How to not bomb your next job interview

A Canadian-led study has linked poor hand grip strength to a greater risk of early death. (AP / Kim Kyung-Hoon)

Fall is a time of reinvention and life transitions, which also makes it peak season for job interviews.

If you are looking to make a career change, how do you make sure that the interview translates into a job offer?

Here are some tips that could help you land the job of your dreams:

What to wear

“I want to say, ‘Be comfortable, but we can’t go in pyjamas or yoga pants or anything,” says corporate speaking coach Lauren Ferraro.

“The best thing you can do is actually go into the place, see the environment, see the culture,” she said.

After looking around, Ferraro suggests taking what you see and going one notch higher. For instance, if the men are wearing ties, then consider wearing a jacket to the interview.

For ladies, Ferraro suggests wearing a skirt, but “something that you’re comfortable in, that you can breathe in.”

Body language

A weak or limp-wrist handshake during introductions makes an “awful” impression, says Ferraro.

One trick to ensure a firm, confident handshake is to aim to have the “webbing” between your thumb and forefinger meet the interviewer’s.

But how long to shake for? One shake and you’re done, but let the employer guide it, Ferraro advises. “If they keep going as they’re talking to you … then just keep going along.” And make eye contact.

That applies throughout the interview. If more than one person is conducting the interview, make sure to make eye contact with everyone at some point as you speak.

During an interview, a good way to avoid slouching is by sitting closer to the edge of the chair.

Position yourself as if “your bum is going into the chair,” the crown of your head is pointing toward the ceiling and your chin is level.

“That’s status, that’s lovely alignment,” Ferraro says. “We don’t need this sort of archaic approach of chest out, shoulders back. That’s old school.”

Hands, meanwhile, can be “grazing each other” in your lap, they don’t need to be clenched, or clasped together.

What not to say

When a prospective employer asks why you are leaving your current position or why you are seeking a career transition, it is best to avoid attacking your current employer and job.

“Don’t bring any negativity into the interview,” Ferraro says. It’s also good practice to avoid the word “just” when describing your previous experience.

A job interview is “not a time to devalue” your previous tasks, duties and accomplishments.

“You got a paycheque, you’ve got to be proud of this. If you are not happy with that job, that’s fine, but don’t say, ‘I just did this,’ or ‘It wasn’t really anything,’” Ferraro says.

“You’re there to boast about yourself to a certain degree, so be proud of it because you’re the only one that’s there to be proud of what you did.”

In fact, Ferraro says you should be able to take each bullet point on your resume and speak to it. And never lie or exaggerate – one internet search is enough to discredit you, she says.

Ask questions

Ferraro says the applicant should have detailed questions about the position, and not ones that require only yes or no answers. Invest the time in preparing questions that show you’re not just going through the motions of job hunting. You want to show that you care about the position, and that you feel that you can serve the company well.

“It’s a dialogue, you’re not challenging the employer, you’re showing that you are dedicated, Ferraro says.