If you've ever been to a job interview, you know just how nerve -wrecking the whole experience can be. And if you haven't, the prospect of attending your very first interview probably has you biting your nails. The truth is; one can never quite get used to the pressure associated with job interviews, no matter how many you've attended or how much of a Pro you are in your field. But you CAN master the art of selling yourself to the interview panel and leave them with nothing but positive mental images of you and your capabilities. If you're eager to find out how you can ace your next job interview, this is for you!
Be punctual
Nothing says "I'm a reliable professional" like being on time for your interview. Better still, you may arrive at the interview venue 10 to 15 minutes before your allocated slot. This gives you an opportunity to settle down, catch your breath, use the bathroom and get psyched up for the interview. If you'll need to use public transport and so forth to get to the interview, factor this into your schedule and account for any unexpected set-backs that may occur. If you find yourself running behind time for any reason at all, let the interviewers or receptionist know ahead of time (though being late should be avoided like the plague.)
Dress for success
I know a lot of people who've managed to land a coveted job position simply because they looked just right at their interview. I also know several who've missed out on the opportunity of a lifetime, despite their impeccable work record and outstanding qualifications because, well... they took the recruiters' breath away for all the wrong reasons.
A job interview is NOT the place to make a fashion statement. Steer clear of brightly colored clothing, skimpy outfits, dazzling jewelry and casual wear. Your best bet is a formal outfit in navy blue, black, grey or white and a conservative pair of shoes. Red lipstick and any other wild make up color is a big 'no no,' unless you're trying out for a stripping job.
Be cool, calm and collected
I really can't emphasize this enough. In the case of job interviews, the popular saying "fake it until you feel it" applies. Don't show any signs of fear, no matter how intimidated you feel, and remember to respond with a smile. Make an effort to be positive right from the moment you walk into the room. That means no lengthy explanations about how your favorite outfit shrank in the washing machine, how the bus was late or how you got lost on your way to the interview. Be calm, pleasant and professional.
Do your research
One of the most important interview commandments is, "Thou shalt not attend a job interview unprepared." Make an effort to find out what the organization is all about, its mission, values and target market. Nothing is quite as embarrassing as being asked, "So, can you comment on our new community initiatives" and having no idea what in the world the interviewer is talking about. If you want to avoid that, do your homework. Also read up on current affairs - basically anything and everything that is related to the organization and to the job post you're being interviewed for.
Know the difference between being 'confident' and being 'cocky'
The failure to distinguish between the two has cost a lot of super-talented candidates the job of their dreams. Don't make the same mistake. If you're wondering what the difference is, I'll explain it to you. Confidence is saying, "I'm a hard working, passionate team player and would be honored to work for such a great company." Cocky is, "I'm exactly what this company needs right now. I can turn things around and take this company to heights you can't even imagine. Hire me and I'll prove it." While confidence is inspiring, reassuring even, a cocky candidate only puts off the entire panel, and you don't want that.
Communicate effectively
Before you answer, listen to the question and respond appropriately. Resist the urge to 'buy time' by waffling or 'beating around the bush.' It only serves the purpose of showing the interviewer you're clueless about whatever you're talking about. Also pay attention to your tone of voice and non-verbal cues. Make it a point to ensure that you don't cross your arms or legs in front of your body or put your hands in front of your mouth.
Show interest in the organization
The ability to display interest in the organization by asking relevant questions at the end of the interview will score you several marks with the panel. It's not advisable to walk out of the interview without asking the interviewer any questions. This gives the impression that you lack sufficient interest in the job. So, make an effort to prepare a few questions before the interview.
I hope you found that useful. Always remember, "to be successful, the best thing to do is to fall in love with your work!" Passion and determination will open doors for you that qualifications alone can't.
All the best!
Nothing says "I'm a reliable professional" like being on time for your interview. Better still, you may arrive at the interview venue 10 to 15 minutes before your allocated slot. This gives you an opportunity to settle down, catch your breath, use the bathroom and get psyched up for the interview. If you'll need to use public transport and so forth to get to the interview, factor this into your schedule and account for any unexpected set-backs that may occur. If you find yourself running behind time for any reason at all, let the interviewers or receptionist know ahead of time (though being late should be avoided like the plague.)
Dress for success
I know a lot of people who've managed to land a coveted job position simply because they looked just right at their interview. I also know several who've missed out on the opportunity of a lifetime, despite their impeccable work record and outstanding qualifications because, well... they took the recruiters' breath away for all the wrong reasons.
A job interview is NOT the place to make a fashion statement. Steer clear of brightly colored clothing, skimpy outfits, dazzling jewelry and casual wear. Your best bet is a formal outfit in navy blue, black, grey or white and a conservative pair of shoes. Red lipstick and any other wild make up color is a big 'no no,' unless you're trying out for a stripping job.
Be cool, calm and collected
I really can't emphasize this enough. In the case of job interviews, the popular saying "fake it until you feel it" applies. Don't show any signs of fear, no matter how intimidated you feel, and remember to respond with a smile. Make an effort to be positive right from the moment you walk into the room. That means no lengthy explanations about how your favorite outfit shrank in the washing machine, how the bus was late or how you got lost on your way to the interview. Be calm, pleasant and professional.
Do your research
One of the most important interview commandments is, "Thou shalt not attend a job interview unprepared." Make an effort to find out what the organization is all about, its mission, values and target market. Nothing is quite as embarrassing as being asked, "So, can you comment on our new community initiatives" and having no idea what in the world the interviewer is talking about. If you want to avoid that, do your homework. Also read up on current affairs - basically anything and everything that is related to the organization and to the job post you're being interviewed for.
Know the difference between being 'confident' and being 'cocky'
The failure to distinguish between the two has cost a lot of super-talented candidates the job of their dreams. Don't make the same mistake. If you're wondering what the difference is, I'll explain it to you. Confidence is saying, "I'm a hard working, passionate team player and would be honored to work for such a great company." Cocky is, "I'm exactly what this company needs right now. I can turn things around and take this company to heights you can't even imagine. Hire me and I'll prove it." While confidence is inspiring, reassuring even, a cocky candidate only puts off the entire panel, and you don't want that.
Communicate effectively
Before you answer, listen to the question and respond appropriately. Resist the urge to 'buy time' by waffling or 'beating around the bush.' It only serves the purpose of showing the interviewer you're clueless about whatever you're talking about. Also pay attention to your tone of voice and non-verbal cues. Make it a point to ensure that you don't cross your arms or legs in front of your body or put your hands in front of your mouth.
Show interest in the organization
The ability to display interest in the organization by asking relevant questions at the end of the interview will score you several marks with the panel. It's not advisable to walk out of the interview without asking the interviewer any questions. This gives the impression that you lack sufficient interest in the job. So, make an effort to prepare a few questions before the interview.
I hope you found that useful. Always remember, "to be successful, the best thing to do is to fall in love with your work!" Passion and determination will open doors for you that qualifications alone can't.
All the best!