Secure the job…
Preparation is the key to a successful interview and controlling your nerves. Below is a list of tips to help ensure a successful interview.
Research the company using the internet and the company website.
What is their primary business?
What projects are they currently involved with?
Who are their main clients?
What is their size?
What are their values?
What are some interesting facts about the company?
Have they been in the news lately?
You will be able to confidently talk about the company during your interview if you have done your research.
Interview questions can be daunting, especially if you are not prepared. The most common interview style is the behavioural interview. Behavioural questions give a future employer the opportunity to see how you respond to different situations by drawing on your previous work experience.
To help you prepare, write answers to common behavioural interview questions and practise reading them aloud until you feel confident.
This allows your subconscious to retain the information and helps you avoid the post-interview regret of wishing you had answered a question better.
There are plenty of horror stories about candidates arriving at interviews wearing inappropriate clothing, excessive makeup, overpowering fragrance, smelling of cigarettes, chewing gum, or arriving late. Make sure this is not you.
Be remembered for all the right reasons. Keep your appearance professional, simple, and smart.
The last thing you want to do minutes before your interview is forget the names of the people interviewing you. Avoid unnecessary stress by preparing your interview information in advance.
Remember to have the following details written down and take them with you:
Address – Street number, building level, and a printed map if needed.
Travel – Know how you are getting there and how long the journey will take.
Names – Know the names of the people interviewing you.
By preparing this information, you leave nothing to chance.
Don't get caught out!
Arrive 15 minutes early.
Do a final check of your appearance.
Give yourself time to mentally prepare before entering reception.
When greeted by the receptionist or interviewers, smile, maintain eye contact, offer a confident handshake, and follow their lead to the interview room.
Body language plays a key role in creating a positive impression during your interview.
Keep your arms unfolded to show openness.
Sit up straight to demonstrate confidence and attentiveness.
Lean forward slightly to show interest.
If your body language shows that you are interested, genuine, and honest, you will help put the interviewer at ease.
Build rapport through good eye contact, smiling, open body language, and using the interviewer's name. If you are interviewed by a panel, make sure you engage with everyone rather than focusing on just one person.
Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your enthusiasm and genuine interest in the role.
Some examples include:
What projects do you have coming up?
What is the next step in the recruitment process?
Is there any other information I can provide that would be helpful?
Leave the interview the same way you entered it: smile, maintain good eye contact, and offer a confident handshake.
Show your enthusiasm for the position by saying: "Thank you for your time today. I look forward to hearing from you."
Thank the receptionist on your way out, as they may provide feedback to the interviewers.
Walk out confidently.