An interview can be one of the most traumatic experiences you will ever have what with all the probing questions and inquisitive stares not to mention the sweaty palms.
In fact, you can often feel that you are under investigation for some sort of heinous crime and all you want to do is admit to whatever it is so you can run out of the room as soon as possible.
But the truth is, interviews are a necessary evil and without them you can’t get a job, or money, or that designer handbag you’ve always wanted.
1. Preparation is vital to anything in life but particularly interviews. From your CV to sample answers, prepare everything. Research the position and company you have applied for. Adapt your answers to meet the job description and throw in your knowledge of the company.
2. When you have an interview you should dress appropriately. A suit is the wisest option as it looks professional. While you may not have to wear a suit if you get the job, it is necessary to make the right first impression. Also wear comfortable shoes so that you don’t walk into the room grimacing in pain – we’ve all been there. Check out our ‘Dressing for an Interview’ tips here.
3. Bring a copy of your CV with you to the interview. You may have to give it to your interviewer or refer to it throughout the interview. It’s also comforting to know that if you get stuck for words, you can look to it to regain your composure.
4. As well as a copy of your CV, bring along any other documents that you think you might need. For example, a copy of your exam results or a portfolio of your work. More often than not, these can be the things that make the difference.
5. To calm your nerves and make a good impression, smile as you walk into the room. It also helps if you get tongue-tied or make a mistake. Everyone’s human after all and the interviewer should appreciate that. If you find yourself getting flustered, just take a deep breath and smile.
6. It goes without saying that confidence is key, so you do not want to go into an interview feeling at all self-conscious. Suffering from the dreaded halitosis will leave you feeling uncomfortable. There are a few simple things to prevent and stop this from happening. CB12 oral rinse before bedtime and first thing in the morning will help beat bad breath and CB12 Boost chewable is a handy pack that’s perfect just before you give the greatest interview of your life!
7. Even if you know exactly where the venue is, leave plenty of time to get there. You never know how bad the traffic will be or what diversions you might have to take. Aim to get there 15 minutes before the time of your interview so that you can take a few moments to calm your nerves and read over your notes.
8. In the days leading up to the interview, practice your answers to the point where you are including all the key points. Be careful though as you don’t want to sound too rehearsed and unnatural. To avoid this, only make bullet points in your notes, don’t write out answers word for word.
9. After you are asked a question, take a few seconds to think about what you are being asked and collect your thoughts as well as the points you want to make. This will prevent you from starting a sentence without thinking about where it is going.
10. At the end of the interview, make sure you ask questions. Have at least two and they can be specific or general. Questions show that you have an interest and have done research.
11. Show off during your interview. When we say show off we don’t mean do cartwheels around the room, we mean talk up your strengths and show that you have prepared. This is a great way to overcome the stigma of interviews: see them as an opportunity to put yourself across and endear yourself to the interviewers.
12. Nail it! Now go forth and get that job you have always wanted.
These dream job interview tips were brought to you by CB12 and new CB12 Boost.
