You’ve accomplished writing your CV and been recognised for an interview, well done! Now, it’s time for the exciting part, wowing the interviewing panel with what you can bring to the table that nobody else can.
The interview starts before you leave the house.
When trying to land a new job it’s very important to not just know your job role but what the company does and what that means to you. So, do your research! This means exploring the company website and absorbing any information they provide you with beforehand. You don’t need to be an expert, but you want them to see how interested you are in the company and how keen you are to be a part of it.
It’s particularly important that you are in the right mindset for the interview before you enter that interviewing room. Make sure that you prepare prior to the interview, this means not leaving it to the night before. You want the night before to be dedicated to you being able to relax and be fully rested so you can show your best self the next day.
Dress the part!
Depending on the job role and business you’re applying to work for, the dress code may differ. Whatever the dress code they desire, it’s important that you respect their expectations because what you’re wearing is the first thing the interview panel will see when you walk through that door and first impressions are crucial.
Be confident and real.
Once you are in the interviewing room don’t let this daunt you. It’s important to show that you are excited to be there and ready for them to get to know you just as much as you are ready to get to know them. Remember, whilst being confident in yourself, it’s also just as important to be real with yourself and those interviewing you. For example, if you don’t know an answer to a question be honest, tell them and make it known you are willing to learn. The interviewers will respect you for being honest rather than giving an answer they weren’t looking for. Instead, it gives them a different answer, a better answer.
Listen to your peers.
Answering questions is just as important as listening to the question and more so, what your peers are saying. This means really taking an interest in what your peers have to say and asking them questions. By doing this it not only moves a conversation but shows interest in what those around you have to say which represents team work from the get-go.
Once you’ve aced the interview, be sure to thank them and let know them know that you are looking forward to hearing back from them. Then all there is left to do is, let the waiting commence!