Got an important interview lined up? Are you about to graduate and start looking for work? Been rejected by one too many interviews? If you answered yes to any of these questions, read the following tips and nail that interview.
One of the main advantages of going through a recruitment company when you are a job seeker, is the advice and training that our experienced consultants can offer you and one of our specialities are job interviews. Here is some of what our consultants will tell you before heading into your interview:
Preparation
Interviews are daunting, no one is denying that, but the best way to overcome the stress of an interview is to be prepared!
First things first, do your research on the company you are applying for. Get to know their mission, values and culture. This will show the employer that you are prepared and keen to work for them. This can also help you sell yourself to their company as you show that you are a good fit. It is also a good idea to do some research on the interviewer if it is known. Do a quick search on LinkedIn or read through their bio on the company website. Of course this is an optional step, but it doesn’t hurt!
Next up, study that Job Description! This is a key document that identifies the skills that the company is looking for and can be used to match the skills that you already have. Our advice is to pick out one or two key points from the PD and think of a situation where you have completed a task that involved that skill, or a time when you overcame adversity in a similar environment.
After you have done all the necessary research, have a few questions prepared that you may have for the interviewer. These questions are used to demolish any reservations the interviewer may have of you, and should not include information that is already known to you, i.e. what skills are required for the role (this information can be found in the PD).
During
Arriving at the interview – DO NOT be too early, and most certainly DO NOT be late. When going for an interview, chances are you are not the only one. The interviewer is most likely a very busy person and should not be made to feel rushed or that they are behind schedule if you arrive too early. Therefore, it is imperative that you arrive 5 – 10 minutes before your interview.
Next biggest thing when interviewing is to use your nonverbal cues. When meeting the interviewer, SMILE and don’t stop until it is your time to talk. First impressions are very important in job interviews as it shapes the way an interviewer perceives you. Eye contact is another must. Practice active listening by nodding, smiling, repeating important information before answering questions and copying the interviewer’s movements. All these things show that you are engaged and interested in the conversation.
Finally, as a parting tip; you are your own brand – know it and advocate it. Think of yourself as a product that is for sale. Have your own mission statement and values that you live by. If these values align with the values of the company that is hiring, it is a sure-fire way to get the job as it demonstrates that you are a fit with the company.
If your skills and values line up with that of the hiring company, and if you are well prepared with these tips, you will undoubtedly get the job!! (As long as your skills match the job description).
Remember:
- Research the company and interviewer (if known)
- Read Position Description
- Have some questions prepared for the interviewer to
- show you are prepared and keen on the job
- Do not arrive too early and definitely don’t be late
- Practice your nonverbal cues
- You are your own brand, know it and advocate it
