Landing your dream job is no easy feat. in fact, you can spend a considerable amount of your career going from job to job until you find the right fit. But if you’ve recently applied for the job of your dreams and been selected for an interview, this is your opportunity to make your dreams a reality. First of all, congratulate yourself on being selected for an interview. So many people apply for each job these days that you must’ve really impressed the hiring team with your background and expertise.
Now that you have their attention, you can use our tips and advice to ensure that you smash the job interview and secure the job of your dreams.
- Do Your Research
The key to a successful interview is to prepare beforehand. If you do not take the time to learn about the role and the company then you are going to struggle to impress the panel once you are in the interview. You should start off by printing a copy of the job description so that you can take a look at the different skills the employer is looking for. Think about not only the skills that you have that match the job description but occasions where you have utilized and developed these skills. You will likely be asked about these instances during the interview.
You should also do some research about the business you are applying to work for. Be sure to do this thoroughly as it will be painfully clear to the hiring panel if you have no idea what you are talking about. Take a look at the company’s website, including what they do and how they do it. Don’t stop researching the company until you are confident that you know what they do and how they operate.
It is also worth checking out the company’s social accounts such as LinkedIn. Here you will get a feel for the company culture, and you may even learn a bit about the staff they already have working for them.
- Practice Beforehand
There are a range of common interview questions that you can prepare for ahead of time that are likely to come up throughout the process. Therefore, you can practice these questions and refine your answers so that you know exactly what you are going to say when asked. Even if you have prepared your answers, don’t worry if you trip up or get muddled. Just simply take a pause, focus on what you have been asked, and remember the answers you have practiced. Remember that you are only human, and you will slip up or make mistakes. The important thing is that you use this as an opportunity to show the interviewer how resilient you are and how well you can bounce back.
- First Impressions Count
It goes without saying that the success of your interview depends heavily on the kind of impression you make. We all know that first impressions count, and this is hugely influenced by your appearance. Therefore, we recommend that you do some research and check out this guide from Placement on what to wear to an interview to help you make the right impression. If you struggle when it comes to making the right first impression and would like help with preparing for an interview, you may benefit from your own career coach with Placement. They will assist you throughout the process, from working on your resume to securing an interview and helping you prepare for it.
- Be Confident
Of course, when heading into an interview, you are bound to feel nervous, but it is important that you look past your nerves and present yourself as a confident individual. Employers want to see that you are confident in your abilities and will be able to work independently as well as being part of a team. While you may not feel all that confident, it is important that you fake it till you make it and remember that if they didn’t think you were any good then they wouldn’t have invited you for an interview in the first place. If you have prepared the most common interview questions, you should already have an idea in your head of what you are going to say.
- Use the Interview as a Networking Opportunity
It is important to remember that an interview can be about so much more than just answering a list of different questions; it is also an opportunity to make an impression. Consider your interview as a chance to network and make new connections with others in the industry. To help you do this, we would recommend that you spend some time researching the interviewer and the company on LinkedIn so that you know what is expected from the role you have applied for. By making yourself known and making a lasting impression on the hiring panel, you may be offered a different role even if you aren’t successful for the one you applied for.
- Always Ask Questions
At the end of an interview, the hiring panel will ask you if you have any questions. Always say YES! This is one of the most important moments in an interview, even though you may be tempted to say no just to get it over with sooner. This is your opportunity to ask questions about the role you have applied for, what the company culture is like, and generally find out any information you want. Asking questions shows that you are engaged and interested in the company, and you could even ask questions that show you have done your research beforehand.
Many candidates forget that when going into an interview you are interviewing the company just as much as they are interviewing you. You need to seriously consider if this role is something you want to do and whether you are a right fit for the company. Therefore, if you go into an interview and don’t get good vibes, don’t be afraid to rethink your application.
Different questions you can ask include what training is provided, what progression they see for this role and what the company’s staff turnover looks like. You could also ask a question directly to the interviewer and find out what they personally like about working for the company. While you may feel nervous directing questions at the panel, remember this is a positive way to show your dedication to finding the right role.
- Be Yourself
It is crucial that you are your 100% authentic self in the interview – okay, well mostly yourself! By this, we mean that you should be honest about your abilities and interests as, if you get the job, you will be forced to keep up the facade. Don’t tell the interviewer you speak five languages and spend your weekends rock climbing if it simply isn’t true. Instead, be honest and open about who you are and what you are capable of. A good interviewer will be grateful for your honesty.
While the prospect of an upcoming interview can be pretty daunting, remember this is your opportunity to show off everything you are capable of and make a great long-lasting impression. By making the right preparations you can smash the interview and land the job of your dreams. Good luck!
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