[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” separator_top_type=”none” separator_top_height=”50px” separator_top_angle_point=”50″ separator_bottom_type=”none” separator_bottom_height=”50px” separator_bottom_angle_point=”50″ style=”margin: 0px;padding: 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”false” marginless_columns=”true” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]Job interviews can be stressful situations where first impressions leave a lasting memory so it is important to keep cool, calm and collected to ensure you come across as the right person for the job.
But how do you remain poised and professional when you are worried about making the right impression?
1. Make the interview a two-way discussion
Don’t wait until the end of the interview to be asked if you have any questions about the company or position. By posing pertinent questions at timely intervals throughout the interview you will establish yourself as confident, curious and communicative – key traits sought by employers.
Turning the interview into a discussion rather than a series of questions will also help you to relax and allow your true talents and personality to shine through.
2. Don’t over-prepare
Having a basic knowledge about the company you want to work for as well as an understanding and passion for the industry it operates in show that you are well prepared for the interview. But be careful not to give the impression that you have rehearsed answers to the questions you think you will be asked about.
Reciting answers from a practiced script doesn’t allow the employer to see the real you and if you forget your lines, it can throw you off course for the rest of the interview. Be knowledgeable, but be natural!
3. Size up the operation
It’s natural to be nervous when you are invited to attend an interview you believe could lead to your ideal role, but treat it as an investigative exercise to make sure the company and job really is everything you want it to be.
Using the interview as a two-way getting to know you meeting can help to remove your nerves and allow you to come away from the interview with a real sense of if the job will be right for you. The interview is your chance to find out if the company’s set-up will really suit you, whether it is a bustling, banter filled office or a heads down hive of industry. You know how you perform well so tap into the interview panel’s knowledge of the company to ask the right questions and decide if it is the right job for you.
4. Be aware of your body language
From entering the building where your interview is taking place to saying goodbye to your interviewer, it is important that your body language portrays the right image.
Forget slumping down in your chair or leaning on the table, body language experts recommend sitting right back in your seat with your feet placed on the floor. Show enthusiasm by nodding when the interviewer is speaking, use hand gestures if you need to cover up any jitters and replace unnatural direct eye contact with direct face contact.
5. Revise your CV
Getting through to the interview stage with a company shows they like the content in your CV. Re-read the job specification and then revise your CV to make sure it covers the key points of the job you are being interviewed for. This will help you to focus for the interview and be prepared for answering questions about your capabilities and experience.
In addition to these key tips for keeping your cool during your interview, it is important to remember that the person or team tasked with interviewing you are under just as much pressure to make the right decision. So, step into your interview calm and confident and let your talent for the role shine through in your conversation.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]
