Making The Most Of An Interview | Top Tips

• Preparation is key, take the time to explore your future role and the company in question
• Embrace the nerves on interview day and take steps to be as comfortable as possible
• Follow up with interviewers for constructive feedback and build on your skills

Interviews.

Often daunting and not your go-to source of fun, but important processes nonetheless. The key to nailing an interview is all in the preparation, so to go in feeling as confident as you can, make the most of your time beforehand. Take your time with the process and look forward to nailing it on the day. This article gives you a few handy tips on making the most of the interview journey.

Tip 1: Prepare

Preparation is your secret weapon when it comes to interviews. Do your best to learn everything you can about your potential employer: their company history, successes and what they look for in a candidate. If you know the company inside out, you’ll be able to tailor your answers in an interview to give them exactly what they’re looking for. Check sites like Glassdoor to see what questions have previously been asked and try to connect with current employees for their insight on the workspace. Know the job description and most importantly, know your experience. This might sound silly, but it’s easy to blank in an interview and forget the fact that you’ve previously climbed Mount Everest in record time (or something like that). Know what you can bring to the table and what the employer wants from you.

Tip 2: Be Cool, Calm and Collected

You might be nervous during the interview itself, and that’s completely understandable. It’s a good idea to try and embrace the nerves. Check up on the dress code, but remember to wear something comfortable that doesn’t make you feel self-conscious. For example, if you talk with your hands, then a tight fitting blazer might be a little restrictive. Give yourself time to think through your answers before responding. Don’t be afraid to ask for a moment to fully process a good response, this shows that you’re confident in speaking up for what you need. Try to keep a good level of eye contact and retain positive body language (arms uncrossed and shoulders back).

Tip 3: Follow Up

At the end of the interview, when an employer asks you if you have any questions, remember to have prepared some beforehand. This is a perfect time to show off your interest in the company and all of the research you’ve conducted. End the interview on a positive note and thank them for their time. If it’s good news, then great! Time to celebrate. If not, reach out to the interviewer and try to get some constructive feedback on what might have gone better. This will help you for next time and will build up your confidence, one interview at a time.

Whilst interviews might not be your first idea of fun, they’re important ways for you to connect with future employers and build up your interpersonal skills. Use each interview as a learning opportunity and don’t be afraid to show off your achievements. Utilise the tips above and you’ll be celebrating your new job win in no time.