Putting your best foot forward in job interviews, part 2

The job interview is arguably the most crucial part of the recruitment process. It’s an exchange where both employer and employee are judged and can ultimately be the deciding factor on whether or not a job offer is made. But it can also be highly nerve-wracking and it’s completely normal to be nervous about it.?

Thankfully, since NonStop was set up in 2000, we’ve helped many, many people navigate the process and have therefore put together a series of job interview tips to help you present your best self and hopefully get one step closer to being offered your next role.

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Tip 2. Plan your journey

First impressions really do count. If you’re late to the interview, can your potential employer trust that you will turn up to work on time?

If your interview is in person, plan your route in advance. If you are driving, for example, make sure you know the closest parking options.

We recommend you allow some time in case there are delays such as a traffic accident or anything that will delay your journey. For example, we once worked with a candidate who was caught up in a train driver strike and when he eventually managed to flag down a taxi, it got stuck in traffic. He had not taken the contact details of the interviewer with him so was unable to call them to let them know, nor did he have our contact details with him so we were unaware and unable to help. He arrived at the client’s location almost an hour late which was not a good look, particularly as there were other really strong candidates. Ultimately, he did not get the job.

Of course, accidents and other unforeseen events can occur, and often a client can rearrange an interview, but it’s important to make sure you are able to let us and them know in such situations.

Job interview tips for online meetings:?Just because you may not be travelling to your interview doesn’t mean you can skip this step. Make sure you have a place that is free from distractions and has a stable internet connection or phone line.

Keep an eye out for further posts on this subject or, if you can’t wait, you can see the whole series over on our website.