Nothing is quite as thrilling as landing an interview, but then, it is also quite terrifying. Now is the time to showcase your abilities, demonstrate your confidence and knowledgeable answers in order to land that dream job. For a first interview, this is not only daunting but also overwhelming. Here are 7 tips to guide you through a professional interview.
1. Research Is Vital: Know The Company and Interviewer
Nothing will get you spiraling down a rabbit-hole as much as being uneducated regarding the position and company you are applying for/at. Proving how much you want this position means showing interest in what the company does, how your values fit in with their core values and how your goals align with their goals.
Presenting yourself as naïve
is a big no-no. While illustrating the effort you put in to research the company and the people behind it will show just how serious you take this opportunity. It'll also boost your confidence and avoid any awkward utterances when making your first impression.
Gather popular interview questions for your job industry and formulate your answers a head of time. You do not want to be caught off guard with a
question that has an obvious answer when your nerves are all up in the air. Practicing these answers beforehand will give you a fall-back in times of stress.
Practice your answers in front of a
mirror at first, and consider asking a friend to help you with an in-person practice run. Practice,
practice, practice...focus hard on how you come over, your tone, your body
language.
Choosing your attire beforehand ensures that your lucky top is clean and wrinkle-free while also ensuring you do not rush around the next morning trying to get ready. What you wear and how you style your hair is important. Your appearance in the interview room provides your potential employer with their first impression of you.
Your dress-code illustrates how serious you take this opportunity and that you respect the interview process. Rocking up in baggy
sweatpants and a sloppy shirt for a managerial position is sure to be your ticket to a quick exit.
Employers want employees that will respect them, that are confident, and easy to work with. The body language, mannerisms and respect you show in your interview provides the perception of anticipated future encounters. Be friendly, smile and greet everyone you come across in the office.
Often, interviewers will not only ask around in the company regarding other's opinion of you, but also base their decision on how other employees perceive you. Be respectful to everyone and professional in your body language.
People talk. Your new boss might just be golfing buddies with your previous employer.
On top of this, companies want
problem-solvers, not problem-creators. Complaining and gossiping creates a problem, not a solution. Avoid any negative talk about your previous employers. Interviewers will judge how you portray the image of your previous employer onto how you will portray your new employer to others in the future. Remember, you are not
having a chat with a friend here, and therefore a certain level of
professionalism is required. Being labelled as a gossip or negative person is a sure-fire way of losing your potential job.
Nothing creates a worse first impression
than being late for an interview.
Arriving early provides you with lea-way in case of a road accident or any other unplanned emergencies. Arriving earlier at the office also gives you time to calm your nerves by taking in your surroundings and watching others move around.
Being early illustrates your commitment and ensures your new employer knows you can stick to a deadline. First
impressions are of the utmost importance when it comes to an interview, and
therefore this is one lasting impression to prioritize.
7. Have A Few Questions Prepared, along with a Set Salary in Mind
Most times we are so happy to just land a job, we forget to ensure we aren't ripped off. Ask questions relating to travel opportunities and responsibilities, the amount of overtime you are expected to put in and have a salary amount in mind (keep it relevant to your experience and skill-set by doing research on the current market trends). If you have other family responsibilities its not only important to manage your finances but also your time.
Normally you will be provided with an opportunity to ask questions at the end of the interview. A lack of curiosity will show that you are unprepared for the position and not truely interested.
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