When it comes to interviews, few of us enjoy them. The most probable reason for disliking interviews is that they challenge us in a lot of different areas such as communication skills, resume writing, knowledge of the job and so on.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. An interview can be really a positive experience and should be thought of as such. Remember that it isn’t an interrogation; it’s a chance for you to have a conversation with someone about the job you’ve applied for and why you are the right person for it.
How many opportunities in life do we get to be completely self-indulgent and talk about ourselves for a half hour? Think of it as your moment to shine.
But in order to shine, you need to be prepared. Here’s how:
- Dress well – Invest in one great interview outfit and be sure it includes a collared shirt, tailored pants or skirt and closed-toed dress shoes.
- Be prepared – Bring a current and easy to read resume and cover letter. Bring your high school certificates and awards, last school year report and the transcripts of any courses you have undertaken outside of high school. Even if certificates and transcripts are unrelated to the job you’re applying for, they still help a potential employer get a better understanding of who you are. Keep all these documents presented nicely in a folder. Most employers like to get copies of your documents, so storing a few extras behind the original will show you are organised and prepared.
- Arrive early – 10 to 15 minutes is perfect.
- Be confident – Employers look for employees who show enthusiasm and present themselves as happy, confident people.
- Do some research – Be ready to discuss what you know about the company. Whether you’re applying to be a manager or a junior, it’s smart to research as much as possible about the organisation. Having this background knowledge will help you to understand the job and whether it’s the kind of company you want to work for.
Most of us find ourselves going to a number of interviews before we’re offered a job. This is very common. It’s most important not to take it personally and to think of it as a learning experience. Remember to ask for feedback from the interviewer and this should help the next time around. Good luck!
