In your search for a new job, a new career path or an internship, job interviews are an important and inevitable part of the process. Once you get invited for an interview, there is only one chance to make a good impression.
A lot of people still don’t get the crucial stage of an interview right, and miss out on their dream job.
We all know to dress professionally, research and prepare, have questions ready for at the end of the interview, talk polite and don’t start mumbling when you don’t know an answer. How is it then possible that so many people still get it wrong…
First of all, don’t just put any suit or shirt on. Your clothing needs to be adjusted to the company and the position within that company. If you apply for a job or internship as a lifeguard at the local pool you’re probably not expected to show up in a suit. Although when you are going for an accountant role, a quality suit is definitely something to go for. Head to toe is important, ensure that your hair is tidy and your shoes are clean.
Second, put all social media on hold for a second, set your phone on silence and just take that half hour to look over the website or any other source of information you have about the company and its available position. Write down any questions that you may have for the company while you do your research.
Third, learn how to answer the questions about yourself. Examples may include: what competences do I have that are necessary and important to this job? What could be my possible flaws and how do I overcome these? Also try to recall a number of experiences you had in life that could be of relevance to the role you’re applying for. Side jobs, memberships, hobbies, committees, volunteer work are all areas that say something about you. How you spend your leisure time reflects your passion in life.
The last one, and probably the hardest one, is to remain calm and confident during interviews. I know it is easier said than done. Taking the advice mentioned above is a start. It definitely helps a lot when you are dressed appropriately, you investigated the company and the role sufficiently enough and you prepared questions about yourself.
Furthermore, keeping your breathing under control, taking time to give answers and articulate well.
It’s definitely not a bad thing if you don’t know an answer straight away, or if you need a few seconds to let information sink in before you reply to the interviewer(s). They rather have you taking a bit of time and come with a good, well formed and clear answer than mumbling or tripping over words.
Remember, an interview is just an honest conversation between two (or more) professionals.
With these easy implementable tips we hope that you are more confident in smashing that next interview. If you think you need some help with one of the things mentioned above, send us an email or give us a call!
As William Shatner once said “I sometimes find that in interviews you learn more about yourself than the person learned about you.”