20 Job Interview Tips and Sample Questions & Answers

Job Interview Tips Before the Interview

1. Find Out About the Company and the Interviewer

Before coming to the interview, the first job interview tip is to make sure you have looked for information about the company. Starting from their vision, mission, work culture, to their latest projects.

Also, get to know who your interviewer is through LinkedIn or the company's official website. This knowledge will make you more confident and show your interest in the company.

2. Practice Your Answers

Practicing answers to common questions like “Tell me about yourself” or “Why are you interested in this position?” will help you speak more fluently.

Use this opportunity to convey the added value you have and how you can contribute to the company.

3. Reread the Job Description

The next job interview tip is to reread the job description. Job descriptions are an important guide in preparing for interviews.

Mark the skills needed and match them to your experience. Prepare relevant stories or accomplishments to prove that you are the right candidate.

4. Use the STAR Method

The STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method is very helpful in answering behavioral-based questions, such as “Tell me about a time you faced a challenge at work.”

With this method, your answers will be more structured and clear.

5. Practice with Someone

Ask a friend or family member to do a mock interview. This will boost your confidence, help you avoid unnecessary words, and improve your delivery.

6. Prepare a Reference List

Some companies ask for references as part of the selection process. Prepare a list of people you can contact to recommend you, such as former bosses or supervisors.

7. Prepare Yourself

Mental and physical preparation is also important. Make sure you get enough sleep, maintain your diet, and manage your nerves so you can perform at your best on the day of the interview.

8. Prepare Smart Questions for the Interviewer

Interviews are not just about answering questions, but also showing your interest.

Ask things like: “What is the criteria for success for this position?” or “What is the work culture like on this team?” to let the interviewer know you’re serious.

Job Interview Tips on Interview Day

9. Plan Your Outfit the Night Before

Match your attire to your company culture. If you are unsure, choose something that is neat, professional, and comfortable. This preparation will reduce stress in the morning.

10. Bring a copy of your CV, notebook, and pen.

Prepare at least five copies of your resume in case there is more than one interviewer. Also bring a notebook and pen to jot down important points during the interview.

11. Come Early

Try to arrive at the location 30 minutes before the schedule. This shows professionalism and avoids the risk of being late due to traffic or other obstacles.

12. Make a Good First Impression

Tips for a successful face-to-face job interview is to make a good first impression.

Smiling, shaking hands confidently, and maintaining eye contact are simple yet effective ways to create a positive impression.

13. Treat Everyone With Respect

Don't just be friendly to the interviewer, but also to the receptionist, security, or anyone you meet at the interview location. Your attitude can be a consideration for them.

14. Win Their Hearts

Show enthusiasm, passion, and authenticity. Interviewers want to work with people who are fun and positive.

15. Respond Honestly

Answer the questions honestly, do not exaggerate or make things up. If there are any shortcomings, tell us how you overcame them.

16. Relate Answers to Your Skills and Achievements

Always relate your answers to relevant experiences, skills, and accomplishments. This shows that you have the required competencies.

17. Keep Your Answers Concise and Focused

Don't beat around the bush. A clear answer,to the point,and focus will be easier for the interviewer to understand.

18. Stay Positive

Avoid talking negatively about bad experiences in previous jobs. Focus on the lessons learned and what you are looking for in the future.

Job Interview Tips After the Interview

19. Ask About Next Steps

Before ending the interview session, ask about the next process so you know what to do. This shows your enthusiasm and initiative.

20. Send a Thank You Email

A job interview tip that is sometimes overlooked is sending a thank you email.

Sending a thank you email after an interview is polite and shows professionalism.

Express gratitude for their time, the positive impression you got, and hope for the next opportunity.

Job Interview Questions and Answers Examples

Here are examples of job interview questions and answers:

1. Tell us about yourself.

“Let me introduce myself, I am Rina, a Bachelor of Accounting graduate with 2 years of experience in finance. I am used to working with targets and have good data analysis skills. I want to develop a career in this company because it suits my interests and experiences.”

2. Why are you interested in this position?

“I am interested because this position suits my expertise in digital marketing, and I want to contribute to developing digital marketing strategies in this company.”

3. What are your advantages?

“I have good communication skills and am able to work in a team, and am quick to learn new things.”

4. What are your weaknesses?

“I sometimes get too detailed, but I'm learning to see the big picture to be more efficient.”

5. Tell me about your experience working in a team.

“While interning at company X, I worked on a team for a social media campaign project and managed to increase engagement by 30% in 3 months.”

6. How do you cope with work pressure?

“I prioritize a to-do list and stay calm to focus on completing tasks according to deadlines.”

7. What do you know about our company?

“I know this company is a technology leader with an innovative culture, and a vision to make people's lives easier.”

8. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

“I want to be a professional in my field and have greater responsibilities in this company.”

9. What is your biggest motivation for working?

“I want to make a real contribution, learn new things, and develop my skills for a better future.”

10. Are you willing to be placed out of town?

“Yes, I am willing because I want to develop and am ready to face new challenges.”

By understanding the job interview tips above, you can prepare yourself more thoroughly and increase your chances of being accepted into your dream job.

Don't forget, good job interview tips are all about practice, confidence, and honesty. Good luck!

With good preparation, you can open the interview with a strong and positive impression.

Come on, start your career or find the best talent with JobCity.id!