Interviews are the part of the job-hunting process that most of us fear, nerves can be a huge factor and it can be terrifying to be placed before people you’ve never met before and quizzed about your previous experience and job history.
However, by taking the time to prepare yourself for an interview scenario you can boost your confidence while at the same time helping to increase your chances of impressing your next potential employer.
Dress for the part
Appearance is one of the most important aspects, dressing smart to an interview can mean the difference between getting that job and being placed on the rejected pile. Make sure that your interview suit and shirt is clean and pressed for when you get there, dress in shirts that are of a plain colour and ensure you pick a tie that is of a plain design as well, for as much as you may love that bright one with a character on it, it might not be the best option to present yourself in an interview scenario.
No-one likes going to interviews on an empty stomach, which can lead to you feeling tired and having embarrassing audible growls coming from your stomach during the interview itself. If you are going to eat before your interview it’s important to choose foodstuffs that are not greasy or messy to help avoid spillage onto a nice clean shirt or tie.
Be on time or even a little early
Timekeeping is essential when it comes to attending interviews, for if you show tardiness before you’ve even got the job it can make your potential employer question if that reflects you if they took you on.
However, situations such as traffic and late-running public transport can help to contribute to lateness, so ensuring you set off in plenty of time – with a view to arriving at least 30 minutes before your interview – can set you in good stead.
Any issues, contact them right away
It can be handy keeping the phone number of the potential employer or online recruitment agency who referred you for the job in your mobile phone in case you run into any difficulties. Letting them know of difficulties can be crucial, and some employers may be sympathetic to your reasons, particularly if they know of the transport in the local area, but it’s always worth making sure you leave yourself plenty of time anyway.
When it comes to the interview itself, research is key! Ensure you do some reading up on the company and their history before you interview there. Have a look around their website and get a feel for what services they offer, what sort of customer base they have and how many employees they currently have.
Go through the job description you have been given by your recruiter (or the company themselves), try and put emphasis on how you fit into the role and how best your skill set suits the task at hand. Many employers will have some competency-based questions as part of the interview, so be honest and open about these and try and give examples about similar work you have done in the past.
Good luck with your next job interview
So when you’re next preparing for an interview, remember to a) arrive on time, b) eat in plenty of time, c) do your research and d) leave that Hawaiian shirt in the wardrobe till at least the Christmas party.
