Interviews can be overly stressful, wondering what to do and what not to do, how to answer and how to take yourself, what to wear and what not to put on, all that can be really messy.
Anyone can be anxious before an interview but practicing and a few tips can help a person master interview techniques.
According to Career Higher, an online career guide, as a job applicant, there are many interviewing aspects to take into account to succeed and convince the hiring team that you’re the perfect fit for the role. And the more you want the job, the more anxious you may get when the evaluation day approaches.
Eric Nshimiyimana, a Human Resource expert and career coach, says that there are a few tips that immediately wins the recruiters’ interest in you during an interview.
"Being confident is one of the few things that can win over a recruiter’s interest, I know confidence is hard but when entering the board room for your interview try smiling to the interviewing team if they smile back, tell yourself that everything will be alright. From there your confidence will grow, another thing is being attentive and not rushing to answer, everyone is impressed by the listening skills of an employee it gives off that you will be an attentive employee which is important for a company,” he says.
The do’s of an interview
According to The Robert Walters Group, a British recruitment company, here are some do’s:
Do your homework
Researching the company you are meeting with will show your interest in the business and give you an upper hand. Look at their website and what’s happening in the news to widen your research and see what the media is saying about the company.
Do make a good first impression
If you’re going to a face-to-face interview, plan your trip there, do a trial run if it is at an unfamiliar location and arrive a few minutes early for the interview. Late arrival for a job interview is inexcusable. Bring your CV and ensure you know the dates and their specifics so you can confidently talk through your CV and give examples.
Do listen and respond accordingly
Too often the feedback from clients is that the candidate does not answer the question in a clear and direct manner. Don’t run circles around the questions, listen and answer accordingly while using examples from your experience to back it up.
Do prepare smart, open-ended questions to ask the interviewer
Remember that an interview is a two-way street, asking questions will help illustrate your interest and motivation to succeed in the role and company, as well as get you noticed and separate you from other candidates.
Do sell your strengths and expertise
Make sure that you communicate your strengths to the interviewer in a concise, factual, and sincere manner.
The don’ts during an interview
The article on the Robert Walters Group also suggests that there are some don’ts to avoid:
Don’t speak poorly about your present or former employers
The interviewer will assume you will do this to them if you leave and question your professionalism. This is a big red flag to anyone interviewing a candidate.
Don’t falsify information
Answer questions truthfully and as close to the point as possible. Explain and describe things about yourself that relate to the position on offer, and truly reflect your past experience.
Don’t speak over the interviewer
It is important to be a good listener as well as a good talker. It shows that you are respectful and have strong interpersonal skills.
Don’t assume it isn’t an interview
Regardless of what interview stage you are at or who you are meeting - it may be over a coffee, a few drinks, or just labeled a final chat - it is still used as an opportunity to assess your suitability for the potential role.
Don’t let any past rejections infringe on future ones
Finding a new job can be taxing, make sure you approach every interview as a new opportunity and learn from past interview mistakes. If you have several interviews lined up, try to leave some space between them to ensure you are at your best.