We all know job interviews can be incredibly stressful. There’s so much on the line and only a very small window to show you’re the person they need for the job. So how can you stand out from the crowd?
Preparing in advance will help you feel calm and confident, and help you stand out from your competition. Here are 5 tips to help you ace your next job interview.
- Be prepared from the start
Being prepared from the beginning involves more than arriving on time. Research the company to get an idea of its corporate culture, dress code and culture. Knowing all this before you walk into your interview will put you at a distinct advantage, giving you the confidence to make a great first impression. If being represented by an Agency, your Recruiter should also be able to brief you on the ‘right dress code :-)’.
- Prepare your introduction
All job interviews start with questions like: “Can you tell me a bit more about yourself?”. Prepare an answer that summarises who you are and where you’re from. Avoid clichéd responses like telling them you “like having fun” or that you’re a “hard worker”.
These kinds of phrases are overused and show the interviewer that you haven’t thought beyond the standard responses.
- Prepare your stories
Which career achievement makes you proudest? Be prepared to speak about it. You might also have a story that starts with you making a mistake but ends with you learning something or fixing it. Prepare a few stories suited to the job you’re applying for, and which your prospective employer will find relevant.
- Have questions to ask
Show the interviewer that you’ve done more than Google their company. Ask critical and engaging questions that demonstrate your understanding of the company, the job and its requirements. This shows that you have a genuine interest in the company which your interviewer will appreciate.
- Finish strong
Don’t make the critical interview mistake of dishing up all your positive points in the first five minutes and then stammering through the rest of the interview. Pace yourself so that you have something useful and interesting to share in closing that will leave a lasting impression on your interviewer.
With every job interview, preparation is key! By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail. Take time to prepare, and you can expect a much better interview experience, even if you don’t get the job.
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