Whether you’re a fresh grad or a veteran, job interviews can be a daunting experience. We always stress about first impressions and how we present ourselves to get the job we want.
While your feelings of anxiety and stress are valid, the key to any successful endeavor is always confidence, with that in mind, here are our tips on how to gain confidence in job interviews and excel in making great first impressions.
Research the Company and the position
Research and gather as much information about the company and the position you are applying for as possible. Check their website and social media platforms to see the type of content and clients they are partnering with so you can get a better idea of the company culture.
Prepare for different types of questions
Interviews are not based solely on questions about your skills. They are also about getting to know you and seeing your character and how you’ll be able to fit in with the company culture. Therefore, prepare for different questions, be calm, and answer honestly.
Prepare and practice your answers
Practice makes perfect. The key to any successful interview is how quickly you are on your feet and how prepared you are for any question that might come your way.
Make sure your attire is appropriate
“Dress for the Part” is a common saying in the business world and when it comes to interviews, make sure that your attire is appropriate for the job you are applying for. It is always best to dress one notch higher than the position you are applying for so you can look the part and be taken seriously.
Make sure you include everything in your resume
Your employment history whether it’s a simple internship or a long-term career position should be included in your resume, even if it’s different from the one you are applying for. This gives the recruiters and interviewer a better look at your employment history and how you got to where you are now.
Get enough sleep before your interview
We cannot stress enough that getting enough sleep the night before an interview is very important. You need to be relaxed, well rested and have all of your mental faculties at their peak so that you can perform at your best.
Don’t be late
Since first impressions are lasting impressions, make sure that you arrive at your interview on time even if you arrive a bit earlier. This shows that you are serious about the position and you are punctual with your time.
Ask questions about the company and your position
While the interview is about the company getting to know you better, that doesn’t mean the questioning part goes only to the interviewer. As someone who is applying for the position, you need to ask questions as well. Yes, you did your research, but you should still ask questions to understand a bit more personal and vital information about the company and your position that may not have been covered in the research.
Don’t compare yourself to others
Last but not least, don’t compare yourself to others. Sure there are other candidates who are as qualified as you are and are applying for the same position, but don’t let that be an obstacle for you to shine and stand out from the crowd. Everyone has their own special skill, so make this trait stand out.
