Need help on your interview?
Posted: 1st Oct 2018
You’re almost there. Your CV landed you an interview and now
it’s time to seal the deal. So what’s the best way to prepare?
Below you’ll find the some of the best tips to help before,
during and after your interview.
Before the interview;
Research the company; the better prepared you are, the more
relaxed and comfortable you will be. Being unprepared will be obvious in your
body language and tone as well in the answers that you provide. Before the
interview, it is a good idea to gather information about the company that has
the position vacant and try to relate your experience to the specific duties of
the job opportunity available. With so much out there, I’m baffled that few of
us look past the company’s homepage.
Dress for success! At an interview it is extremely important
to look, act and dress professionally as you won’t have a second chance at
making a good first impression.
We can’t over emphasise how important first impressions are.
Research has shown that an interviewer has made an impression within the first
eight seconds of meeting the person. The remainder of the interview is spent
confirming this opinion, or turning this opinion around.
Plan ahead; practice interviewing! Recruit a friend or a group of friends and
colleagues to ask you sample questions. Practice making eye contact
Get everything done early - Have your clothes, CV, and
directions to the interview site ready ahead of time, to avoid any extra
stress.
Anticipate likely questions. To get to the motivations and
working style of a potential employee, employers often turn to behavioural
interviewing, an interviewing style which consists of a series of probing,
incisive questions. This may sound a little intimidating; however with a little
preparation you can feel confident before the interview.
During the interview;
A firm (but not bone crunching) handshake with a positive
smile will do wonders when you first meet your Interviewer. Some small chit
chat from the reception area to the interview room will also help.
Body language is also very important in your interview. Come
across confident and relaxed. Looking disinterested will not get you the job.
All of this can seem a lot when you are nervous but try and
remember these tips!
If offered a drink accept it as this can help and give you
some time to answer a difficult question.
Just remember these tips below and you’ll do great!
DEEP BREATHS: Take deep breaths to relax, keep calm and
focus the mind.
RELAX: Try not to let your nerves show through your body
language
OPEN: Ensure you are sitting in an open comfortable position
LEANING: Lean slightly toward the interviewer to show your
interest
EYE CONTACT: Make eye contact with the interviewer
Good luck!