Look, there are very few people who don't feel nervous at the prospect of a job interview.
Even if you're confident in your knowledge, experience and skillset, you're still attempting to sell yourself in a pressurised enviroment, and Lord knows that's not always easy.
They say a good CV will get you in the door, but a good interview will get you on the payroll, so preparing for that all-important meeting is absolutely paramount.
If you've recently been called to interview, it's now time to check out our top five tips to overcome nerves and show that interviewer what you're made of.
1. Research the company
Never, ever, ever go into an interview without a clear understanding of the company's goals and objectives.
Trying to bluff your way out of a question about the organisation's history or winging a response on their general aims will be a massive red flag for any interviewer.
You can't be guaranteed they'll always ask, but being able to slip your knowledge in during the conversation will rack up serious Brownie points.
2. Research the interviewer
If you have been given the name of your interviewer, the next step is to check them out on LinkedIn.
Not only will it help you put a face to a name, but it will give you an insight into the values and qualities they rate as both an employee and employer.
And hey, you may have something in common which you can mention if the opportunity arises in the interview.
3. Know your job spec inside out
An interview is your opportunity to show a potential employer that you, put simply, are the solution to their problem.
And the easiest way to do this is by addressing the various aspects of the job spec, and highlighting the various ways you can fulfil them.
Attending an interview without having a clear idea of the role required of you will make for a pretty short interview. ( And not in a good way)
4. Prepare typical responses
Thankfully, most interviews follow a pretty typical pattern which means you can calm your nerves by preparing a list of questions they're likely to ask you.
Do not, however, learn any responses off by heart because – given the pressure of the moment – you may lose track and end up confusing both yourself and your potential employer.
Make some key points around standard questions, and go from there,
Prepare real-life examples
It's become more and more common for employers to ask you to draw on real-life examples in order to bolster and support your claims.
Being asked to provide examples when you don't have any prepared is a nightmare in anyone's language, so make sure you're sorted on this front.
Consider times you solved a problem for a employer or client, or recall incidents where your skillset remedied an issue, and communicate them clearly while allowing your interviewer to ask questions about it.
And finally….
Remember that your interviewer will expect nerves, and will give you time to relax before you get properly started.
Your interviewer wants you to be good because it makes their life easier, so keep that in mind throughout.
Take your time when answering the questions. There is no rush, so don't rap your answers!
Accept a glass of water – you will need it!
Wear an outfit you feel confident and comfortable in – it matters more than you might think!
Only do what feels natural. Yes, you may have heard that being more animated with your hands makes you look more enthusiastic, but if it distracts you from answering the questions properly then really, what was the point?!
Don’t let changes in the interview set-up throw you. Your knowledge and skills remain the same!
Now, go get 'em, girl.
