How to have the perfect job interview
Tuesday 28-04-2020 - 00:53
How to have the perfect job interview
You’ve done it! You’ve found a job you really like; you’ve submitted an amazing application and now there’s only one thing standing between you and your new job…the dreaded interview. Undoubtedly the interview is the trickiest part of the application process, the make or break moment. You want this job so much, but you just don’t know how to pull off the perfect interview. With all the different types and styles of interviews available now how can you be sure you are prepared for yours? Well look no further than our helpful mini guide on perfect job interview:
First and foremost, let’s address the nerves. Is there anything quite like pre-interview nerves? You do all you can to calm them down, but they just don’t seem to dissipate. Hey, guess what? Nerves don’t have to be a bad thing; in fact, for many reasons a little bit of nerves is a good thing. It shows your potential employer that you really want the job that you’re going for, that you care if you have a good interview or not. All employers want to hire someone who actually wants the job that is on offer; a person who wants a job will work hard and stick around, and what employer could ask for more? Now, obviously too many nerves can also be detrimental; they can make your rush through your answers, panic and not think clearly. If that’s the case then, start to learn some simple breathing techniques, these enable you to calm yourself and your heart rate. Really master one or two techniques that you can use while waiting to go in to the interview room. It really can make all the difference. Another way of helping ease your nerves is to take a bottle of water with you in your bag. If you find yourself struggling to think and you start to panic, you can simply take sip of water. It will allow you a few moments to think clearly, a brief moment to calm down and think of an answer. The most important way to tackle nerves of course is to practice, practice, practice. Research the company online, imagine what questions you could be asked and practice giving answers out loud. Some interviews will require you to show something, a presentation maybe; practice this infront of others, record yourself doing this and watch it back.
Practicing brings us on to our next tip - Avoid the dreaded “ummmm.” We have all been there, we have launched in to an answer without thinking it through and now every second word is umm. Remember this is an interview, not a race. Instead of launching straight in take a moment and think about your answer. Think through what you are going to say and then say it. Taking a few seconds to ensure you have a solid answer looks much better than mumbling your way through an interview. It allows you to take your time and give a true reflection of your abilities.
Next we have to look at the content of your answers; what should you say and what shouldn’t you say? Well to create the perfect answer you have to listen to the question. Sounds obvious right? Wrong. Many candidates don’t listen to the questions they are asked properly and therefore give answers that are irrelevant. Make sure you really listen to the question being asked, if you don’t understand it then ask for the question to be repeated or rephrased, better to do that then to give an answer of no relevance or risk not answering the question correctly. As said earlier, take a moment to think about your answer. Be sure that you provide specific examples when answering. Avoid talking about what other people have done in your answers and instead talk about what you specifically have done. You might have many examples to give and your enthusiasm may tempt you to give them all, don’t. Choose one or two strong examples of something you have done and stick to those (unless asked for more) this will ensure you don’t waffle on for too long and lose the interest of or overload the interviewer. An easy way to remember how to answer interview questions is the acronym S.T.A.R: Situation, Task, Action, Result. What was the situation you were in? What was your own specific task? What action did you yourself take and what was the result of this? Don’t over exaggerate or lie about what you have done, your interviewer will be able to tell.
Finally, we come on to how you present yourself for an interview. Dress, accordingly, many interviewers will expect you to wear smart office like wear to your interview. It shows professionalism, drive and respect. There will be some job interviews where this isn’t the case, perhaps you will be required to undertake a practical task for which business attire is inappropriate, this will usually be pointed out to you before the interview. If in doubt always assume smart casual office wear to be the right decision. When at your interview be sure to maintain eye contact with your interviewers. Use open body language and allow your voice to show your enthusiasm and passion.
Most importantly, don’t forget to smile.
And remember, you’ve got this.
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