Tips For a Great Interview

Tips For a Great Interview.

Interviews can be a necessary evil if you are someone who is not so comfortable talking about yourself to others or tends to ramble or stutter when you get nervous. So, to aid you in this process, we have compiled a list of tips and tricks to help you feel at ease.

Eye Contact

Eye contact is an essential when talking to anyone, especially someone who could end up employing you. Having a good amount of eye contact shows confidence and actually makes the recipient feel a lot more comfortable when talking to you - as long as it’s not a creepy amount of intense psychopathic staring. Maintaining this eye contact when listening is just as important as keeping it up when talking; it indicates to the person that you are actually listening to what they have to say and have a genuine interest in the conversation.

Body language

Body language and eye contact go hand in hand when making a good first impression. Thinking about things such as posture and sitting position really can influence how you are viewed by a person. For example, slouching when sitting or walking can give the indication of disinterest and ignorance. Your body language should be open and positive and that is psychologically more attractive to those you are aiming to impress. You should smile with teeth and have your arms unfolded at all times.

Take a copy of your CV

This tip is great for people who struggle somewhat to talk about themselves or tend to stumble over their words when they get nervous. If you take a copy of your CV for yourself, as well as the copy for the interviewer, you will have a direct guide to base your conversation on. Also, it can be useful to refer to when asked questions during the interview process.

Do some research

Researching the company, as well as the position you are applying for, shows that you are genuinely interested in the role and also demonstrates your ability to take initiative. This also allows you to ask relevant questions about the role and have an insight into the business.

Dress accordingly

Presentation is key when trying to make a good first impression. Dressing smart and clean makes you look much more professional and therefore more employable. It is always a good idea to pair your outfit with equally as presentable hair and makeup - VERY natural makeup. A suit is always a good way to go but a smart shirt and dark jeans can be just as good if you do not have access to a suit. Similarly, a nice dress or skirt/trousers and smart blouse are great options.