Job interviews are nerve racking. Answering questions about yourself in front of one or more people is a daunting prospect for many.
And those butterflies in the tummy can be multiplied when you haven’t been interviewed in years.
Many people go extended periods between interviews for many reasons, including poor health, raising kids or simply spending a long time in one job.
So for anyone who hasn’t been in that position for a while, here are some tips to get you through that first interview:
Learn About the Organisation
Do your homework and find about the company you hope to work for.
Plan your Journey
Work the best route to drive or know your public transport times. And try to have a fall back in case of delays.
Remember Who to Ask for
The contact name should be on the letter or email inviting you to interview. To a copy with you if you need to.
Know What’s Involved
Do you only need to go through one interview? Or is there a presentation or an assessment centre? Again, being prepared helps.
Have Prepared Answers
Try to anticipate the type of questions you’ll be asked and have a set of answers that you can go to. This is particularly useful when it comes to competency based interviews.
Smile and be Confident
On the big day, give a good first impression and remember that you were invited to interview because of a good application form or CV. The interviewer wants you to perform well.
Make Yourself Comfortable
Once you’re in the interview room, don’t be afraid to take off your coat or jacket if it helps cool you down. And, if offered a glass of water, take it.
Nobody Has a Perfect Interview
Take time to think about the questions before answering. If you stumble don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of time to make up for it.
Ask Questions
Relevant questions about the role can show how keen you are and perhaps even demonstrate your knowledge – while helping you find out about anything not covered in the interview.
The Career Hunter 