It is natural for an interview to be a nerve-racking experience. But with a bit of preparation and confidence boosting, it can actually be an enjoyable opportunity to discuss your experiences and make new professional connections. In a best case scenario, it results in a new job or promotion! But even if you’re not successful, feeling that you performed well keeps your head high and may lead to even better opportunities.
Do Your Research
It is rarely necessary to know the intimidate details of the company’s history and personnel. But it never hurts to familiarize yourself with its basic story and especially the mission statement. If you have limited time to prepare, make sure that you devote some time and energy to understanding the job description. Think carefully about the ways you have demonstrated the qualities that they ask for. Consider times in your previous jobs when you showed your strengths and also how you overcame your weaknesses. If you have time, read up the main aims of the company. It might be to innovate and create a specific product. Perhaps it is to provide excellent customer service or benefit the community. Most likely, it is a mixture of several aims and ambitions. How might you be able to contribute to these aims or have you even pursued them yourself? Don’t feel that you have to memorize a script or come up with examples for every possible scenario. Try to consider the ways that you have genuinely demonstrated a skill or sincerely pursued an interest. If you want to come across as knowledgeable and well prepared, it is rarely a case of cramming in as many facts and figures as you can. Even if you have only read up on a little, if you have considered it carefully and applied it well, you will be far more interesting and impressive.
Look Professional
Do not be tempted to consider your looks in terms of “attractiveness”. But do consider the effect you have in terms of whether you look professional and competent. It can be tempting to spend a lot on a new outfit or haircut, only to arrive feeling almost like a completely different person. It can be far more successful to only make a few subtle differences. Perhaps a trim, a freshly laundered suit, or looking for new styles of glasses. But it is far more important to ensure that your clothes are clean, appropriate and fit well. The price of them will be known only to you. Wearing an item with confidence and a relaxed, upright posture gives the outfit a look of class and quality. Never be tempted to wear something that makes you feel fussy or uncomfortable. You may feel understandably nervous on the day and so the fewer distractions you can have the better.
Rest Well
As the interview approaches, many people begin to feel that they are unprepared or haven’t done enough. Ensure that you have started your preparation well ahead of time, and this will be unfounded. Try to emphasize your rest on the day before the interview. You may have normal work and family commitments, but an early night and a deep sleep will do wonders. Studies have shown that we are more mentally clear and creative after eight hours sleep. And to field those difficult questions, our tempers are better too. Good luck!
About Jammie Morey
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