How to Nail that Job Interview

Whether you’ve been scouring recruitment jobs, service jobs or teaching jobs there will always be an interview at the end of the job-hunting journey. You might have had the perfect resume compiled but are you ready to perform the perfect interview?

There are a few fairly obvious and yet essential elements to ensure you will make a good impression at an interview, but included here are some of the ones you may not have heard about. So read on for some advice on how you can nail your next job interview and get the job of your dreams.

Presentation
This one is obvious, but how do you know if your idea of well presented is the same as your prospective employer? Well it’s simple. No matter how casual your future role might be, whether you’re going for a job at a casual café or in corporate high finance, good presentation is always appropriate. Dressing well demonstrates to your potential future boss that you have an understanding of basic social values and expectations. It shows you have pride in your appearance and that will then lead them to assume you have pride in other areas of your life such as your work.

You might not have to wear a suit to a casual café job interview, but you should still wear clean, un-wrinkled clothes. Have a shave, and do your hair, clean your teeth and most importantly, put on a smile. For the corporate interview, wear the best outfit you own. Make sure it has been dry-cleaned and polish your shoes. Don’t wear strong perfume or wear anything too revealing. Keep it clean and conservative and you will be on your way.

Punctuality
Like being well presented, being on time is the first thing you need to get right. If you can’t show up on time, then don’t bother showing up at all. Being late to an interview shows that you haven’t given the event priority in your life. It shows that you lack a simple work ethic.

If you are nice and early you will have time to settle into your surroundings, calm your nerves and make an excellent first impression.

Criteria
If your resume got you an interview, chances are you have got what it takes to make it. When it comes to the interview however, don’t forget about the criteria that was listed in the job ad. Make yourself familiar with what they want in their future employee, be ready to name many reasons why you fit the bill, and be specific. Let them know you have prepared yourself for this interview and that you are confident that you are right for the role.

Research
Google the business you want to work for. It makes sense to know something about the company you wish to join. Read the mission statement, the ‘About Us’ section and don’t forget the company history. Get acquainted with the work culture of your future employers as much as you can. With so much information online at your disposal you have no excuses to turn up without a clue.

Practise
To get over the interview jitters, try setting up a mock interview with your friend or family member. Dress in your outfit, set up two chairs and create an interview situation. This might feel silly but it’s a good way to exorcise nerves and practice your answering technique. So often nerves can make you talk too fast or mix your words up. A friend will give you feedback and let you know what you did well and what you didn’t.

Don’t forget to have an answer up your sleeve for the dreaded ‘What’s your worst feature?’ question and you should have no troubles in nailing your next interview.