Interview tips and techniques

Got an interview approaching for a part-time/full-time job, internship, volunteering position or anything else then look no further…I know how worrying it can be so I have the top five tips to prepare you and bring out the best in you during that dreaded moment…

1) Revise the company

It is so important to research about the company before the interview, otherwise they will think you are apathetic towards the business, which is not ideal as no company will employ anybody that doesn’t show commitment or enthusiasm! You should also make sure you revise the position you are applying for including the skills and requirements you will be expected to carry out and have thorough knowledge on your previous experience that should be mentioned on your CV, which may be beneficial to mention during the interview, to show you are a great candidate!

2) Dress appropriately

Every interview or daily shift at work requires smart or smart and casual dress attire. Think of it this way…if you were watching the news, then the news anchors need to make sure they don’t distract the public viewers by not wearing something inappropriate, for example, a Hawaiian t-shirt, or a lot of cleavage showing. Therefore, make sure you wear a smart blouse and black trousers or for females a black skirt can be worn instead, with suitable smart neutral colour heels or flat shoes. You will be taken more seriously when you dress the part, so show them that you mean business!

3) Make eye contact

Body language is a fundamental factor when it comes to being interviewed. You should make sure you engage in eye contact with the interviewer or interviewers so you express that you are taking in feedback and it shows that you are a good listener and very attentive. If you avoid eye contact, then you put yourself in the light as somebody who is not concerned and somebody who lacks in work ethic. If you were the interviewer would you consider somebody of that nature for a job? No…neither would I, so maintain eye contact throughout in a suitable manner to show your enthusiast!

4) Body Language

The way you come across can be expressed via your body language, in any scenario. If you were sat down on a seat slouched back, then you show to others that you come across quite lazy and simply do not care. However, if you sit up with the correct back posture then you show you are ready to go and 100% committed to any task. You must also not fiddle around with anything in your hands or feet whilst the interview takes place as this will distract the interviewer and shows lack of commitment, as they may think that you would rather put your energy into doing something else.

5) Ask Questions!

Throughout the interview and at the end of the interview make sure you ask questions to show level of enthusiasm, but also, if you ask a unique question that other candidates may not had thought off then the interviewer will remember you! Every interview is different and every interviewer has a different technique. Some interviewers may just bring you in to talk about the company. If that’s the case you should take notes and ask further questions to show that you are keen.

Every interviewer will normally ask at the end of the interview, ‘Do you have any questions?’ Here you don’t necessarily have to answer with a question but if you do then that is a bonus! You could ask, ‘If I was hired how soon could I start?’ This shows you are very eager and simply really want the job! One more point, make sure you don’t ask questions such as, ‘How much would I get an hour?’ This shows you are only really dedicated in being hired for the money, when most companies want a candidate that is passionate about their job, and doesn’t see their job as a ‘job’ because they love it that much!

Anyway, take this all on board and you will be fine. Good luck!