Going for an interview can be nerve-wracking, especially if you don’t have much experience or have never been interviewed before. However, there’s no need to worry because interviewing is a skill you can master. By applying the right interview techniques, you can boost your confidence and effectively communicate your value to potential employers. Follow these proven tips and strategies to stand out and secure that job you’ve been aiming for.
Tip 1: Refine Your Interview Techniques with Practice
If you get a lot of interview requests it can be tempting to only interview for the jobs you really want, but actually what you should do is interview for as many as possible. There are lots of benefits to interviewing as much as you can, these include:
- You might find opportunities you would have overlooked if you were limiting yourself to a strict search criteria.
- It is excellent practice, allowing you to develop upon your communication skills and selling yourself.
- You’ll be able to refine your job search more by interviewing with different companies and learning as much as you can about the industry.
- You’ll build up a network. Networking is a crucial tool in business, any kind of business, and you can use interviews as a way to network and meet new people.
Tip 2: Develop your story in detail
Selling yourself is probably one of the hardest things to do and the biggest hurdle people face in interviews. So before you go for an interview think about your story. Consider:
- Where you came from, where you started.
- Your journey so far.
- The things you’ve learned.
- Your achievements.
- Your failings.
- Your dreams.
- Your future goals.
Showing that you’ve thought this through and have answers readily available leaves an excellent impression in an interview. It helps other people to understand who you are, gives you a chance to showcase your best features and it shows you have prepared well for the interview.
Tip 3: Tailor your resume and story to the job
When applying for jobs, it’s common to go after several roles, each with its own unique job description and requirements. That’s why it’s so important to tailor your resume and the stories you share during the interview. Doing this not only shows that you’re the right fit for the role but also highlights your attention to detail, which is a key part of strong interview techniques. At Training4Employment, we provide resources and guidance to help you refine your approach, ensuring you present yourself confidently and effectively in every interview.
You don’t need to reinvent yourself to do this. It’s more about tweaking how you present your skills and experiences, focusing on what matters most for each specific job. In today’s competitive talent acquisition landscape, taking the time to align your approach with the employer’s needs can make all the difference. It shows you’re prepared, thoughtful, and truly invested in the opportunity.
Tip 4: Be prepared
An interview can range from a few minutes to an hour, and sometimes it can even involve multiple rounds. To navigate this rigorous process successfully, it’s essential to prepare thoroughly. Mastering effective interview techniques will help you stay confident and relaxed during the interview, allowing you to present yourself in the best possible way. Proper preparation ensures you’re ready to handle any question or situation that comes your way.
Here are some things you can do to prepare for your interview:
- Practice: Ask friends or family to help you practice your interview techniques by sitting with you and conducting a mock interview. Have them ask you common interview questions and provide feedback on your answers. Dress as you would for a real interview and treat the practice session seriously. The more you practice answering questions and refining your approach, the more confident and comfortable you will feel during your actual interview.
- Research: Research the job and the company as much as you can so that you can tailor your resume and the answers you give to best suit both.
- Record: Record any practice interviews you do and watch them back. Look at your verbal presentation and body language. Ask yourself. Are you using positive body language? Are you maintaining eye contact? Do you have a strong handshake. Do you use many verbal fillers like “erm”?
- Details: Finalise the details for the interview early to ensure a smooth experience. This is an essential part of effective interview techniques. Don’t just note the time and location, plan how you will get there, what time you need to leave, what you will wear, and what materials you need to bring. By organizing these details in advance, you’ll reduce stress on the day and be able to focus entirely on showcasing your skills and confidence.
- References: If you have given details for previous references, now is a good time to let them know to expect a call.
Other Interview Techniques and Tips:
- Anticipate behavioral interview questions, like “describe a situation…” or “what would you do in this situation….”
- Prepare questions for you to ask the interviewer about the role and the company. This will show your eagerness for the role and show that you are seriously considering the position. However, do avoid bombarding the interviewer with questions.
The important thing to relax, try to enjoy the interview and show the best version of yourself.