How to get that job….
Congratulations you have secured that all important interview, an achievement in its own right, but as you approach your interview date you may well be experiencing some nervousness and wondering how to best settle those interview butterflies, here are a few pointers to help you:
1. They have chosen (yes chosen…) to see you. You have beaten off other potential candidates to get this far. They have seen something they like, maybe it’s your CV, your previous work experience, your qualifications. Whatever it is, you have done enough to get this far and that should be your first confidence booster. Do not forget this!
2. Preparation, stating the obvious, but a timely reminder. Prepare, prepare and prepare for the interview:
• Teams interview ask a friend or family member to do a Teams call “run through” with you to check the camera and microphone work, check your interview backdrop in advance, and think about what outfit works.
• Location for a face to face interview: where is the interview? How long will it take to get there? Will it be rush hour, allow extra time? How will you get there? Do a practice run a few days before so that it’s all familiar and there are no surprises on the day.
• Know your CV inside out, be ready to explain any gaps, decisions for leaving previous roles and do not list any interests or hobbies that are not true. “Oh you like reading, tell me about the book you have on the go?” Imagine not being able to answer because you don’t actually read….
• Research the company you are applying to work for. Have they been in the news recently? What are their plans? What’s their approach to developing their people? All this good stuff should be on their website. Having this kind of knowledge can make you look like a very smart candidate.
• Killer questions, with a friend come up with a list of possible “killer interview” questions and what your responses may be. Examples could be, “Why do you want the job?”, “How do you see your future?”, “What are your development areas?”, “What help would you need from us with these?”, and those all-time classics “what are your strengths and weaknesses or “why you?”.
• Questions from you. Have several questions prepared to ask when the right moment comes. Write them down in a notebook and don’t be concerned to refer to it, this will make you look very organised. “Any questions from you?” “Thank you, yes I have a couple actually…..” “Can you tell me a little about the induction process if I am successful?” “Would you mind telling me why you enjoy working for this business?”, something along these lines.
3. Look the part and feel great. Check you know the dress code for the interview and dress accordingly. No point rocking up suited and booted only to feel like the odd one out in an office full of jeans and trainers. Then put on your favourite outfit in the right style so that you look and feel fabulous! Trust us, feeling great will boost your confidence and help you to feel calmer.
4. Get into the zone. Arrive about 10/15 minutes early so that you can settle. You will either be asked to wait in reception or shown to the interview room. Both are good areas to really get into the right frame of mind and calm those final nerves.
• Take some deep breaths in and out, this will help to lower your heart rate and as a result feel calmer
• Remain standing up if you can, much better to meet your interviewer’s eye to eye rather than struggling up from a sitting position. Standing also helps your energy levels to keep flowing
• Keep your hands separate from each other and relaxed at your side helps to avoid sweaty palms. Nobody particularly likes a damp handshake!
• If it helps, think about a time when you were feeling happy, positive and energised. This is called “anchoring” and can really help to create a positive mindset
• Lastly remember an interview is a 2-way thing, it’s for you to discover more about the company and the role and working environment to ensure it’s a good fit for both parties.
5. Make the interviewer feel special, so easy to do. Be really interested in what they are saying, really listen and maintain eye contact at all times. Lean slightly forward and nod, smile and acknowledge what they are sharing with you. When your turn comes to asking questions, ask about them and their role in the business really helps. “How long have you worked for the company?”, “How would you describe what it’s like to work here?”
6. During the interview, your nerves may still be jumping around. Keep your hands out of sight in case they are a bit shaky. Keep listening, if you are not sure about a question ask for it be repeated, take your time to answer and don’t rush your words. Answer the question asked – do not go off at a tangent
Finally if you remember nothing else, then smile. Smiling is a mood boost for you and all the people around you. It also helps our bodies to release cortisol and endorphins that provide numerous health benefits including reduced blood pressure and reduced stress.
Good luck – now go get that job….
