HOW TO ACE A JOB INTERVIEW.
Are you trying to get a job, but have no idea how to handle an interview? Job interviews can be pretty nerve-racking, especially if you haven’t had much experience. Get better prepared with these tips below.
📍. Dress to impress
What you wear to a job interview makes a strong first impression – good or bad! Don’t panic, you don’t need to buy a suit if you’re after a job at the local supermarket. Just make sure you have an outfit that is neat, simple and conservative. Avoid see-through clothes, jeans with rips, hoodies, exercise clothes, thongs and sneakers. Neatly tie back long hair and make sure that you and your clothes are clean.
📍Be punctual
Arriving late to an interview implies that you’ll arrive late to work, so it’s important to get there on time. Look up on Google Maps beforehand where your interview is, and plan how you’ll get there. Aim to arrive 15 minutes early, and then actually tell the receptionist you’re there five minutes before your scheduled appointment.
Just a FYI, there is such a thing as being too early!
📍Know your questions (and answers!)
Prepare to answer questions about yourself, your work experience and what you’re good at. Be sure to refer to your skills and experience at previous job or volunteer work. Is this your first job? No problem, talk about your studies at school, or any informal work (e.g. babysitting or tutoring classmates) instead.
📍Be confident, keep cool
If you’re not feeling confident, try to fake it! Shake your interviewer’s hand, smile and make eye contact. The way you present yourself shows that you’ll feel comfortable talking to future co-workers and customers. Remember not to talk too fast. It’s normal to do when you’re nervous, but try to talk at the same speed you would to a family member or friend. If your interviewer offers you a glass of water, take it!
📍 Practice, practice, practice.
The best way to feel relaxed and confident is to practice answering questions and talking about yourself. Try to rope in a family member or friend to help you out and pretend they’re the interviewer.
Practice is good but don’t overdo it!
Good luck!