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1. Be on time
Practice getting to the venue to see how long it will take. Good preparation is the key to staying in control. Plan your route, allowing extra time for any unexpected delays, and get everything you need to take with you ready the night before. Public transport may be useless, the traffic may have been heavy, but however reasonable your excuse is, it won’t affect the fact that your chances are reduced if you’re late. And remember – you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Aim to be early – you can always find a nearby cafe/shop/pub to wait in. And if the worst comes to worst and you are going to be late, then ring in to tell them (make sure you have contact numbers with you).
2. Be prepared
Fail to plan, and you plan to fail. You are certain to be asked specific questions about the company, so make sure you’ve done your homework on the company esp. latest achievements. Also take a look at the latest developments in the industry so you can converse with confidence. Feed them the opportunity to talk proudly about something positive you have found.
3. Write down and practice possible questions
Although there is no set format that every job interview will follow, there are some questions that you can almost guarantee will crop up. You should prepare answers to some of the most common interview questions about your personal strengths and weaknesses, as well as being able to explain why you would be the best person for the job. Writing questions and answers down and practicing them with someone will make it easier to remember when you get to the interview. And avoid sounding as though you assume the job is yours.
It can also be useful to film your mock interview You’ll see for yourself exactly how you come across when you watch it back. You’ll become aware of your physical and verbal tics and so learn to counter them. Your body language manner of speaking You will be surprised at how much and how quickly this improves your self-presentation in pressurised situations.
4. What are your weaknesses?
Try to find an area of your experience/skill that is currently lacking. An interviewer will appreciate your candour – as long as whatever you disclose can be easily remedied.
5. You never get a second chance to make a first impression
SMILE! Dress professionally in simple business attire. Appearances shouldn’t matter, but the plain fact is that you are often judged before you’ve even uttered a word. Make sure your shoes are polished, your clothes fit correctly and that your accessories are subtle. Dressing one level above the job you’re applying for shows a desire to succeed
6. Be honest
There’s no point lying about your background and/or skills. If you get caught, or even manage to get out to resort and then get found out, you can be sure you won’t be around for long! Job interviews are about matching needs – if there isn’t a good match, then chances are that the job won’t work out for you.
7. Check your CV for possible gaps
Make sure you know how you are going to explain any time gaps on your CV.
8. Talk about specific achievements
Remember to speak clearly, smile and remember that your interviewers are just normal people, and the may be nervous too!
Interviewers like to know how you felt about about a particular success. Some will ask for specific examples of things you’ve done that you’re particularly proud of, how you solved problems, or how you learnt – and improved – from difficult situations.
9. Don’t talk too much
Communication is a two-way thing so give the interviewer a chance too.
10. Take a spare photo & CV with you
Your interviewer won’t be expecting it so you’ll impress them. It also helps them remember you after the interview.
11. Be enthusiastic and positive
Don’t criticise previous employers, particularly within the industry. Focus on positive achievements and views.
12. Ask questions
You should always have some questions for your interviewer to demonstrate your interest in the position. Prepare a minimum of five questions, some which will give you more information about the job, and some which delve deeper into the culture and goals of the company
And finally, don’t give up!
The harsh reality is you won’t be offered every job, however perfect you think you may be for it. Usually it’s because the interviewer was completely blind to the talent that stood before them. However, on the odd occasion where that’s not the case, ask for feedback. It’s invaluable for improving future results. Ask politely if they can give you any feedback for the future – there’s a job out there for you somewhere.