Job interviews can be a daunting and anxious experience, especially when you’re feeling nervous and haven’t prepared before attending one. However, by following several key tips, you can increase your chances of success and land the position you want.
Here, Shirley Parsons Talent Consultants offer their expert advice on what to do before, during and after an interview.
Key things to do before an interview.
Research the company and the position: By researching the company and position you have applied for, it will help you understand what the company does, what the role entails, and what skills and experience they are looking for. You can find this information on the company's website, in job postings, and in news articles.
Prepare your answers to common interview questions: There are several common interview questions that you can expect to be asked, such as "Tell me about yourself" and "Why are you interested in this position?" Prepare your answers to these questions in advance so that you can deliver them confidently in the interview.
Practice your interviewing skills: Ask a friend or family member to help you practice answering interview questions. This will help you feel more confident and prepared on the day of the interview.
Key things to do during an interview.
Arrive on time: Punctuality shows that you are respectful of the interviewer's time and that you are serious about the position.
Dress professionally: First impressions matter, so dress professionally for your interview. This doesn't mean you have to wear a suit, but you should dress in neat and clean clothes that are appropriate for the workplace.
Make eye contact and speak clearly: Eye contact shows that you are engaged and confident. Speak clearly and slowly so that the interviewer can understand you. Also, listen carefully to the questions and answer them thoughtfully. Don't ramble or give irrelevant answers. Take your time to think about each question and give a complete and concise answer.
Be positive: A positive and enthusiastic attitude will help the interviewer to feel that you are suitable for the role and a good cultural fit for the organization. If you think positively, this will ultimately impact on the answers you give and the confidence you will demonstrate. Do not be aggressive, arrogant or conceited at any point throughout the interview and try to be positive about past colleagues, managers and employers; negative or disrespectful comments about people or employers will come across as unprofessional.
Be calm: Don't be afraid to pause and think when you are asked a question. In general, people speak too quickly in interviews because they're nervous. You don't need to fire back an answer straight away and sometimes it's good to acknowledge that you'll need a few moments to gather your thoughts. A focused and relevant response is of far more value than a rushed, ambiguous response that may not even answer the question.
Be yourself: While certain etiquette is expected, don’t pretend to be someone you’re not. If you get the job, you will suffer in the long run as people will have different expectations from you.
Know your strengths: It's vital that the employer is given a sense of your drive, ambition and determination to succeed. Discussing your past achievements is an excellent way of highlighting your strengths and selling yourself to the interviewer beyond simply outlining your skills and talents.
EHS & Sustainability Recruitment with Shirley Parsons
Shirley Parsons are global leaders in Safety, Health, Environmental & Sustainability recruitment and we provide businesses with flexible solutions beyond just recruitment.
Our Talent Consultants work with organizations and professionals to support and guide their search for a new job or career in the industry, whilst also providing valuable candidate feedback and benchmarking data.