Here are some invaluable tips and techniques to help you navigate through interviews with confidence:

1. Research the company!

Before you even step into the interview room, make sure you've thoroughly researched the company.  Don’t just stop at the websites home page; try and understand what is important to the company, what they value and why people enjoy working there.  Ensure you have a good understanding of the role you're applying for and how it fits within the organisation.

2. Practice:

Prepare responses to common interview questions such as "Tell me about yourself" and "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" Structure your responses ensuring you provide examples of a situation you were in, what actions you took and what the outcome was.  If you’re able to align these previous experiences to the current position in order to provide the interviewer with the confidence that you will be able to successfully navigate these situations again – even better!

3.Non-verbal Communication:

Saying ‘all the right things’ is just part of what an interviewer is looking for.  Remember that communication extends beyond words. Pay attention to your body language; maintain eye contact, sit up straight, don’t fidget and dress appropriately for the role and environment you will be interviewing for and potentially working in.

5. Ask Questions:

We don’t just mean your simple ‘What are the hours of work?’, but questions which will help you ascertain whether this is a company you want to work for.  Many forget that an interview is not just an opportunity for the employer to assess you but also for you to evaluate the company and the role. A job change is a big deal, and you want to make sure you’re going to wake up every day excited about heading to work and performing your role.

6. Be Genuine:

Leading on from the above, being and presenting your best self in an interview is paramount.  Organisational culture differs from company to company and if you don’t showcase your true self in an interview then you may end up finding out that whilst the interviewer felt you would fit into their team amazingly, that’s not the case.  The last thing you want is you start and then realise it’s an environment you’re not comfortable in or enjoy. 

7. Stay cool, calm, and collected:

Interviews can be stressful situations, but it's crucial to manage your nerves effectively. Remember that it's okay to take a moment to gather your thoughts before responding to a question and to ask for clarification if you’re not sure of exactly what the interviewer is asking.

8. Follow Up:

If you’ve left the interview feeling positive and that the role would be a good match for you, your skills and experience, send a personalised thank-you email to the interviewer expressing your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterating your interest in the position.  On the flip side, if you feel the opposite let the interviewer know so they do not spend any time investing in progressing your application further.

There is no doubt that job hunting can be challenging, but maintaining a positive attitude and staying persistent is crucial. Being unsuitable for one position doesn't define your value or abilities or mean that you won’t be successful for the next.  Keep refining your skills, expanding your network, and pursuing opportunities that align with your goals and aspirations.

If you’d like to talk to us further on this topic, give us a call and say hello!