J. Alexander – Interview Success
So you’ve made a great first impression with your initial CV application, but now it’s time to do the same in person. Getting to the interview stage indicates the potential employer is interested enough to invest their time to meet with you.
These tips will pave the way to making a great impression during your interview and bring you that step closer to securing your dream job.
Beforehand
A simple way to start off with making that great impression is arriving on time, better still at least 10 minutes early. This displays punctuality and commitment. Moreover, a strong indicator of your professionalism and enthusiasm for the role at hand. Preparation is key, research or Google the address and how you plan to get there. It may be wise to even take a trip beforehand to assess the reality of the journey, best route, and mode of transport. Allow plenty of time for traffic, train delays or any other hitches that may arise on the day to allow enough time. Remember it is always better to be early than late!
Professionalism
It’s important your attitude and behaviour remains professional during the entire interview whilst allowing your personal qualities and character to positively shine through. Avoid slouching in your chair, chewing gum, or cracking jokes. Perhaps some employers may appreciate the odd joke and sense of humour, and possibly at times may help lighten the atmosphere, but it’s difficult to determine whom will welcome a joke or find it an irritation. It’s therefore best to focus on being professional and demonstrating your suitability to the employer.
Dress to IMPRESS
You’ve heard the term, don’t judge a book by its cover. In an interview based scenario this saying goes out the window as appearance, grooming, and personal hygiene, do contribute to the overall impression you make on the interviewer at first sight. In luxury retail this has an even greater importance! Hence your appearance reflects how serious you are about the interview and role. Wear appropriate attire that exhibits how you would represent their company. Smart, elegant attire, and a well-groomed, clean appearance portrays professionalism. Equally, over dressing or wearing too much perfume, jewellery, or makeup can also have an adverse effect.
Maintain composure
Even the most seasoned professional can experience interview nerves. It is important to remain calm and composed. Planning and preparing thoroughly will assist with maintaining composure. After all, both parties want a positive outcome from the interview.
Confidence
Start as you mean to go on, picture success in the distance and go for it. Begin by greeting your interviewer with a firm handshake, good eye contact, and a confident smile. Your interview preparation beforehand such as rehearsing anticipated interview questions and preparing examples to validate interview answers will lift your overall confidence.
Questions
Demonstrate that you understand the company, its challenges, and direction by asking the appropriate questions. Highlight how your experience and skills will be of value in contributing to its objectives and success.
Some example questions that can be tailored accordingly:
- How does this company define and measure success?
- What is the most important thing I can accomplish in the first 60 days?
- How long have you been with the company?
- What do you enjoy most about working here?
- When do you aim to make someone an offer?
Make an Impact
Close the interview successfully and leave the interviewer with the right picture of you. Reaffirm your interest in the position and the value you can bring. Express your interest without being perceived as overly anxious. Ask about the next step in the process, and decision dates so you can follow up accordingly.