say. Practice explaining your background, skills, and interests fluently and concisely.
Always have a response ready for questions like:
- Tell me about yourself.
- What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
- Why are you interested in this role?
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
- Why should we hire you over other candidates?
Also prepare stories and examples that highlight important skills needed for the job. With practice, your answers will come across naturally instead of rehearsed.
Tips for practicing responses:
- Write down stories that showcase relevant experience
- Practice out loud in front of a mirror or friend/family member
- Time your responses to keep them concise
- Soften stiff or robotic speech patterns
- Record yourself and review to improve your answers
Preparing for interview questions is not memorizing a script. It’s becoming comfortable talking fluently about your background. Practice enough so you can speak comfortably and confidently.
Dress Professionally
Your appearance is one of the first impressions an employer will make during an interview. Dressing unprofessionally can immediately disqualify you. Always opt for formal business attire, even if the company’s dress code seems casual. It’s better to be overdressed than underdressed.
Follow these tips for interview outfit success:
- Wear a professional suit in a dark color like black, navy, or charcoal gray
- Select dress shoes that match your suit and are polished/shined
- Wear minimal accessories like a watch, wedding ring, simple earrings
- Style your hair neatly and go light on makeup/cologne
- Iron or press your entire outfit to avoid wrinkles
- Inspect your outfit in bright lighting before the interview
A carefully assembled outfit shows professionalism and attention to detail. It also makes you look and feel confident.
What to Avoid:
- Trendy styles or loud colors/patterns
- Revealing, tight, or ripped clothing
- Uncomfortable shoes like sky-high heels
- Distracting or excessive jewelry/accessories
- Strong perfume or cologne
- Wrinkled, dirty, or stained clothing
Dressing professionally ensures your appearance works for you, not against you.
Arrive Early
Punctuality is crucial for interviews. Arriving late sets a terrible first impression that can immediately disqualify you. Build in extra time to account for unexpected delays like traffic or trouble finding parking. Aim to arrive at least 10-15 minutes early. This provides a cushion if you run into obstacles.
Once you arrive early:
- Notify the front desk you have arrived for your interview
- Turn your cell phone off or to silent mode
- Review your resume and interview notes
- Catch your breath and focus on your mindset
- Use the restroom to check your appearance one last time
Arriving early helps you settle in and prevents a rushed, stressful entrance. Walk into the interview feeling cool, calm and collected.
Bring Extra Copies of Your Resume
Always bring several freshly printed copies of your resume on quality paper. You never know how many interviewers will be present. Passing out resumes also allows them to follow along and take notes.
Before the interview:
- Print at least 5 copies of your resume on professional, quality paper
- Place resumes in a folder or portfolio case to keep them neat
- Only bring your resume – do not bring other papers or bags with you
Having multiple copies shows you are a thoughtful, strategic candidate. Interviewers can also appreciate that you aren’t shuffling around bags or belongings during the interview. Keep the focus on your conversation.
Use Positive Body Language
Your body language impacts your performance just as much as your verbal answers. Be aware of your posture, expressions, and gestures during the interview. Position yourself to project confidence and engagement through positive body language:
- Maintain good posture – sit up tall with your shoulders back
- Offer a firm handshake and make eye contact when greeting your interviewer(s)
- Smile and nod appropriately to signal active listening
- Lean your body slightly forward to demonstrate interest
- Use open hand gestures – avoid fidgeting or nervous movements
- Maintain eye contact as culturally appropriate
Avoid slouching, crossing your arms, frowning, leg shaking, toe tapping, pen clicking, and other distracting mannerisms.
Your body language can say as much as your verbal responses when making an impression.
Ask Insightful Questions
Towards the end of most interviews, the interviewer will ask “Do you have any questions for me?” Never reply no! This is your chance to show enthusiasm and make a positive last impression.
Prepare at least 2-3 smart, thoughtful questions based on your company research. Avoid questions with simple yes/no answers. Examples include:
- “What do you enjoy most about working here?”
- “How would you describe the company’s culture?”
- “How does this role contribute to the company’s core business goals?”
- “What are some day-to-day challenges this role faces?”
- “What are the next steps in the interview process?”
Asking engaging questions demonstrates your interest, curiosity, and strategic focus. The interviewer’s responses also provide useful insights before your next interview or potential job offer.
Send Thank You Notes
Stand out by sending a tailored thank you note to each interviewer within 24 hours. Thank them for their time, highlight your interest, and reinforce why you are an excellent fit.
- Address each person by name and position
- Mention something unique about your conversation
- Reiterate your top qualifications and enthusiasm
- Express appreciation for their consideration
- Check carefully for spelling/grammar errors
Thank you notes show professionalism, attention to detail, and eagerness to move forward. Just don’t overdo it by calling repeatedly to check on your status.
Conclusion
Bombing a job interview is stressful, but avoidable. Do your research, practice responding thoughtfully, dress professionally, arrive early, use positive body language, ask good questions, and send thank you notes. Preparing methodically helps control nerves so your qualifications shine through. Use these tips to ace your next interview and move closer to getting the job you want!