Whether you desperately need a job or just want a change in jobs, interviewing for a position can be extremely scary for even the bravest among us. Even the highly qualified have those fears and doubts in their minds. Interviewing is a skill. Some people have it and some don’t, but arming yourself with a little confidence and knowledge can help you land that perfect job.
Confidence
The first step in landing that dream job is confidence. Confidence is having a self-assurance in your abilities. If you do not possess that self-awareness, a stranger has no reason to share that same confidence. You base your trust in your previous accomplishments, whether from prior jobs or life experiences.
The easy confidence comes from prior job experiences. Before the interview, think about what you have successfully done in your past positions. Be able to discuss those achievements with authority. Be proud of those achievements, but do not come across as boastful. Too much confidence can be irritating to an interviewer. An interviewer is looking for someone self-assured, but also someone willing to continue to learn and grow with the business.
If you are going to your first job interview and lack career experience, find your confidence in life experiences. This may be harder to do, but think of things you have accomplished on a personal level. Have you volunteered anywhere? Did you help out a family member in need? Think of projects that you have completed. Try to find ways to tie it to the position in which you are interviewing.
Timing
Never be late for an interview. If some unforeseen incident is preventing you from getting to your interview on time, call as soon as you realize you are going to be late or absent. Apologize, and express your desire for another opportunity to interview. The goal is to be ready and on-time for your interview. On-time means being about ten minutes early. This shows your interviewer that you may be trusted to be punctual if hired. However, do not arrive too early. Always assume the interviewer has a tight schedule. You do not want to pressure the interviewer to feel obligated to see you any earlier than the scheduled time, and you do not want to hang around making yourself even more nervous.
Being a few minutes early can be just as beneficial to you as to the interviewer. You have probably rushed to get to the interview early, and now you are nervous and a little shaky. By arriving early, you now have time to relax and compose yourself. Take a breath, and get your thoughts together.
First Impressions
Dress to impress. The interview may not be a black-tie affair, but you should look as though you have made an effort to impress. Your clothes should be neat and tidy. This may require an iron or steamer. If nothing else, a toss in the dryer to remove a few wrinkles.
Introductions are where you have the chance to make that great first impression. Upon arrival, make sure to stand tall and walk with confidence. Good eye contact is also a must. If you are focused on the interviewer, it shows that you may be an employee who pays attention. If you are making eye contact while talking to the interviewer, you are signalling that you believe in what you are saying.
Knowledge
Knowledge is key. You do not want to seem unprepared during an interview. After all, the interview is about you. You should know yourself very well. Before your interview, glance over your resume to review your work history. Be familiar with dates of employment, responsibilities, and achievements. Beforehand, you may also want to learn about the company and the position in which you are applying. This shows the interviewer that you have a real interest in the position. Be able to relate your past work history or experiences to the position and the company’s goals. Give the interviewer reasons to hire you.
Concluding Your Interview
Once the interviewer has made it clear that the interview is winding up, confirm that you have answered all of the interviewer’s questions. You may want to ask if there was anything that needed to be clarified from your responses. Always express gratitude for the time and opportunity to be interviewed. Just as you walked in with a smile, leave with a smile. Always follow up with an email or thank you note.
The interviewing process can be terrifying, especially if you want or need the job. You can get through it. Going into an interview with confidence and knowledge can make the process less stressful. You just have to convince the interviewer that you are the one to hire.