Job interviews are nerve-racking and an interview that goes badly can turn even the most confident person into a sobbing mess. Hopefully, these 16 tips will help put your mind at ease, and make your next job interview bearable, perhaps maybe even an enjoyable experience!
1. Be Confident.
It may seem obvious but confidence is definitely key. Even if your insides are like jello and you feel like you may throw up at any second, appear confident. Try not to look down at your lap, use too many ‘ums’ and ‘ahs’, or answer questions with only one word, such as ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
2. Do your research.
You need the employer to think that you really want this job, and by bothering to do some background research on the company, it shows that you do. The employer is bound to ask you something along the lines of ‘So what do you know about us?’, and having a depth of knowledge will really make you stand out from the other candidates.
3. Dress appropriately.
Even if you have the most outstanding resume, and are the best person for the job, if you don’t look the part, you won’t have a chance to prove this to the employer. People make their judgments about you in the first few seconds of meeting you, and if you show too much leg or cleavage, chances are that your impressive resume won’t even get read. Also, even if the job is in a casual environment, it is always better to overdress, than under-dress, so although it might to appropriate to wear sweats or jeans once you get the job, it is not for the interview.
4. Be on time.
If the interview is at 10am, make sure you get there ten minutes before. If necessary, take a trial trip the day before so you are certain of how long it will take you to get there. It is a really bad look, to be late for an interview, but if something happens, and it is unavoidable, at least call the workplace and let them know.
5. Turn off your cellphone.
And definitely do not answer it if you have left it on and it rings. Even if you’re out in the waiting room. The employer should not hear you talking to your best friend, boyfriend, mother etc, about last night’s antics and how drunk you got. Ever!
6. Don’t chew gum.
This is purely a manners thing. It is really distracting trying to talk to someone who is chewing gum, and is unprofessional in the workplace anyway
7. Ask questions.
Come prepared with a few questions that you would like to know from the employer, which shows that you are serious about the position and your career. Some examples are; ‘What advancement opportunities exist in the company, and in what time frame?’, and ‘What would you like done differently by the next person to hold the position?’.
8. Bring a notepad.
Most people do not, and it is a very easy and subtle way to make you stand out, and it also shows that you’re serious about the job. But, make sure that you actually write notes in it.
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