For any job interview, the overarching point you want to get across is why the prospective employer should hire you. The interview is your sales pitch that you are the ideal candidate for the job at hand. It is also a get-to-know-you conversation to show the company staff that they would enjoy working with you.
There are three simple tips to excelling in interviews: preparation, appearance, and delivery. All three areas can easily be improved upon in time for your next interview.
Preparation
There really is no excuse for arriving at an interview and being underprepared. Nothing quite says “I don’t really care about this job” quite like an interviewee fumbling their way over a generic and uninformed answer.
When preparing for your interview, do your research on the company, and speak to as many you know who have been interviewed by employees of the same company, or people who have been interviewed for similar positions. In doing such, you will be able to pick up on trends in interviews and prepare specific answers.
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That being said, your answers will need to be adaptable, and fluid, depending on how the questions will be phrased in your particular interview, if they are even asked at all! You cannot be over-prepared for an interview. Do as much research as possible about the company, and pick out bits of information which genuinely interest you, and make sure you can incorporate these talking points into your answers, as well as general conversation with your interviewer.
Appearance
Although this might seem like a silly tip to list here, it is definitely a rather important one! If a candidate were to walk into an interview looking slovenly and dirty, it would immediately be an unsuccessful interview.
Make sure your clothes are clean, and in a good condition. Also, see that they are appropriate for the position you are applying for. For example: wearing a short pencil skirt, and tight blouse would be inappropriate to an interview for a position as a school teacher, or wearing baggy jeans and a sweatshirt would not be acceptable attire for an interview at a law firm. Your clothes will be determined by your place of employment. Furthermore, make sure your personal hygiene is up to standard! Wash your hair the day of your interview, or the day before.
Shower and groom yourself appropriately. If you want to wear makeup, apply some work appropriate makeup. Your appearance will send a very clear message to your employer, so make sure you’ll be sending the right one!
Delivery
Now that you have prepared for the interview, you are dressed and groomed appropriately, all you need to focus on is how you answer the questions put to you by your interviewer. This can be the most daunting task for some people, however with enough preparation, and the right amount of confidence, it can be the easiest.
The trick is to sound comfortable, and confident, yet not to the extent that you will be perceived as cocky. Your tone must therefore be respectful, and attentive. Show your interviewer that you are genuinely interested in what they are saying by answering their questions appropriately and carefully. Listen attentively and even make notes during the interview. Do not allow your nerves to get the better of you – be firm and calm.
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