Most people can empathise with the fact that job interviews are nerve-wracking. In fact the people who are interviewing you will even make a little bit of an allowance for the fact that you are nervous. However, what you don’t want is the fact that you are nervous to mess up your chances to land the job you have been after – so what can you do? Thankfully there are simple ways that you can boost your confidence and make sure that your job interview goes as smoothly as possible.
1 – The Likeable Factor
Without a doubt you want to make sure you that you come across as nice and likeable. As well as being the best person for the job, they want to know that it is someone who will fit in well with the existing team and that they will be able to work happily alongside you. Try to make eye contact with the person interviewing you, sit up straight, smile and show them that even if you are nervous, you are a friendly person!
2 – First Impressions Count
We all know that first impressions count and this is even more important when it comes to job interviews. Dress in a way that looks smart but that you feel comfortable. Walk with your head held high and make sure that you sit up straight and not slouched in your chair.
3 – Do Your Home Work
You’ll feel much more at ease if you know a little bit about the company, your job role and what is expected of you. Most companies will now have a website which gives you a simple way to read up on the company and find out everything that you need to know. Remember a few key facts or names that you can throw into the conversation to show the person conducting the interview that you know what you are talking about. This research should make life easier when they encourage you to ask any questions too, because you’ll find it much easier to ask something if you know a little about them.
4 – Stand Out From The Crowd
The chances are that you are not the only person being interviewed that day, in fact they could actually have lots of interviews to carry out before they decide who should be awarded the job. You need to have a little something that helps them remember you – this could be something as simple as mentioning that you were born abroad or an unusual hobby you have. It doesn’t have to be anything too ‘out there’ but just something that can help them remember you when they’re looking back through at the details of all the candidates that have been interviewed.
5 – Why Should They Hire You?
As they have so many people to interview, you also need to make sure that there is a reason for them to choose you above the others. Make sure that you know what your abilities are and match these against the job role – discuss this in your interview to ensure that you prove to them exactly why you should be the person that they choose to hire.