Get a job: 8 simple tips to acing job interviews
So you’ve followed our CV writing tips and now have that all important job interview… but how to prepare? Here’s our step-by-step guide.
Start with some research
Start by whipping out your computer and doing some snooping. Know both the job you’re going for and the company inside out. Know their products, innovations and clients. On a more wider scale, look to find out more about their sector of work, competitors and what’s going on in the field in general.
Get some answers ready
A lot of interview questions are fairly predictable even if they’ve been slightly reworded in the hopes of tripping you up. Prepare some answers for the typical questions about your strengths, weakness, working as a team, why you want the job, why you want to work at the company and why they should employ you.
Look the part
You don’t need to overdress to go to a standard job interview but you should at the very least look smart, even if you’re applying to work in a warehouse without any dress code or uniform. Absolutely no jeans or T shirts and ditch the trainers and Converses for now. Even think about the colours you may wear: black and red are (apparently) seen as powerful, with a bit of white to brighten it up.
Don’t be late
Being late is perhaps the worst thing you can do: At best you’ve made a horrible at first impression but at worst you may just be told to go home and forget about it. Leave extra, extra early. Excuses such as late trains or buses wont cut it.
Be prepared to be tested
Many job interviews, especially for more technical positions, may see your claimed skills or qualifications put the test so be prepared. Examples of tests that an employer may spring on you include the Fizz Buzz test for computer programmers.
Don’t sell yourself short
While you don’t want to come across as arrogant at the same you need to sell yourself so don’t be modest or put yourself down. Highlight your achievements and skills and turn any weaknesses into positives.
Stay calm take time to answer
Job interviews aren’t against the clock so take your time to answer each question. Think before you speak and plan your response rather than just blabbing on. Speak clearly and don’t forget to breathe!
Ask your own questions
The last question of most job interviews sees you get the chance to quiz the employer and it’s an opportunity you shouldn’t pass on. Even if you really do have no questions that you need or want answering, ask one or two anyway! Possible subjects to bring up here include the company’s future plans, what department you’ll be working in, who you’ll be working with, how the office works and what training or other career progression is available.
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- M. Queen
- Robert Notter
