DO
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DON’T
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Start with an assuring handshake
Don’t be afraid to initiate the handshake. This is probably the
easiest way to show your interviewer that you are comfortable interacting
with them. It also demonstrates that you know basic social skills… bonus!
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Scare them!
All the rumours you may have heard about making sure you’re not the
one to end a handshake or holding eye contact forever won’t help here. Just a
crisp, friendly greeting and a “great to meet you!” will do.
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Dress for the job you want
Finding out what the dress code is and planning your job-winning
outfit accordingly is a great idea, and even if their staff wear t-shirts and
jeans, be sure to still arrive in a suit. An interview and a standard day at
work are two very different things.
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Dress for a fashion show
Try not to stun people with your fanciest suit if the workplace is quite casual, as you want to look like
you’ll fit in. Ladies, save the nightclub attire for Friday night, as it won’t score you
any points in an interview.
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Use body language
It's well known that body language goes a long way in first impressions, so in a job-interview your body language should convey to the
interviewer just how right you are for the job! Sit upright and lean forward,
make eye contact, and avoid fidgeting.
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Overpower or slouch
Don’t overdo your hand movements to a point where it looks like you
might knock your interviewer out! On the other hand,
it is important to avoid looking too comfortable. The aim is to look
like you’re comfortable being interviewed, not like you’re relaxing on the
couch watching TV.
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Listen and communicate openly
Whilst you might feel like the entire world can hear just how nervous
you are from your shaking voice, in reality you probably sound perfectly
normal. Speak clearly and take your time answering questions, but most
importantly be sure to listen carefully before blurting things out. Most of
us have a tendency to speed talk when we’re under pressure, so just take a
deep breath and think about what you’re going to say… before you say it!
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Try to take control of the
conversation
If you’re going to be working for this person, make sure that the relationship
starts early. Don’t interrupt or give them irrelevant answers they
didn’t ask for. The interviewer will have several things they need to know
from you, so make sure that you're actually giving them what they asked for and not just pre-prepared answers.
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Practice and research
Read over their About Us web page and find out what the business is up to. Be sure to note their values and culture. Once done, think of some
questions that might pop up in the interview, and prepare your answers for
these. Even though you’ll feel silly, practice in front of the mirror. Then
when the question arises, you’ll come across as cool, calm, collected… and
confident!
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Become a stalker or a know it
all
Being able to tell your interviewer details about their staff who
aren’t the managing director or founder won’t let them know how suitable you
are to work there. And trying to show that you know more than them about the
company’s current affairs without adding some experiential value is going to
make you look obsessive rather than interested. Research, but don’t try to
force the idea that you already work there.
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When all else fails, follow the law of ‘fake it til you make
it’. Find out for yourself what you think confidence means in the particular
industry or role you’re applying for, and then practice using that presence.
Being comfortable and being confident do not have to be the same thing, so use
the assertive body language and communication that makes you stand out and then
any little jitters or slips won’t phase your interviewer at all.
Good luck and happy hunting!
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