28 April 2020

5 Tips for Interview Success

Job interviews can be nerve-racking and stressful. Our body starts shaking, then comes the sweaty palms and your mind suddenly goes blank when they ask you the first question. It happens to most of us. So what are some ways to help you prepare?

Here are 5 tips that we think may help you get through it!

   1. Arrive early (If on a phone or online – get comfortable in a spot where the interview will take place)

First impressions count and arriving on time gives the interviewer the impression that you want the job and will be punctual if you’re successful. This will also give you time to gather your thoughts, stay calm and go over anything that you may need to. There’s nothing worse than arriving at an interview flustered and not in the right headspace. The time beforehand will allow you to relax and it will come across in your voice and mannerisms once the interview starts. If your interview takes place online or over the phone, finding a quiet space and sitting down early will allow you time to get technology right and find the right number to call!

   2. Research the company

Interviewers are trying to find out if you are the right fit for their business or organisation and whether you know much about what they do. It’s so important that you research the company that you’ll be working with, if successful. There are different ways you could do this. You could research online and browse their website. You could also read up on the latest news, sign up to their newsletters, check out their social media pages or possibly talk to someone that already works within that company. Whichever way you decide to research, look at their latest projects, find out who their leadership team is and pick something that you admire or find interesting about the company. Mention this in your interview!

   3. Prepare

Learn everything you need to know about the position you are applying for. Print off the job description and the roles and responsibilities of the position. Then go over it carefully. It’s important to think about the skills you have and how this can be applied to this position. Anticipate their question and if you need to type out dot point or handwrite them for memory – do it. Whatever works for you to get prepared try it.

   4. Have questions ready for the interviewer

Most times, the interviewer will ask you if you have any questions for them. Always have one. This gives an indication that you’re ready to start and you know what the job entails. Even the small questions matter.

   5. Practice, practice, practice!

You can never practice enough. Practice your answers for the more generic questions (What are your strengths? Why do you want this job? What is your weakness?). This will give you confidence and will keep the nerves in check. Make sure your answers are unique to you so you come across genuine and give the interviewer a glimpse of who you are.

And most of all – be your self! If you are successful, employers want to know the real you and what you’re capable of.

Good luck preparing! If you need help getting your resume ready, check out some of our resources here.