Being interviewed for a job is surely one of life’s most stressful experiences – particularly if your heart is set on gaining the role. Oftentimes, you’ll also find yourself applying for a job really need which can also considerably add to the sense of pressure.
Experienced interviewers are highly skilled at asking tricky questions to put you on the spot and also look for non-verbal signals which can often betray your emotions, making the job of creating a good impression all the more difficult. Nonetheless, there are some small tricks you can employ to help you handle your nerves better and breeze through an interview. Here are a few tips to improve your job interview skills.
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Preparing for interview
As with most things in life, the better prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel and the better you’ll perform so take time to practice your answers to the standard interview questions – and also try to predict trickier questions they might pose. Rehearsing your replies out loud can be a very effective way to ensure you remember your answers – plus it also gives you a chance to hear how the interviewer might interpret what you have to say.
You should also research the company thoroughly by checking its website and also re-read the job advert again to ascertain exactly what the employer is looking for. Prepare statements that include the skills they’re looking for and also formulate answers about previous jobs which show how you used these talents to bring solutions or improve working practices.
More than anything else, a prospective employer wants to know the benefits you can bring to their organization so be sure to prepare this information and find ways to include it at your interview.
Think about the questions you’re going to ask
Potential employers are looking to see if you’re serious about working for them and want to know you’re thinking long-term. An interview is very much a two-way process and your interviewer will expect you to have your own queries
Asking questions gives you the opportunity to show that you’ve studied the firm in detail and can allow your interviewer to see that you have extra initiative – for example by asking how they deal with problems or challenges specific to their industry.
Questions can also give you the chance to potentially tailor the job exactly to your needs. For example, you could consider asking if the employer offers extra benefits such as healthcare as part of the package. If they don’t, query them whether they would be willing to check the Health plan marketplace to come up with the package you want. Just like other areas of life, there’s no harm bartering and you should always remain aware of the potential worth you could bring a company.
Remember – first impressions count
You should dress appropriately for the position you’re applying to. If you have the chance to speak to the recruiter before your interview, ask them about the dress policy in the firm and choose an appropriate outfit. Practicing breathing exercises can help you regulate your talking and teach you to slow your speech if you find nerves get the better of you when talking with any company staffer.
If you can’t find out this information, smart/casual seems to work for most companies these days. Also, remember the smaller details – shine your shoes, brush your hair and teeth and make sure your nails are clean.
When it comes to interview day, you should aim to arrive 10-15 minutes early so you’re not rushed and avoid adding extra, unnecessary stress. First impressions count massively in an interview situation so you should show punctuality from the outset, walk and talk confidently and try to maintain a normal rate of speech.
