As a final year, the real world is getting closer and closer by the day. Unfortunately, the hunt for a graduate job is gruelling and competitive, simply getting through to the interview stage is a big achievement in itself. For the rookies amongst us interviews can be daunting, especially if it is your first one. To get you started Her Campus Nottingham has put together a few dos and don’ts to help you ace that interview and secure your dream job.
1 From the moment you enter the office the interview has begun. It may seem obvious but politeness towards receptionists and other staff is important. Some companies have been known to record reception areas during interview periods, as well as placing the interviewers and top employees into fake roles around the office. You never know if the postman might actually be your new boss.
2 If you know who will be interviewing you it is always a good idea to look them up online. Linkedin profiles can tell you how long an employee has been at the company, their role and any previous employment. You may find that they went to the same university or that they live in the same town. Finding common ground can create a more personal relationship with the interviewer and help calm those nerves!
3 Another vital bit of research should be about the company. You need to know what they do and why you want to work for them. Don’t lie when asked if you are applying for jobs elsewhere, just make sure you can say why you want this job more than the others (even if that part may not be true).
4 You should always assume that your interviewers have not read your CV so be prepared to summarise it in a few lines. This will often come at the beginning of an interview and will help calm you down and get you talking.
5 When answering questions it is always good to keep your answers concise. Get to your main points quickly and don’t ramble too much. You don’t need to fill silence or be afraid of it; sometimes the interviewers themselves need a moment to think about what comes next.
6 Body language is important. Make eye contact with the interviewer or panel and don’t fidget too much, especially during assessment days when you are being watched over a long period time. Make sure to sit up straight and be attentive; slouching can make you look bored and uninterested.
7 Be prepared for standard interview questions. What are your strengths and weaknesses? Describe yourself in three words. How would your friends describe you? Why should we pick you? These types of questions are almost certain to come up so make sure you give them some thought beforehand.
8 Speaking slowly is an obvious one but nerves can prevent this from happening. Take a breath and be conscious of how quickly you may be talking, pace yourself and speak clearly.
9 Although, it is not good to ramble everyone likes to be told a story. Prepare a few anecdotes that may be interesting or relevant during your interview but only use them if it is appropriate! It is important to show character and to be entertaining. If you have got to the interview stage, you are probably qualified to do the job; interviewers are looking to see if you are the right fit for the company.
10 Always have questions to ask at the end of the interview. You need to look interested and inquisitive. However, it is important to ask questions you feel comfortable with, not just because you think it will make you look good. If an interviewer asks you why you asked, you need to be able to reply convincingly.
11 Keep smiling! It may seem stupid but a smile can change your whole demeanour and help you connect with your interviewers. After all, you don’t want to come across as an ice queen.
12 Lastly, if you are invited for drinks as part of the process be aware that they are still interviewing you. They want to see how you get on a social context so don’t get drunk. Just have one or two drinks and get mingling!
If you are not successful on your first attempt, don’t worry! Sadly, the world of employment is full of rejection. Constructive criticism may be the last thing you want following the bad news, but if feedback is available make sure you take it. Every interview is good experience and will only make you better for the next one.
Good luck!