Interview Tips - 103

Author: David Honeyball

Introduction: This course and its sections will cater for the following aspects:

• How to make a good impression at an interview
• Controlling interview nerves
• What to wear for an interview

Interview Tips: How to make a good impression at an interview:

How to make a good impression at an interview: As I’m sure you are aware if you have ever been in that position, an interview for a new job can be one of the most pressured and stressful situations you can find yourself in. It is extremely important to make a good impression from the first moment with the interviewer as this can make all the difference as to whether you get the job or not.

• Ensure that you properly research for the interview as this will make a good impression with the new employer if they believe you are interested enough to do some work before hand to prepare. Good preparation is a key element when you go to an interview.
• Make sure you dress appropriately for the interview and do not under dress. You need to make the right impression from the first moment you meet the interviewer.
• Answer questions in a positive manner and portray yourself as enthusiastic and energetic.
• If you speak about your previous company or people you work with never come across in a negative fashion as this will put an employer off.
• Ensure that you are professional in the interview. There is a fine line between being nervous and too relaxed. Find a happy medium and you will be fine.
• Above all, the most important thing in any interview is to remember to be yourself and honest with your answers. This will be appreciated by an employer.

Interview Tips: Controlling Interview Nerves:

Controlling Interview Nerves: There is immense pressure associated with interviews and even if you are the most qualified candidate you may not be selected as your nerves could get the better of you. Sometimes, keeping calm in an interview situation is the hardest thing for some people. Everyone suffers from nerves to some degree and it is how you control them that are the key element in success:

• This has been mentioned before, but is worth pointing out again. Research is very important before an interview as if you do this then you will be prepared and less nervous about what you are going to say.
• If you are offered a drink such as a cup of tea or coffee, the general rule is to politely decline this offer. If you are nervous the last thing you want to do is to knock it over or not drink it and be perceived as rude. Water is normally okay to accept as this can help with nerves and dehydration during the interview process. This too can be pretty handy too if you find your mind going blank momentarily and you can take a drink while you think over the question and your answer.
• It is worth considering what sort of questions you might get. Even though questions will vary there are some standard questions that do tend to come up on most occasions. If you can think about what answers to give to these questions before hand then it will help you out immensely and save you getting too nervous.
• There are times when you find yourself shaking at the start of the interview, especially the hands. However, as you progress through the interview and ease into things this should disappear.
• Above all, make sure you have everything you need to hand when in the interview and if you do have a briefcase you place it under your chair for example so you don’t trip over it or it is not in the way.

Interview Tips: What to wear for an interview:

What to wear for an interview: There are many schools of thought and opinions on what you should wear for an interview. Despite all the differing opinions the choice is really yours and whether you think what you are wearing is appropriate for the role you are going for. You should try to put yourself in the shoes of the employer and ask yourself if you were the employer would you actually hire you:

• When you dress for an interview the most important thing to do is use common sense. Make sure you look smart and clean and tidy. These are standard rules that any interviewee should adhere to when attending an interview.
• When selecting what to wear for an interview you first need to ascertain the role you are going for as this can affect your dress code.
• Wearing blue is widely considered to be formal and professional which is great for a job that requires this. However, you may consider something a bit different if you are going for a job that involves other activities like looking after children etc.
• You really need to project your personality through what you wear for an interview and let that personality and individuality shine through for the employer to see.
• Above all, the general rule is to consider the most appropriate attire for the situation you are in.
• It is important to remember that no employer will hire you based on what you are wearing, but on the other hand if you turn up and do not make a good impression by being too untidy for example, then this will count against you right from the start.