What do I need to bring? What should I wear? Should I take another copy of my CV? These are just a few of the possible questions running through your mind when prepping for a job interview, a task that we feel is an important step in securing that dream job.
Preparation is key when it comes to job interviews. Not only does it help calm the nerves, but it also sets you up for a confident appearance and approach. It also allows your potential employer to see that you are someone who takes pride in yourself and your preparedness when it comes to work. That being said, there are some do’s and don’ts when it comes down to the actual job interview. Your approach to preparation and the actual interview itself are imperative steps in ensuring you have a successful experience.
With this in mind, here are our top 5 must-do’s before and during an interview, specifically for candidates.
- Do Your Homework
One of the most important things to do in preparation for and leading up to your interview is research. Researching the company you have applied to and understanding who they are, what they offer, what their key values are as well as what their mission is will assist you during your interview. It will enable you to share how and why you feel you are aligned to the company and what they stand for. It will also show that you have a keen interest in the company and who they are.
Alongside the above, researching more about the position you are applying to is key. Ensuring you are knowledgeable on the position you are being interviewed for is a no brainer. It will show your interviewer that you are serious about the position as well as highlight your preparedness and understanding for the position on offer.
- Dress The Part.
(The research in tip #1 will assist you greatly here.) Better understanding the company and its culture – which you would have picked up on in your research prior to your interview – will assist you in establishing the kind of dress code to go with on the day of your interview.
Professionalism is always a key component when preparing an outfit for your interview, but you can also dress according to the company’s dress code or culture if it is something you are aware of. For example, if they’re a start-up and take a more laid-back approach to office attire, then a more casual outfit with a slight professional flair would work. However, if they’re a large corporate then something along the lines of a suit or a more business orientated look would be more appropriate. Either way, avoid showing to much skin, make sure your clothes fit you well and polish those shoes!
- Arrive On Time.
Punctuality does not go unnoticed in job interviews.
We cannot stress the importance of arriving on time for an interview enough – slightly earlier (at least 10 minutes) is even better.
Timeliness is a characteristic that companies will look for and your arriving on time for your interview will only be a benefit to you at the end of the day.
- Listen Carefully, Then Speak.
This is an important must-do!
Preparing a monologue for the interviewer is not ideal. They are aware you are trying to sell yourself and highlight why you are the best candidate for the job, but by talking too much, rambling off topic and not paying attention to what the interviewer is saying or asking, you’re going to run in to some trouble.
Think carefully through the things you would like to highlight or emphasise during the interview process. Perhaps make some bullet point notes on these and when the time is right or if a question allows you to speak into these, then do so. Rather focus on what is happening in the room at the time of the interview, pay attention to what the interviewer is saying or asking and then answer or speak to that specific topic.
Body language and non-verbal behaviour go hand-in-hand with the above. Ensure you keep eye contact when being spoken to or speaking to the interviewer, sit up-right and make sure to show your interest in the questions the interviewer is asking.
- Prepare Some Questions of Your Own.
At the end of every interview, the interviewer will always ask if you have any questions. Here, we suggest preparing a few questions to ask the interviewer rather than not asking anything at all.
Use this as an opportunity to find out more about the company and position you are applying for. It shows your interest in the company and job at hand and the interviewer will appreciate the two-way interaction or conversation of the interview.
With all of this in mind, go out there are give it your best. Here at Lee Botti & Associates, not only can we assist you in finding and applying for jobs that are best suited to you, but we can also help you better prepare yourself for interviews. Get in touch with us today and let us help you secure that dream job!
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