Here are our 5 top tips to remember for any interview!

1. BE ON TIME!

This is something so obvious that it shouldn’t even be included on the list! But you would be very surprised to learn how many times people fail to arrive on time for an interview.

Consider how it looks to any employer, when a candidate who should be trying to sell their qualities to them, can’t even get the first basic step right and be available at the time that was arranged. Do not even aim to be there on time, aim to be there early ! Then, you can sit and compose yourself before being called in for the interview

2. First impressions count…

It is vital to create a great first impression; firm handshake (no need to squeeze!), smile, and maintain eye contact with your interviewer. Give a brief introduction about yourself, and your professional background. Your attitude should be positive and friendly, speak with enthusiasm, and stay focused.

Oh, and turn off your phone! And if by chance you have forgotten to turn it off and it rings during the interview, never ever ever ever answer it!! Again, this should be an obvious one, but some people fail to recognize how bad it looks to an employer when they are more concerned with who is calling or messaging them instead of the job they are trying to obtain. In fact, just leave your phone in the car!

3. Do your research

When you know a bit about the company, the role, and the interviewer, you are going to feel a lot more confident and at ease. The more research you conduct, the more you’ll understand the employer, and the better you’ll be able to answer interview questions.

Ask your recruiter for as much information as possible, scour the organization’s website and other published material online and ask around in your network – you may know someone that has worked at the company and your recruiter for as much info as possible.

4. Be aware of how you are speaking

Nerves can get the better of us in interview scenarios and that is natural. Consequently, we can end up talking far too quickly. Take deep breaths before the interview and try to moderate your pace throughout the interview.

It is vital that you do not interrupt the interviewer either; nothing is more irritating than someone cutting you off mid-sentence so try not to be impatient when wanting to get your point across. Nobody wants to interview someone who the information has to be dragged out of but it is also important as the interviewee that you do not talk too much! Yes, you’ve got so much to say and an array of experiences to shout about, but the interviewer will be looking for a concise, knowledgeable answer.

5. Ask questions

When the interviewer asks if you have any questions at the end of an interview, never ever say you have no questions!

Studies show that employers make a judgment about an applicant’s interest in the job by whether or not the interviewee asks questions. If you have questions to ask it shows the employer that you have followed point three and researched the company and role as much as possible which already shows a level of engagement and interest that other applicants may not be showing.

As mentioned in point two, first impressions count and you want to present yourself as keen, engaged, enthusiastic, and curious about the opportunity. So, ask about different aspects of the job/company and express interest and excitement in the opportunity, the company, its culture, and people.

Looking to take your interview prep even further? Try downloading our interview cheat sheet to help you be prepared and confident going into every interview!