How To Nail A Job Interview When You Don't Know Much About The Company

I have had my fair share of job interviews, and as I continue to make it to the final rounds of interview cycles, it becomes more clear what I need to improve on.

Let's not forget landing the interview is half the battle.

Often times, companies hire from within. So the fact that you made it to the second round or landed a first interview at all is a blessing and should not be taken lightly. Do you know how many people probably applied for the same gig?

But let's talk about how to actually land the job itself.

Obviously, the way you conduct yourself during the interview is of the utmost importance, but sometimes, the outcome is just based on your interviewer's mood that day.

For example, in interview recently, I was told I was “too professional and polished” merely because I fed the hiring manager the answers they wanted to hear.

Maybe I was too rehearsed, or maybe he was just in a bad mood. Regardless, my feedback was that I should have matched the casual demeanor of my interviewer because he wasn't able to see my true personality.

Whatever the case may be, you'll want to control your own demeanor to the best of your ability. That way, you can assess whether it was you who sabotaged the interview or if it just wasn't meant to be.

Here are four helpful tips to make it through the interview and land the job you want:

1. Match their mood.

This might seem crazy, but try to subtly copy your interviewer's body language. Whatever you interviewer does, give it right back.

This way, there's no sense of miscommunication or misreading of the situation, especially on your end. They'll notice you're sharp enough to pick up on how comfortable (or uncomfortable) they are.

2. Make it worthwhile.

Sometimes, you forget your interviewer is a person with a limited amount of time and (most likely) a limited amount of patience. In any case, you need to seize the moment, and show the person that you're there for a reason.

Do your research about the job ahead of time, and come to the interview prepared, knowing what your interviewer will expect of you, so you can show them why you're the right person for the job.

3. Maintain eye contact.

Let's face it: When you're nervous, maintaining eye contact feels like the last thing you want to do, since you probably feel like your interviewer can sense you fear.

But I find eye contact does two things. First, it enables you to focus on something other than your nerves, bringing you back to the moment. And second, it lets your interviewer know you are paying full attention to their every word.

4. Exude enthusiasm and confidence.

We've already established you are not there to waste your interviewer's time, but let's be clear about another important thing: You're not there to waste your own time, either.

You obviously sought out this potential job because you're interested in it in some way, so make your interest clear. It makes your interviewer's job much easier if they see you have genuine interest in the kind of work you'd be doing.

Also, it's probably refreshing for your interviewer to see someone so eager. And just as much as you need this job, they need someone enthusiastic about the job there as well.

Above all, be confident, don't be afraid to show your enthusiasm and come prepared, and you'll land the job you want in no time.