Interview with confidence
It’s totally normal to feel anxious or nervous before or during an interview, so we have compiled some simple strategies and tips which may help you successfully prepare for your interview with a little more ease and confidence.
Stay Connected
Once you have applied for the job, keep your phone close-by, so you are available to answer any phone calls. Make sure you have a good phone manner and check your voicemail greeting is appropriate and professional.
Planning Examples
Don’t leave preparation till the last minute. Preparation is important and will help you to present yourself at your best and can also make you feel less nervous. Have some well-prepared examples ready. Review the job description carefully and identify the skills and competencies likely to be assessed and pair these with situations that you personally can use to demonstrate your experience. All examples you use should have three parts using the “S.T.A.R” framework:
- Beginning (describing the Situation or Task)
- Middle or process – (how you took the Action that solved the problem)
- Resolution (how the problem was Resolved – a result).
Role Play
Practise answering questions out loud or in a mock interview with a friend or family member. Make your answers thorough but brief. Remember to answer the question specifically, and don’t detract from the topic. To practice, you could brainstorm answers to these commonly asked questions:
- What are the things you are good at? (Strengths)
- What are the areas you may need some extra support in? (Weaknesses)
- What is important to you in a job?
- What are your career goals? Where would you like to be in the future?
- Why do you want to be chosen for this job?
Research
Researching the organisation or business beforehand will help you feel more confident about what it is that they do and what they look for in their employees. Understanding factors such as the company’s history, culture, mission, achievements will give you a good grasp of what they are all about.
Questions up your sleeve
Familiarise yourself with all aspects of the role. Read through the job description carefully and make sure you understand what’s expected. If you’re not sure about something, make a list of questions and ask them at the end of the interview. Write down your questions so you don’t forget them.
Planning Ahead
Be on time to your interview or arrive early. Make sure you allow extra travel time. It is often a good idea to practice a trip to the interview location before your interview, so you know exactly where to go on the day.
Release Nervous Energy
To ensure you don’t let your nervous energy get the better of you on the day of the interview, complete an activity that’s calming for you. E.g., go for a run, meditate, or do something that you really enjoy. This will help you relax and refocus.
Dress to Impress
Dress smartly for your interview. Clothes should be cleaned, ironed if necessary and shoes should be polished. Choose an outfit which is appropriate and looks neat, tidy, and professional. If you are interviewing online, present yourself as if you were interviewing in person.
Tools and Technology
Remote interviews via online platforms such as phone and video are a great option if you're applying for jobs in a different location, or whilst trying to arrange interviews while managing current work commitments. Have a practice run beforehand so you can get familiar with the technology and resolve any technical issues that may arise. During the interview, don't be afraid to ask the recruiters to reposition their camera or adjust their sound quality.
Environment
If your interview is online, choosing the right space is crucial to ensuring your remote interview goes smoothly. Consider aspects like good lighting, tidy any clutter away, make your space quiet and distraction-free.
First Impressions
You only have a few seconds to create a positive first impression. Interviewers will start assessing you as soon as they meet you, so your presentation and attitude are key. To make a good first impression:
- Arrive on time and turn off your cell phone.
- Introduce yourself in a courteous manner and smile when you meet people.
- Be professional as soon as you enter the building and shake hands.
- Use eye contact and body language.
Answering Questions
Interviews can be nerve-racking but try to stay calm and focussed. Speak clearly and use appropriate language, avoiding slang or swearing. Listen to questions carefully, maintain composure and let the interviewer lead the conversation. If you don’t know the answer to a question right away, pause, and think to organise your thoughts. If you’re being interviewed by more than one person, take turns making eye contact. Speak clearly and vary your tone to showcase your interest and enthusiasm.
The Salary Question
Unless the interviewer brings up the subject of remuneration, don’t inquire about salary, bonuses, or benefits in the initial interview. If you are asked to give your salary expectations, try to provide an open answer, as you don’t want them to exclude you from their consideration based on your expectations.
Best Foot Forward
Discuss how you would contribute, your willingness to learn and why you are excited about the prospect of working for the organisation. Talking about yourself can be a challenging task, but remember an interview is designed to sell yourself.
Breathe
If you feel nervous in the middle of the interview stop and take a deep breath to help calm you down. Breathing deeply helps slow down our thoughts, reduces the intensity and quietens our nervous response.
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