Five tips to ace a job interview

Here are five tips to give you an edge over your competitors.

Do your research
Researching the company before the interview and learning as much as possible about its services, products, customers and competition will give you an edge in understanding and addressing the company’s needs. The more you know about the company and what it stands for, the better chance you have of selling yourself in the interview.

Dress the part
Even if the job you’re applying for involves wearing a uniform or working behind the scenes, the way you dress for an interview tells your potential employer that you take the job seriously. If you’re a man, wear a nice pair of pants and a shirt. A tie usually isn’t necessary for a summer job, although it doesn’t hurt to wear one. Takkies, sandals, flip-flops, shorts, T-shirts, sweatshirts and jeans don’t work. The same goes for women – wear something simple and avoid short skirts or skimpy tops.

Be prepared and on time
Bring along a folder containing extra copies of your CV, a copy of your references and paper to take notes. You should also have questions prepared to ask at the end of the interview.
Never arrive late to an interview. Allow extra time to arrive early in the vicinity, allowing for factors such as getting lost. Enter the building 10 to 15 minutes before the interview.

Ask questions
Many interviewees don’t ask questions and miss the opportunity to find out valuable information. The questions you ask indicate your interest in the company or job.

Follow up
Whether it’s through email or a phone call, the interview follow-up is one more chance to remind the interviewer of all the valuable traits you bring to the job and company. Don’t miss this last chance to market yourself.