A couple of weeks back, we wrote a piece on interview preparation and gave our two cents on tips for the interviewer.
This week we are bringing you our top 4 tips for the interviewee to help you get ready for that all-important job interview.
An interview is your chance to explain your skills and abilities, demonstrate your qualities and why you are the perfect candidate for the job. Contrary to what we would like to believe, an interview is where first impressions matter the most. Unfortunately, you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.
If you keep the following 4 tips in mind during your interview preparation, you will be sure to make it a conversation that your interviewers never forget.
Tip 1: Research
Whether it’s an entry-level position or a promotion within your department, it is so important that you do your research. There is nothing more soul-crushing than not being able to answer “What do you know about our company?”.
Research the company, the industry, the department you will be working in, their product portfolio and anything else relevant to the position. Take the time to also research your potential new work colleagues.
If you can, research the interviewer(s). How will you know who is interviewing you? Ask. Remember that age-old saying…”Failing to plan is planning to fail.” Think about how you can build rapport with the interviewer.
Tip 2: Practice
Practice makes perfect! Although you may feel silly doing this, practice answering questions out loud. This will give you a feel for how your answers sound and come across. Talking out loud is a great way to retain information and will help with remembering or thinking of answers. Ask a friend or family to conduct a practice interview with you.
Tip 3: Prepare Questions
Prepare some questions of your own to ask the interviewer(s). Asking a question will show the interviewer you were actively listening and engaged throughout the interview. It shows that you are intuitive and interested in learning more about the company or position.
While it is good to impress the interviewer(s) with more information you know about the company, this is a good opportunity to find out if the job is suited to you, your personality and your skills. Imagine that you may be with the company for several years so really think about what you would like to know based on going to work at this job every day.
Tip 4: Power Posing
Power posing, also known as the Superman Stance, is a psychological technique which its promoters say can induce positive hormonal and behavioural changes in people simply by assuming a powerful posture.
Studies previously conducted on power posing revealed that there is a common link between the positions of our body and our feelings. It revealed that our bodies influence our minds and a simple change in posture can convey feelings of physical power and emotional mental strength.
Check out the team at Orangewoks practising their power posing below! Very important for getting in the zone of delivering events!
Our final quick tip on how to prepare for an interview is a very short one: Be Yourself. Show the interviewer who you are as a person and why you are the perfect applicant for the position.
If you like what we write, check out our other blog articles here.
