So you’ve landed an interview for your dream job. Congratulations! Your hard work has paid off. But now is not the time to relax. Sure, they like your application enough to want to meet you, but you’ve now got to convince your interviewers, face-to-face, that you are the best candidate for the job.
Here are some tips to help you hit the target:
Do your research!
You must, I repeat must, turn up to the interview with sufficient knowledge of the company for which you’re interviewing. Failure to do so will show a lack of ambition and desire for the job. Why should they hire you if you don’t care who you’re working for?
Be on time
In fact, be early. Not so early that you’re annoying, but arriving 10-15 minutes early shows punctuality and eagerness for the role. It also gives you a few minutes to take off your coat, use the bathroom, get a drink of water, and take a deep breath.
Dress for the role
If you’re interviewing for a dog grooming position in a local pet salon, you can likely get away with smart casual. But, if you’re interviewing for a corporate position in finance, you had better turn up in a suit. And make sure it’s ironed.
Rehearse
Make sure you’ve prepared your answers to typical interview questions ahead of time so that when it comes down to it, you don’t draw a blank. It may help to rehearse with a family member or friend.
Ask questions
When it comes time for you to ask the questions, this is where your research will help you. Now is not the time to ask how much you’ll be paid. Instead, make sure you’re prepared ahead of time with thoughtful questions that will help you suss out whether the company is right for you, but that also show you’re keen to work hard.
If you’re interested in increasing your chances for a successful interview, check out these related courses:
You may be exhausted after spending weeks, months, perhaps even years entrenched in the job hunt. But if you really want that job, you’ve got to tap into your reserves, dig for extra ammunition, and give it your all.
great interviewing tips 🙂 im always 10 minutes early for a interview.. it shows your keen and you want the job. doing some research is a good tip thanks.
very good tips. I spent a very long time looking to get out of retail but no one would interview me coz I didn’t have office experience. My job now is a side step out of retail but to move further I am now doing this course. I cannot wait to get to go to an interview to be a teaching assistant!
These tips are very helpful!
Great Blog! im always so nervous in interviews will definitely be checking these points before another interview 🙂
This is really great advice. Also, remember that your CV and cover letter got you this far and has given a good impression of you to the company, so relax in that knowledge and just be yourself 🙂
Great tips, I’ve had a few interviews and sucessful ones at that, my worst question to be asked is Tell me about yourself”
As well as making sure your clothes are clean and pressed – make sure your hair is clean and combed/tidy and girls don’t overdo your makeup. Keep perfume/aftershave to a minimum but you’re bound to be nervous so make sure you use anti-perspirant/deodorant!
very useful tips i considered and taken on board, i have printed it out for safe keeping! its great to have some advice about job interviews then nothing can go wrong lol. A positive attuide is the best place to start.
yes Lynn, asking questions is good! its better to ask questions about the job than be quiet and shy and not say much! shows your interested in the job! 🙂
yes Lynn people must be organised and prepared for the interview! have a note pad and pen is good to jot down notes what the employer tells you, as when you get home its easy to forget!
I definitely agree with the ‘dress to impress’. A lot of companies have let their dress codes slide and ‘smart casual’ is often taken to mean jeans and a t-shirt. However when attending an interview you need to outwardly prove you are a committed serious prospective employee …. always wear a suit or very smart clothing.
Great post. With so much competition for jobs today, the interview is more important than ever!