Finally got that elusive interview to the job of your dreams? Whether you are a graduate heading out of university for the first time, or you want some part time work while studying, every interview should be viewed with the same level of seriousness and dedication. You want to impress your prospective employer – whatever the job may be. If you don’t, then you shouldn’t even be applying for the job. Many people get horrendous nerves during interviews – and it is easy to see why. This could be a big deal for you, and the situation you’re being put in is certainly not a common one. You know the onus is on you to impress, and this can appear daunting. BUT... there are some things you can do to increase your chances.
Below, we list a few things to bear in mind before you head off to your interview:
Smile: The UK jobsite lists smiling as one of the top things you should remember to do, when in an interview scenario. It can be easy to forget this when you’re nervous, but smiling can help you to calm down and shows a friendly side to you, which your prospective employer wants to see.
Get there early: if you’re in a panic to get to your interview on time, you may appear sweaty, anxious and jittery when you arrive. Get there in plenty of time and have a drink of water before you go in.
Do your research: There’s nothing worse than a person showing up to a job interview who has no clue what the company is, what the role is, or anything about the position in question. Do you research, and if there are any gaps in your knowledge, list some questions to ask when you’re in the interview. This can come across as pro active and suggests you really are interested in the role. Get in touch with industry experts if you think it may help you, like those available on ten minutes with. At ten minutes with, you can access engaging videos with experts in their fields which can help you to gain a better understanding of the industry you want to be a part of.
Dress properly: dressing smart is probably your best option, unless the interview requires some practical work (such as at an MOT centre, for instance.) If you’re unsure, ask the company beforehand how formal or relaxed the interview is likely to be. If you’re sitting in front of a panel of interviewers, you’ll want to dress in a suit or something similar. If you’re expected to cook for a chef’s position, you’ll need to take your chef whites with you. Each situation is different, so judge it accordingly.
Don’t be hard on yourself: when you’re done with the interview, forget about it. You can’t do anymore. If you go over and over it in your head, you may drive yourself mad! If you don’t get the job, ask for feedback, take it constructively and then move on.