So you’ve sent off your CV or your application, and the company has offered you an interview. You want that job right? You’re half way there!
Interviews can be tough and totally nerve-racking, but there are several things everyone can do to relax and improve your interview skills. So don’t worry too much!
I’ve experienced several interviews so far, both for jobs as well as for an assessment on my course, and I’ve picked up a few tips that I want to share with you all to help maximise your skills! I hope they help!
1. Body language
You want to make a good impression, and body language is one of the first things the interviewers will notice. Holding eye contact not only makes you seem confident, but it also shows that you’re interested in what the interviewer has to say.
Holding eye contact not only makes you seem confident, but it also shows that you’re interested in what the interviewer has to say.
If you seem confident, then they will also feel that confidence, so when you are speaking to them, try to seem as bold as possible! And if you’re a fiddler like me, in need of something to hold, make sure it’s something solid like an A4 notebook. This way it won’t be a distraction for the interviewer!
And if you’re a fiddler like me, in need of something to hold, make sure it’s something solid like an A4 notebook. This way it won’t be a distraction for the interviewer!
2. State the obvious!!
It might sound a bit silly to tell the interviewer about obvious skills such as communication or your experiences prior to the job – especially if they are written on your CV. However, what people often forget (and what my lecturers reminded me of) is to remember that they don’t know anything about you (yes)! So now’s your chance to tell them as much as you can.
However, what people often forget (and what my lecturers reminded me of) is to remember that they don’t know anything about you (yes)! So now’s your chance to tell them as much as you can.
However, what people often forget (and what my lecturers reminded me of) is to remember that they don’t know anything about you (yes)! So now’s your chance to tell them as much as you can.
Even if it’s written on your CV, they may have forgotten or not have registered it when they read through, so you have to remember to emphasise those really simple aspects of yourself that could make or break their decision for you. Don’t forget to explain things too! A mistake I made in my mock interview was not explaining what StAR stands for!
Don’t forget to explain things too! A mistake I made in my mock interview was not explaining what StAR stands for!
3. Know the job and your CV!
If you’ve recently written your CV then the information may be fresh on your mind. But if not, then DEFINITELY make sure to give it a good read through before you go in.
Remember your strong points, what parts are relevant to the job, and also what the employer may have already picked up on in your CV to question you further on.
It’s also important to know the job and what it entails. Maybe do a good research session of their website/catalogues, and if the site is accessible, go give them a visit beforehand!
This way, it will sound as if you know what you’re talking about, and also suggest that you really want the job!
4. Practise, practise, practise
Just like for any other presentation setting, it’s important to practice as much as you can before you go to the interview.
There’s always a list of generic questions which may be asked as part of the interview – these can usually be found on the internet.
Rehearse your answers to these questions, especially practise speaking clearly and thinking of relevant examples of your experience – these will definitely boost your chances.
You can always get a friend to help test your skills out and give advice. Remember, you will probably be put on the spot at some point, so it’s really good to prepare as much as you can!
Now hopefully you feel a bit more prepared for that daunting interview. You’ve come this far and attempted to improve your skills, so don’t be afraid and just go for it!
These are just a few tips that I have picked up from my job interviews of the past, as well as a mock interview assessment I did for my degree.
For more advice and information, I recommend that you contact the careers service at the University of Worcester, located in Peirson.
If you have any more advice to give for interviews, add it in the comments below!
Worcester Student Life 