Bragging about your experience, staying composed under pressure, the fear of the unknown, public speaking – job interviews typically incorporate all your least favourite things.
It’s no wonder the mere thought of an interview sends your nerves into overdrive, but as it’s the only thing that stands in the way of a new role, it’s an unavoidable nightmare you’re going to have to wake up to.
So that you can feel confident about nailing your next big interview, we’re sharing five top tips to get your shaking hands and feelings of inadequacy under control. Take a look.
#1: register your interest
Registering your interest shows that you’re taking this career opportunity seriously, so make your intentions and ambitions clear. If you’re going for a promotion within your current firm, talk to people doing a similar job and find out what their daily workload consists of.
If you’re applying externally, then read the job advert and any supplementary material closely, emailing to ask for further information if you feel there’s more you need to know.
#2: make your cv stand out
Writing a CV can be soul-destroying. But if face-to-face nerves get the better of you in interviews, then it’s your CV’s job to do some of the talking for you, so it’s worth putting in the time to fine-tune it.
If it looks a bit empty, it may worthwhile to first gain some boast-worthy work experience by signing up for an internship or undertaking a distance learning degree with a reputable online university (Anglia Ruskin offers a great range of business-related courses).
#3: practice, practice, practice
Have you had to suffer through a bad interview recently? Don’t let a past experience put you off. As with anything in life, practice makes perfect, so use it as a learning tool.
Figure out what went wrong by asking for feedback and identify how you’ll react differently in your upcoming interview. In addition, do some research online into common questions you’re likely to be asked. Being prepared will make you feel more in control this time around.
#4: work on your body language
On the day of the interview, even if your hands are shaking and you’d rather be anywhere else in the world, shake off those nerves and walk in with a confident attitude. So long as you can fake it with body language, you don’t actually have to feel it.
Small things like sitting up straight and keeping your arms uncrossed will speak volumes, telling the interviewer that you’re calm, assured and open.
#5: expertly close the interview
You may be preoccupied worrying about first impressions and surviving a 30-minute question and answer session, but closing the interview is equally as important.
Ask about the next step in the recruitment process or if there’s any more information they’ll need you to send, thank them for their time and make a confident exit.
Have you got any other top tips for interview success? Leave a comment to share them with us.
