Do you get nervous before job interviews? Do you ever wonder what makes for the perfect business interview? Being nervous before any interview is natural. The more you care about getting a job, the more likely you are to stress over how the interview will go.

Thus, to ace your interview and boost your confidence, you must follow a set of steps and tips that increase your chances of a successful interview. Below are some tips on how to succeed in a job interview:

1. Do your research

Always do your research on a company before going for an interview and gain any information about the company and the respective job you have applied for. Some important information to look for includes the company’s latest projects, its financial stability and how well the employers and employees are treated in the workplace.

Further, do some research on the particular job that you are applying. Look for any information that can help you convince the employers why you will be a perfect fit for that role. Review the job title and make a list of all of your achievements to match their requirements. This will serve as a talking point for you during your interview.

2. Gather your questions

One of the major issue that recruiters find when finished interviewing someone is the lack of questions that they ask. Every recruiter tends to ask one thing at the end of an interview; if you have any questions?

Replying to this with a simple ‘no’ gives off an image that you might not be as interested in the respective role as they would want. Having questions and asking them about it gives them the impression that you are genuinely interested in this position and have done your homework regarding it. Thus, have your questions ready beforehand so that you don’t get flustered at the end of the interview.

3. Dress for success

One of the simplest ways to impress and employer is to dress appropriately and professionally for your interview. For any interview you give, the first step to take is to dress the part. Research on the dress code of the company and then dress accordingly. With dressing the part, it shows a sense of confidence that employers seek for in a new hire.

4. Respect the schedule

The biggest mistake you can make when going for an interview is arriving for the interview late. For a successful interview, arrive at the given venue at least 10 – 15 minutes before the appointed time.

Arriving way too early for an interview easily confuses the employer leaving an awkward interaction. Whereas arriving late leaves a bad first impression. Thus, approximately 15 minutes before the interview is the perfect time to arrive, giving you time to navigate your way into the office space and make yourself seem punctual in the eyes of your potential co-workers.

5. Stay positive throughout

A positive conversation is the key to a successful job interview. Employers don’t want to hear a list of all your bas experiences and excuses, rather hear all the positive experiences you’ve had.

If you are asked about a weakness in your background or a low grade, never be defensive in return. Rather, focus on what you have learnt from the little experience you have, focus on your qualities and make sure to highlight them to keep a positive impression.

6. Watch your body language

For any interview, one of the major things to keep in check is of your non-verbal communication. Keep your body language positive and confident. That means, maximize how you are behaving non- verbally by smiling more, keeping a straight posture, firm handshake and more eye contact. This will help you succeed in your interviews.

7. Be real

The last thing to keep in mind when giving an interview is to make sure that you are speaking your mind clearly and truthfully. Speak enthusiastically about your skills and your experiences. Show that you are proud of your accomplishments. Let your personality and your skills shine through, without losing any sense of professionalism.

Magna Carta College, Oxford’s Independent Business school gives students the platform to learn the skills and gain the experience they would need in a professional sitting. With courses like International MBA or several executive courses, it qualifies in providing its students everything that a future employer will be looking for.