If you have been invited to a job interview, you should be proud of yourself! That means you got your application right and that the company is interested in hiring you. However, you still need to do a lot of work to be in with a chance of securing the job. How though?
By following these five job interview tips you can prepare yourself and give yourself the best chance of being the successful candidate.
1. Find out as much as you can about the interview process
You will most likely get an email or letter giving you details of the interview as well as some instructions. But you shouldn’t be shy of ringing the HR department or, if it’s a medium or small company, the person that will be interviewing you to clarify points and get some more info. Remember preparation is key and information is power.
2. Research the company
It’s important to know as much about the company as possible. Research things like their revenue, clients, culture, awards, career program and USP, for example. Be ready to have a conversation about any of these things. And make sure you can explain why the company stands out from its competitors and what makes you want to be a part of it.
3. Wear the right thing
What you wear really depends on the company’s culture and the sector they are in. It goes without saying you should be well groomed and look your very best. But that doesn’t always mean wearing a suit. Whatever you do decide to wear make sure it is comfortable and appropriate for the weather on the day. The last thing you want is to be distracted because you are uncomfortable.
4. Let your personality shine through
It’s not all about work and the knowledge you possess. The interviewers, in most cases, will be line managers and they are trying to assess if they would like to work with you. Let your personality shine through and build a rapport – it counts.
5. Have your questions ready
Your interview will most likely end with the interviewer asking if you have any questions. Don’t underestimate this part of the process. A good question or two shows your curiosity and interest in their company. Have some interesting questions prepared for your interviewer about career progression, company strategy, a typical day at the company and anything else you might be interested in knowing (except salaries and benefits).
And if you’re looking to apply for more roles, and want to ensure your CV is looking great, then learn how to write a graduate CV.
