Nail Your Next Job Interview With These 5 Tips

Job hunting is a lot harder than people think. It can be demoralising, disappointing and downright dull.

However, there is no better feeling than getting the call to say you’ve got the job, after nailing the interview. But how is it done? And how can you crush that job interview you’ve got coming up?

Now, of course, the interview for a forklift driver role and a barrister are going to be slightly different. But, the same rules still apply and you should be giving your interview 100% either way.

So, without further ado, let’s jump into 5 tips that can help you crush the next job interview in your diary.

Table of Contents

1.Remember That First Impressions Count

It’s a saying as old as time but you really do only have one chance at a first impression. At a job interview, this is especially important to remember. Your outfit choice, demeanour and overall personality will have a huge impact on how your potential employer evaluates you for the role.

Hours before the interview:

Ensure you are wearing a professional, smart outfit that shows you’re taking the role opportunity seriously
Ensure that your personal appearance is tidy (hair and makeup etc)
Be sure that you’ve eaten a good meal before (no one likes loud tummy rumbles)

Going into the interview:

Project a friendly but confident demeanour to everyone you encounter at the interview location
Shake your interviewer’s hand firmly and make a good amount of eye contact to show your non-verbal confidence
Make friendly small talk to ease your nerves i.e if you see that the interviewer has a photo of their dog, bring it into the conversation.

2.Research the Company (but Properly)

Don’t let yourself be caught short in an interview by not knowing enough about the company you want to work for.

Employers look for pro-activeness, and someone that has a genuine interest in the company, not solely in the salary.

Make sure you’ve studied up on:

The current goings on of the company (any recent news etc)
The company’s mission statement and values
The services that the company offers

Even just having these few pieces of information can drastically improve the interviewer’s view of you and the likelihood of them giving you the job.

3.Study the Job Description

Of course, you know what role you’re applying for. But, knowing the ins and outs of the job description allows you to tailor your answers during the interview.

If the job description calls for someone who uses spreadsheets or certain data tools, you can then find a way to incorporate this information into your answers.

4.Own Your Personal Story

At some point during the interview, you will be asked about your personal life experience. This may take form in the old ‘what is your biggest weakness’ question or perhaps just ‘tell me a bit about you’. Either way, you should own your personal story, and be proud to share it whatever it may be.

Perhaps you’ve dealt with some hardships in the past that have obstructed your chance for employment or progression. Or maybe, you’re young and hoping to break into the industry, either way, I think it’s better to be candid about your personal story. Employers like honesty and candour.

5.Bring Questions of Your Own

I am writing this from my current office job. When I asked my employer why she gave me the role, she said it was because of my tenacity when asking questions. I asked her about “what supervision would I have in this role” and she answered plain and simple.

Make sure you have some questions to ask; it will show you being proactive.