[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=”false” 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]You’ve been invited to an interview, great, but now’s not the time to sit back and think you’ve got it in the bag.
Now’s the time to really start thinking about why they would want you as a prospective employer when up against a number of other candidates with the same skill sets and qualifications; what makes you stand out?[/cs_text][cs_text]
Here are FIVE tips on preparing yourself for interview:
1. Do your research
It may well be that you saw the role, thought it suited your skill set, but you knew little about the employer, or perhaps it is a company you have always dreamed of working for. Either way, you need to arm yourself with as much information as you can about the business and its place in the market, through online searches, industry sources or discreet conversations with any contacts you may have.
2. Revisit the original job spec
It may well be a while from sending in your CV to getting an interview, so it is vital that you revisit the job description which attracted you to the role and ensure you are familiar with what it offers. Start to write down examples of your work relating to some of the criteria required and don’t be scared to write down your own questions to them.
3. Get someone to interview you
It may be a little embarrassing or awkward sitting in front of a colleague or friend, but it really gives you the chance to think about your answers; what had you flummoxed, what you could have answered better and what you answered well. Better to stutter in front of a friend than to lose your cool – or words – in front of a potential employer.
4. Prepare yourself
It sounds obvious, but too many people spend all their time thinking about the specifics of the actual interview, they fail to prepare what they’re wearing, how they’re going to get there on the day, where they can park and do they need change? We’ve all turned up somewhere flustered because we didn’t anticipate the morning traffic or had to divert for emergency fuel, so make sure you have all of this thought out so as not to cause yourself unnecessary stress on the day.
5. The day arrives
Today’s the day; the start of your potential new career. Make sure you arrive early and take time to do one final read over your CV and any notes. On meeting your interviewer, smile and hold eye contact while offering a strong, firm handshake. Plant your feet on the ground and hold your head level to appear grounded, confident and in control and try to enjoy it. The interviewer is willing you to be the person they are looking for; so give them that, and more. And, remember, they need to impress you too, think of it as a two-way interview.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]
