Get Set for Interview Success

1 year ago

You have your job interview secured – congratulations!

What now?

Interviews can be nerve-wracking and when it comes to securing a new role, you’ll want to ensure you make the right impression. You’ll need to consider several points:

Making a good first impression

Make sure it’s a positive first impression, within the first few seconds of meeting you, an interviewer will make a judgement.

Avoid being late, it not only makes a bad impression, but you also run the risk of turning up flustered.

A crucial part of this is dressing for success, you should prepare a professional looking outfit and make sure you’re well groomed.

Do your research before your interview

Research is so important. Google the employer and check their website, social media profiles and other resources available online. You want to try and develop a solid picture of the company’s goals and what it stands for. Not only is this to prove to the employer that you know your stuff and are serious about joining the company, but also to help you devise any questions you might want to ask.

Sell your skills and abilities

This point may sound obvious but selling yourself is something that many find uncomfortable. Remember, the interview is your chance to demonstrate why you’re the best candidate for the job. Be sure to tailor your interview to the job you’re applying for. Pick the examples that fit best with not only the role but also the company and its values.

Body language

Your body language will say a lot about you. Make sure you’re aware of how you’re presenting yourself and know how to make your body language work to your benefit.

Using your hands a lot when talking can make your stories more animated and aid communication, avoid fidgeting and fiddling with things, like your pen or jewellery.

You want to look confident and professional, so avoid slouching in your chair, and try to smile and maintain eye contact with your interviewer too.

Combat nerves

If you’ve done your interview preparation and you’re feeling clued-up and confident, hopefully, you shouldn’t feel too nervous. However, interviews can be nerve-wracking. Therefore, learning how to control your nerves so they don’t get the better of you is an important step.

You should aim to come across as calm and confident, so be aware of your breathing throughout. If you begin to feel stressed, take a few subtle deep breaths. Listen carefully to the interviewer so you don’t miss their questions and focus on the answers you’ve prepared. If you build up a rapport with your interviewer, this can also help you to relax and feel more at ease around them.