As I inevitably (and finally) near the end of my university studies, it has recently dawned on me that I will have to actually get a proper job, which can only mean one thing. No, not going on a fabulous shopping trip for some smart clothing and accessories - preparing for and undertaking job interviews with potential employers. Needless to say, I've had my fair share of jobs, and whilst I'm not claiming to be an expert, I like to think I have, over time, picked up some useful tips and tricks for interview success.
1 // Arrive On Time
Arriving on time gives an employer a real feel for how on time and reliable you will be as an employee. Turning up late to the interview isn't going to give them a very good impression of you as a worker. Some jobs also have back to back interviews scheduled, so if you're late you could miss your interview all together. First impressions certainly count, and being late is a sure way of making a long lasting bad impression.
Give yourself plenty of time when getting ready for an interview, keep up to date with any traffic or public transport delays and always plan to get there at least half an hour before your interview time. It's much more positive to spend a few minutes brushing up on your interview questions than being flustered when you get there.
2 // Dress Appropriately
Employers, like most people, judge you on your appearance, however much we say we shouldn't, we can't help it as human beings when making a first time assumption about someone. You don't have to go to every job interview in a suit or office wear dress, the key is to dress appropriately for the specific job role you are going for. For example, if you are interviewing for a job working in retail, be professional looking but bring your personality through in fashion; if applying for a job working with children, look responsible but bring some colour in to give you a fun edge.
3 // Research The Company & Position You've Applied For
It's ways reassuring, and sure to make sure you're remembered, if you know about the company you are working for. Knowing little bits about your employer will not only impress but will also help you in the working environment. It makes life much easier for your employer and you if you know what to expect. Researching the position you are applying for is also very important.
There's no worse feeling than turning up for a job interview after spending so long preparing yourself to realise that either the job role is something you aren't suited to and you have wasted the employers time or it's something you aren't qualified for or you don't want and have wasted your own time. Whilst interview practice is never a bad thing, there are better ways.
4 // Mention Your Strengths
Your strengths are what are going to get you a job in the first place...and drawing attention away from your weaknesses is by no means a bad thing. By reinforcing your strengths to an interviewer, it's more likely that they will remember them, and you - for the right reasons!
Strengths don't have to be qualifications or fancy things you own, they can be simple things like being a good listener or being logical. Before going into an interview, think of three or four personality traits you hold that could see you progress in the job you're interviewing for. Making your skills and strengths personal to the career, for example if you are working with customers face to face, saying that you are patient and adding that you find this an amicable quality for a customer faced environment will get your interviewer thinking that and thinking more positively about you as an employee.
5 // Ask Questions, Show Interest
The worst thing, other than being intolerably rude in an interview, is being uninterested in what you are applying for. Interviewers and employers want to see passion and enthusiasm from their employees, which can be shown in two ways in an interview process.
Show an interest in what you are applying for by tailoring your answers to include suggestions of what you would do in the career you are interviewing for - show initiative.
Asking questions about the workplace and beyond your employment title can show the employers that you are interested in progressing in their company and this will tell them you will be dedicated to your job role and possibly do more for them and their business. There is a down side to asking too many questions however, it just asking how much more money you will get or how few hours you can get away with doing. Be respectful in your questions and choose them wisely.
6 // Review The Information On Your CV
Employers will more often than not want to double check things and information on your CV. it's incredibly important that your CV is true and up to date. Making sure that your information isn't only up to date but that you can answer questions such as filling in any unemployment gaps will give the interviewer an impression of how honest, reliable and focused you are as an employee. If you're not willing to make the effort to double check your CV and it's information, why should they expect you to do any more in the job role you're interviewing for?
7 // Be Concise
Interviewers like to keep a record of what you have said, and waffling and going on endless rants will just mean that they will skip writing stuff down which could potentially be something which could help you get the job. By making your answers concise and to the point, this will show your potential employer that you are able to communicate effectively as well.
8 // Use Positive Body Language
Another one for the first impressions books. Using hostile or body language which makes you seem closed off or bored can dramatically affect the mood of your interviewer, and could mean a lasting bad impression. Body language such as folding your arms or leaning forward can be considered hostile or as though you don't want to share information. Be inviting and talk with confidence.
9 // Be Honest
Lying either on your CV or in an interview will only come back to bite you on the arse. Employers are more than capable, and likely will, contact your referees and check your past educational achievements before hiring you. There's. I point in lying to a potential employer, because as soon as you are labelled a liar it will be one hundred times more difficult to seek employment with them. Lying doesn't achieve anything and could have devastating affects later on when you are found out.
10 // Make Sure You Understand What They Are Asking
There's nothing wrong with asking an interviewer to repeat the question or phrase it differently. An employer would much rather have an employee that asked for information and gained as much knowledge as possible than one who gave a completely off topic answer in their interview, that could be something they will repeat in employment, which could reflect badly on the company.
Don't be scared to ask questions or ask for a rephrased question - it doesn't make you look stupid, it makes you look like you want to know as much as possible and get things right the first time. Plus it will stop you from giving a completely off topic questions, for example explaining your skills in computing when you have been asked about in-employment relationships!
11 // Be Prepared
Possibly the most important point on the list. Knowing what you are going to say and having knowledge of what you need to say, as well as being there in time and appropriately behaved and dressed, preparation is the key.
There are plenty of online assessment facilities available to help with interview preparation and websites that give example questions. You could even try printing some of the questions off and doing a mock interview with a friend - it will definitely calm your nerves for the real thing!
I hope these tips and tricks are things which will help you get a job in the future, or at least help to prepare you for future job interviews you may take. All these things are things that have helped me, and things friends and employers have recommended to me. Let me know if any of them do work, or if you have any other tips that work for you in the comments below.
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