Tips For Interview

1. Preparation – Think of your interview as a sporting competition. By preparing, you give yourself the best chance to win. As in sports, there is rarely a prize for second place. Research the company, and ensure you understand the role you are interviewing for. Think about your answers for standard interview questions like “tell me about yourself?”, “why should I hire you?” and “what’s a mistake you made recently?” The aim is not to memorise and regurgitate answers, but having an idea of what to say will make you more confident.

2. Good First Impression – Dress appropriately for the interview. Wear what you would wear if you already worked at the organisation. When in doubt, err on the conservative side. Don’t worry if your interviewer is dressed more casually than you, he or she already has a job. And ensure you give yourself plenty of time to arrive at your interview. Aim to arrive 15 minutes early, to give yourself time to relax and grasp the company’s atmosphere.

3. Don’t Fear the Interviewer – Assume the interviewer is on your side; most professional interviewers won’t be intentionally trying to trip you up. He or she wants to get to know you. So be yourself during an interview. Pretending to be someone you are not does you no favours; you don’t want a job where you have to be someone else 9-5.

4. Ask Questions – Asking intelligent questions at the end of an interview shows you have done your research and demonstrates genuine interest in the job. A job interview is a two way street after all; you want to see if the company is a good fit for you too.

5. Relax and Breathe – You’ve done your best to prepare and put your best foot forward. Whether or not the interviewer likes you is out of your control, so don’t stress about it. You might think a job is perfect for you, but it might not be. No job is the be-all and end-all.