We all know that feeling, that nervousness that emerges when you are waiting to be called in for that job interview; it can seriously hamper you when you present yourself to the interviewer. At this time, it all depends on your preparation; never simply show up with a copy of your CV and hope for the best. If you are looking for your dream job, now is the time to start preparing for interviews and we offer some great advice to ensure that you ace the interview and get the job!
Appearance matters
An experienced interviewer would pay close attention to your attire; not that you would know, as they are trained to evaluate applicants in many ways. Suits and business shirts definitely create the right impression, so invest in at least one business suit and a few quality shirts. Looking good boosts your self-confidence, which is very beneficial when you are interviewing for a job you really want. Don’t go overboard and pay attention to detail.
Do your research
Spend a few hours online researching your prospective employer; find out how long they have been in business, how many branches or depots they have, what they do and how many employees they have. You must find an opportunity to let the interviewer know that you are knowledgeable about the company, say good things about the company, citing this as a reason why you would like to work for them.
Become the ideal employee
Sit down and think about the ‘perfect employee’ and what type of character traits such a person would possess; honesty, loyalty, responsibility, diligence and ambition, to name a few. Have opinions, look your interviewer in the eye and smile; if you create a rapport with the interviewer, you’ll definitely get through to the next stage.
Prepare a couple of questions
At the end of the interview, you will be asked if you wish to add anything; this is the time to ask. Don’t ask about salary or benefits, rather enquire about personal development and in-house training, demonstrating your desire to progress. Asking questions is a big plus for every interviewer and you want to score points in every category.
Practice makes perfect
You could ask your partner to be the interviewer and ask questions like:
- Why do you want this job?
- What makes you think you are best suited to this position?
- What is important in your life?
Always pause for a few seconds before answering a question, which gives you a little time to think about your answer. Be honest but don’t say anything negative; you are trying to project a positive image.
Professional resume
For a small fee, let a professional put together your resume and have at least 5 copies; this shows that you care about how you present yourself, another plus by your name.
The more you prepare, the better your chances of success and always remember, it’s OK to say that you really want the job.
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