The reality is you are likely to be one of many applicants competing for each position you apply for. The interview is an opportunity for you to differentiate yourself and stand out from the crowd, and there are a number of areas you can address to improve your chances of securing that role:
- Practical Interview Advice
- When the interviews are being arranged, be as accommodating to the interviewers as possible. This shows that you are keen and interested in working for the company.
- Double check details – date, time and place.
- Make sure that you dress appropriately for the interview. For professional interviews, this is usually formal business attire, so make sure that your suit has been dry-cleaned!
- Where is the interview taking place, and do you know how to get there? Make sure you arrive with plenty of time so that you can spend a few moments composing yourself prior to the interview.
- Interview Preparation
- Research the company and the interviewers that you are meeting. Use websites, news articles, LinkedIn profiles, web search engines, or people you know who work there.
- Ask your recruiter to brief you fully on what to expect, from location details to information on interviewers to interview questions – your recruiter should know this information.
- Read through your own CV.
- Think of likely interview questions and prepare answers to them.
- Don’t forget that interviews are an opportunity for to you to ask questions of your interviewer as well so have some ready.
- Interview Techniques
- Be aware of body language and eye contact.
- Keep your answers to interview questions relevant and to the point.
- If you are faced with a difficult question or a question you don’t know the answer to, stay calm! If you need to, take a moment to think about your response before you answer, and if you don’t know the answer, say so.
- Be self aware, having someone give you feedback on how you come across in an interview situation may help you perfect your interview technique.
- Express interest and show enthusiasm about the position, and above all be honest and engaging.
