Going in for an Interview? 4 Tips that You Haven't Heard a Million Times Before

This is a guest post by Katheryn Rivas. You can also write a guest post about how to get hired.

If you read all those interview tip articles online, they all essentially say the same thing. Be on time. Dress well. Ask questions. These tip lists are so ubiquitous that you'd think, if you've never attended an interview before, that interviews are all exactly the same. But think about this — if they were all the same, then people wouldn't be fretting about interviews constantly. So, instead of giving you the skinny on what you already know, here are a few tips that'll take you to the next level of interview preparedness:

1. Expect the unexpected.

Most interviews will have standard questions that you've likely been practicing based on the questions you've found on the 'Net. Of course, it's a good idea to plan for how you'll respond to such classics as "what's your greatest weakness?" or "where do you see yourself in five years?" but be aware that many interviewers will ask more open-ended questions that require some creativity. Check out this Glassdoor.com survey of 25 real-life interview questions that are a bit out of left field. Even though it's unlikely that you'll get asked these specific questions, it'll be good preparation for those unexpected curveballs.

2. Tell them what they want to hear.

Nobody will likely tell you this, but there are indeed correct answers to the more standard interview questions. Think about the typical questions you'll be asked, and then consider why they are being asked in the first place in order to arrive at the correct answer. For example, let's consider the question "where do you see yourself in five years?" The reason that employers ask this question is to gauge your potential for growth and stick-to-it-ness. Indicate broad goals that you hope to accomplish within the company. Even if you feel it's the truth, avoid answers that are too personal, that indicate you may leave within a two or three year period, or that are too unrealistic. 

3. Be surprising.

Assume that when you are interviewing for a position, you are simply one of many hundreds. Even though being surprising may contradict the "tell them what they want to hear" tip, you must ensure that you do what you can to stand out and be memorable. When you are given time to talk about yourself, tell your interviewer an unusual personal story that demonstrates some aspect of your character. If you get an open-ended question that doesn't have a "correct" answer, go with something that comes to your mind second, since what comes up first is probably what everyone else has said. 

4. Assume a persona with which you are comfortable.

Many interview tip articles will advise you to be outgoing and energetic. Of course, you'll want to come across as personable. At the same time, however, don't force yourself into purveying a personality that doesn’t fit you. If you are naturally introverted and thoughtful, don't push yourself to be extremely talkative, because your delivery will be false and stilted. Always try to be as comfortable with yourself and your interviewer as possible, simply because comfort begets confidence. And it's better to be confident in an interview than to be nervously chatty.
All this being said, interviews are never a walk in the park.  Sometimes no amount of practice and preparation will be enough to help you get through what comes next when you open that office door. The most important thing to remember is to know yourself, know the position you are applying to, and hope that those two align. Good luck!

Do you have any experience in getting from resume submitted to getting hired?

This guest post is contributed by Katheryn Rivas, who writes on the topics of online university.  She welcomes your comments at her email ID: katherynrivas87@gmail.com.

If you'd also like to contribute, you can submit a guest post.