Job interviews tend to cause much stress for people willing to shift their careers.

What should I wear? Should I bring a copy of my resume and cover letter? What about getting a recommendation from my current employer? Unsurprisingly, if you deliver an intense interview, you will most likely be successful in being offered and securing a job. The more research and preparation you do, the more confident you will be in the interview, which results in the best outcome. For this article, we have curated a list of the top things candidates can do to ensure their interview goes smoothly.

Preparation is vital when you embark on the interview process. Always research the organization’s website; you want to show how interested you are and what you know about the organization. Their website will highlight the organization’s background, team and culture and up-to-date news on what they are doing and have achieved. To widen your research, you can look at the information on them through the media and social media. It is good to look at the organization’s page on LinkedIn for specific achievements, and you can view the LinkedIn profiles of those who work for the organization, particularly those who will be interviewing you.

When you have a face-to-face interview, it is essential to plan your trip to the location, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area. Is it accessible by public transport, and if you are driving, what is parking like? Doing a trial run when planning your trip is an excellent idea. Above all else, arrive on time for an interview. For a video interview, ensure you have the right technology, including good Wi-Fi and a laptop, and provided you are set up 15 minutes before the discussion in a quiet room clear of clutter and distractions.

When choosing an outfit for your job interview, learning more about the company is critical.

If you are applying for a corporate position, opt for a business look. A more laid-back outfit will do just fine if you want to work at a startup. A rule of thumb is avoiding anything that shows too much of your skin or makes you look unprofessional. If you have any doubts, drop a message to HR, asking what dress code they go for at their company. Always be well-presented in what you wear; you can never go wrong when you wear a smart suit.

You must communicate your experience and successes that clearly show your strengths and what you can bring to the role and the organization.

Whenever we find ourselves in stressful situations, we tend to lose some control of our body language. Therefore, when on a job interview, pay extra attention to your hand movements, sitting position, and tone of voice. Sit straight, try to speak at a moderate speed, and emphasize your points with some hand gestures.

Whether it’s listening about your potential workplace and colleagues, or the company’s annual goals, make sure you show your interest and curiosity. Both – in words and body language.

Curiosity is one of the critical qualities hiring managers are looking for when selecting candidates. When you show interest, you make an impression as someone willing to learn – both at the workplace and in life.

Listen carefully to the questions you are asked and provide a clear and concise answer, demonstrating with relevant examples and avoiding getting distracted in your answers. One of the most significant mistakes candidates make is preparing a 15-minute talk without paying attention to what an interviewer says. To avoid that, think through what you’d like to emphasize in a job interview, but focus on what’s happening in the room.

That way, you’ll increase your chances of making a good first impression

Somewhere at the end of your job interview, an HR may ask – do you have any questions?

Use this opportunity to ask intelligent open-ended questions that will help you learn more about the company and the position you are applying to.

Once done with the job interview, drop a short message to the HR manager, and thank them for the interview. You don’t need to overdo this step – write a quick email to the point. Doing so will help you stand out as someone who cares about the position and is severe enough to take it.

If you’ve prepared for the interview, came well-dressed, and participated actively in a conversation, you’ve done a great job!

Now the decision is on the company’s side, and all you have to do is relax and wait for their call.

Job interviews can be stressful whether you are a graduate applying for your first job or a professional looking to progress in their career. However, interviewers will appreciate that most candidates will be nervous. As a candidate, there will be so many questions running around in your head, including what I wear and what I should ask. Therefore, it is essential to prepare as this will address your many questions, ensuring you perform to your best with an outcome that goes in your favor.