Interviews can be
frightening but can also be super exciting! After all, you usually go for an
interview to go for a job that you really want. It may be a promotion or a step
in the right direction for your chosen career path. Whatever it may be, the best
way to smash that interview is to be calm, not to over prepare and just be
yourself.
It was a while ago
that I did an interview tips post, but having recently gone for an
interview, I thought I would give a refreshed version with some more
tips that I have learnt along the way.
AU’ NATURALE
I know that
appearance shouldn’t be everything, and it’s not. But first impressions in an
interview really do matter. If you are turned up for a “professional” job
wearing fake tan, false eye lashes and look like you would do on a night on the
town then it won’t really give the best first impression. Just stick to wearing
a make-up look like what you would wear to work each day, this way the
interviewers are getting a true reflection of your professional appearance.
ADD SOME COLOUR
Although I am
someone who wears black in almost every outfit. For an interview I
always recommend wearing something to make you stand out. Remember, for each
interview there will be around 5-10 others being interviewed. If you’re all
wearing black suit/skirt/trousers and a white blouse, how do you stand out? Try
mix it up a little, maybe add a printed skirt or a different coloured blouse?
Wearing a pop of colour will not only make you stand out to interviewers but it
will help show them that you have personality! #workitgirlfriend
SMILE
From my days
assisting with interviews, it’s surprising to see how many people do not
smile. Like how can you not smile in an interview? Smiling will make you
appear confident (even if you’re crapping your pants), and that you are
enjoying the process. I know nerves can get the better of you but if in doubt
just smile and nod. Just don’t sit grinning the whole way through as it will
look a little creepy.
RESEARCH
There is nothing
worse than turning up for an interview with a company and not knowing anything
about them. Sure you have heard of them, but do you really know what they do
and what they offer? A few days before, have a read of their website or company
information. Remember key things, did they recently win an award for their
staff development? Do they have in-house training programmes that appealed you
to apply? Whatever it is, referring back to something that the company does or
can offer as an employer will let the interviewers know that you’ve done your
research and you are really interested in working for them.
DON’T PREPARE
Now before you
think “what the heck are you on about Charlotte”, just hear me out. Yes I know
it might sound bonkers but I have found that if you prepare too much it can
throw you off guard. If you get a set of answers ready or scenario’s but they
don’t quite fit within the question the interviews have asked what are you
going to do? I often prepare my outfit, what time I need to leave and roughly
what questions they might ask, but I don’t set out a list of scenario’s
or answers that I might say as I don’t want to panic if I forget. An interview
is to understand your experience and what you would do in situations, why would
you need to prepare for those questions? Your experience, you should know and
you usually think of resolutions with your noggin’ in real life situations, so
in your interview you should show them that you are capable too.
CONFIDENCE
Confidence is key
to an interview. Although it isn’t everything, being confident will get you
far. It doesn’t necessarily mean being over the top, but just smiling and being
confident with the way you give your answers will show the interviewers that
you mean business. Even if you’re crapping it, just smile, take a breather and
show the interviewer what you’re made of.
DON’T TELL PORKY’S
You’d think this
would be key, but it’s important to make sure that you don’t fib in your
interviews. Grades, Qualifications, Work Experience. Whatever it is, don’t tell
porkies as you never know if the interviewer will check. And why do you need to
pretend anyway? If you can smash your interview, that’s all that matters. You
don’t need to big yourself up with things that aren’t true, you’ll be amazing
at the job anyway otherwise you wouldn’t have got to the interview stage. Just
have confidence and be proud of what you’ve already achieved.
I hope my tips help
you in your interview or the preparation for your interview! And I hope that
you get the dream job that your heart desires.
Did you find my
tips helpful? Are there any tips that you have, feel free to share in the
comment box below!
*Image sourced from Pinterest.
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