Tips on how to succeed in your interview
Tips on how to succeed in your interview
So you’ve prepared for your interview and the day has finally arrived! You’re excited and anxious at the same time. This is normal. But pull yourself together because you’ve got a job to do! You’ve got to get yourself a job today!
Take a look at the tips below to help you succeed in an interview and if you are invited to a Skype interview, you can follow these tips…
Follow these tips for a winning interview!
- When to arrive for your interview…
Don’t get there too early and DEFINITELY don’t get there late! Aim to get there 15 minutes before your scheduled interview. Earlier is better – you can always wait outside until 15 minutes before the time. It will give you enough time to go to the loo, check your appearance in the mirror, take a few deep breaths and grab a glass of water.
Remember to plan your route carefully so you know where to go. AND don’t get the name of the person you’re going to be seeing wrong – how embarrassing!
- How to greet your interviewer
When you’re called into the room, walk up straight, extend your arm and while you shake your interviewer’s hand firmly, look straight into their eyes with a friendly smile. This will show that you are an approachable and confident person. Only sit when you’re invited to sit. Remember all the people’s names in the room and refer to them by name. For example, when you answer a question, you could say, ‘You know, Bob, that’s a tough question but I would have to say that I believe…’ Don’t ask for coffee or tea. If you really can’t go without it, ask for a glass of water.
Sit squarely in the chair (not too forward and not slouched back) with your hands in your lap. BETTER still, why not make notes as your interviewer speaks. Only the important stuff though like the stuff that you learn about the company that you didn’t already know. This gives your hands something to do and makes you look like you’re ready to knuckle down and get started!
- Dress appropriately
The best outfit to wear to an interview is an appropriate outfit. What does that mean exactly? Well, you want to fit in, right? So if they go to work in jeans and t-shirt, you should wear a smart-casual outfit, like a casual shirt and smart-casual pants. If they wear suits, you should also wear a suit.
- Behave professionally
Stay cool bit alert while you’re in the hot seat answering interview questions. The interviewer wants to see how you handle pressure and as you know, interviews are definitely ‘pressure’. Maintain eye contact, sit up straight and engage with your interviewer. Keep composed (don’t show that you’re nervous), laugh when it’s appropriate and let your personality shine through.
- Show that you are a valuable team player
Team work is really important so if you can show that you are a good team player during your interview, you will have a good chance of getting the job.
- Don’t lie
No matter how desperate you are for the job, don’t lie. Rather be honest than say that you have experience in something you don’t. You will get caught out at some point and it will come back to bite you.
- Answer the questions and don’t be afraid to ask questions
You should be equipped to answer the typical interview questions if you’ve prepared properly for your interview which leaves you with only a few questions that you perhaps didn’t anticipate. Pause for a moment to think about your answer (not too long) and be as logical and sensible as possible when you respond.
Engage with the interviewer and explain your answers elaborately but carefully.
Don’t be shy to ask questions but make sure you ask intelligent questions.
- Post interview etiquette.
Send a short, polite email thanking the interviewer for their time and say how you feel honoured to have met them and to have learnt so much in such a short period of time chatting to them. Tell them you’re feeling inspired and hope that you will have the opportunity to work with them and their team.
9. Follow Up
If you haven't heard back after a week, send the interviewer a courtesy email and ask them politely if they have made a final decision on the recruitment. Ask them when to expect an answer and if they could inform you whether you have been shortlisted. This will show that you are eager and really interested in the job, without being too pushy.
Use these tips to succeed in your interview.