We all want that dream job and for a lot of people the idea of even getting a job can sometimes seem overwhelming. The scariest thing is that you could be the perfect fit for the role on offer however one simple face to face meeting could be the ultimate undoing of the next step in your career progression. A poor job interview could snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in the space of a short half hour interview. So how do we go about controlling ourselves at the most crucial time of a job application process? How do we bridge the gap between being a good applicant and being a great applicant with a job offer at the end of the recruitment rainbow? These simple interview DO’s will help you outshine what’s written on your resume, and leave a genuine impression with your potential future employers.
DO’S
Preparation – Researching the company you are meeting will show your interest in the business. Look at their website and what’s happening within their news. Don’t limit yourself to this, research the background of the interviewers, their career history and specific achievements. LinkedIn is a great tool for this.
Make a good first impression – If the interview is in an unfamiliar location, drive by the day before or check it out on google maps. Being early is important as well, things can go wrong on the drive there or even beforehand. As my first boss once said “if you are on time, you’re late”!
Presentation – Choosing what you wear to an interview is a big factor in the first impression you’re giving the interviewer, you need to look presentable and right for the part; If you are interviewing for an office role, dress corporate. Dressing appropriately for the position you’re going for and for the environment you will potentially be working in is key.
Resume – Bring your CV and confidently understand what is on it. Too often I get feedback from clients saying the candidate they met with didn’t reflect their CV. Talking through your responsibilities and achievements will show what is on your CV is factual and legitimate.
Have set questions prepared – an interview is a two-way street, asking questions will help show your interest and motivation with the position you are applying for. Good questions will separate you from the other candidates. It will also help to see if this is the opportunity for you. Explain your strengths – communicating your experience will highlight any of your strengths that are relevant to the role. Explain these in a factual and sincere way.
Listen and respond accordingly – a lot of the time, feedback from clients is that candidates are not answering the question directly. Don’t run circles around the questions, listen and answer accordingly having examples to back up your answer.
Sometimes we can forget that employers are looking for more than just a qualification on a piece of paper. By displaying polite, clear and concise human interaction along with an energy and willingness towards the job on offer, you can make a huge difference in your chances of getting a job. Stay tuned for the most important advice next week, the DONT’s in an interview!
