Preparing for Interviews

Preparing for Interviews

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Preparing for interviews & interview skills

Being interviewed can be a very nerve-wracking experience and can often fill us with dread. However, there are things you can do to help you prepare for the process and put yourself in a much better, more confident position to have a good go and do yourself justice:

How to prepare...

Consider why you are interviewing and your qualifications Before being interviewed you should have a good understanding of why you want the job and why you’re qualified. Be prepared to explain your interest in the business and why you’re the best person for the role.

Sell yourselfMost people are uncomfortable selling themselves, but you must highlight the professional skills and experiences that may set you apart from other applicants. Selling yourself is not arrogance… it is confidence!

Prepare your travel arrangementsInterviews are stressful enough, so if your interview is an unfamiliar area, or even an entirely new city, make sure you leave early, search the location in advance, and ensure you save the interview contact information in the event of any unforeseen circumstances!

Conduct mock interviewsInterview practice is the best way to relieve anxiety and improve your confidence. It may be tedious, but experience is worth its weight in gold!

It will help you boost your soft skills The way you project your voice and present yourself through body language can totally change the way you are perceived by those interviewing you.

Prepare several thoughtful questions for the interviewer(s)This creates a very good impression, demonstrates preparatory skills, and shows that you have thought about the position in advance.

Carefully examine the job descriptionYou should use the employer’s job description as a guide (a list of the qualifications, qualities and background the employer is looking for in an ideal candidate). The more you can align yourself with these details, the more the employer will be able to see that you are qualified. It will genuinely heighten your chances.

Perform research on the company and roleNot only will it help provide context for your interview conversations, but it will also help you when preparing thoughtful questions for your interviewers. Researching the company and role as much as possible will give you an edge over the competition.

Consider your answers to common interview questionsWhile you won’t be able to predict every question you’ll be asked in an interview, there are a few common questions you can plan answers for. Also, be prepared for competency questions specific to the role.

Print hard copies of your CVEmployers may not have easy access to your CV during the interview itself, so having hard copies to present to multiple interviewers shows that you're prepared and organised.