Few things are as nerve-wracking as a job interview. You approach them knowing that if you don’t meet the employer’s requirements, you won’t get the job. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to ensure a positive impression when the stakes are high.
Research the organization/company.
Investigate the company as well as the industry as a whole. On their website, you should be able to learn about the company’s history, mission, and values, as well as their staff, culture, and recent triumphs.
Make a list of questions you’d like to ask.
There will almost certainly be subjects that come up during your research that you want to learn more about. Make clear questions for the interviewer by writing them down. When you’re asked whether you have any questions, this will help you avoid an awkward silence.
Practice Interviewing
Take the time to practice answering the questions that will most likely be asked during your interview. This will also assist to calm your nerves because you will not be fumbling for a response while in the hot seat during the interview.
Try to follow the same format as the real interview when conducting the practice interview. Like for the phone interview, have a friend call you so you can practice answering questions over the phone. If it’s a panel interview, enlist the help of a few friends to act as panelists.
If you’re interviewing virtually, make sure you’re familiar with the technology, go over common job interview questions and responses, and consider how you’ll reply so you’re ready.
Prepare your fit.
The last thing you need on the morning of the interview is frantic panic while trying to choose a decent attire. You’ll be able to concentrate on the vital things if you plan your outfit a few days ahead of time.
Make sure your attire is both stylish and comfy. It is usually preferable to be overly formal rather than overly informal. If you’ve recently acquired a new outfit, try it on before your interview to ensure you’re comfortable.
Go over your notes.
Refresh your memory on the questions and answers you prepared, but don’t worry about remembering every single detail.
You can avoid ‘script-reading your answers if you have a good understanding of the essential topics, but if it helps, make a list of relevant talents, attributes, and experience from your CV that you wish to discuss.
Have a restful night’s sleep.
If you stifle yawns during the interview, you’ll be undermining your preparations.
Feeling rejuvenated and alert can also help you deal with any unexpected scenarios that might make your nerves jangle, such as questions you hadn’t considered.
Plan the route to the job interview
Make certain you understand where you’re heading and how long it’ll take you to get there. If you can, go online and figure out the quickest route, then add extra time to make sure you’re completely covered. The last thing you want to do is show up agitated or late.
After the interview, follow up.
Within 24 hours following your interview, send a short email thanking the interviewer for their time and expressing your eagerness to hear from them.
Each interview is unique, and you may be given less time to prepare in some circumstances. These procedures can be shortened, but the most important thing is that you do whatever it takes to be able to walk into the interview as calmly and confidently as possible, ready to present yourself in the best possible light.