It’s no secret that you are often up against one or two if not several other candidates when interviewing for your next position, and you certainly don’t want ill-preparation to be the main reason you don’t secure your dream role. There are several ways you can stand out from the rest and make sure you leave a lasting and positive impression on your interviewers, and of course, be the winning candidate!
We have compiled a few easy tips you can incorporate into your interviewing planning and preparation to make sure you only have to interview one more time in your work search…
1. Location, Location, Location
Any other preparation you have completed won’t help if you are late to the interview due to getting lost! Make sure you have mapped out and know exactly how to get to your interview prior to the day. Try to arrive early – aim to get to your interview location 15 minutes prior to the interview but don’t enter the premises until 5 minutes before the appointment, so as not to inconvenience your interviewer.
2. Show and Maintain Professionalism
Dress to impress – it is better to be over-dressed than risk being under-dressed! Make sure your body language is professional and gives off positive, enthusiastic energy to your interviewer. Body language can speak volumes of your current feelings – whether you are nervous, stand-offish, overly confident or unsure of yourself. Maintain professional body language and mannerisms at all times during your interview – even while entering and leaving the building (you never know who may see you!).
3. Study and know your CV well
Confidently telling your interviewer all the necessary or poignant details of your past roles and career will show them you are confident, concise and professional. After all, your CV is the only thing you are absolutely sure of when you go into the interview! Fumbling through your past roles, tasks, dates of employment and past management may not look favourably on your employability.
4. Have concrete, practical examples to provide
Avoid “Yes/No” answers when asked questions about your professional history. Give practical, real examples of past experiences you have gone through, for example a specific situation where you handled workplace conflict or helped manage a team and reach a deadline. This is an excellent way to show your interviewer you have demonstrated skills they are looking for in their organisation.
5. Be Yourself
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, be yourself! At the end of the day, the role and company may tick almost all of the boxes of what you are looking for, but if it is not the right social/culture fit, you may not be happy there long-term. If you let your true personality shine through, you will naturally calm down, send off a more positive, genuine energy and communicate your authenticity as a candidate.
