Searching for the next step in your career takes time and effort. Many candidates we speak to liken a job search to having a part time role. A lot of focused time and effort goes into research to put applications together, addressing things like the selection criteria for each role in a cover letter.
The journey doesn’t stop there. Should you have an opportunity to interview for the role you’ve applied for, you will have, at best, about 1 hour to showcase your experience and address why you think you’re the most suited candidate to the interviewer.
Below are some pointers to make you feel more confident and ready to impress during your interview:
Preparation is key:
Do your research on the company – what they have accomplished, what they’re doing now. Try to get an understanding of the job requirements, and anticipate potential interview questions.
Arrive Early:
If you’re running into an interview and you’re frazzled, that will set the tone for the rest of the interview and will throw you off even if you have prepared beforehand.
Maintain Composure:
When you’re early, find a quiet spot to clear your mind. It’s natural to feel nervous; take this opportunity to calm yourself. And during the interview, keep in mind that it's okay to take a moment to gather your thoughts before responding.
Body Language:
When you meet the interviewer, offer a firm handshake. Maintain good posture and make eye contact throughout, as these non-verbal cues will speak volumes about your confidence and professionalism.
Emphasise Your Strengths:
Identify your strengths and achievements in advance and when you’re speaking to this, be confident about how your skills will match the job requirements.
Ask Questions:
Prepare a few insightful questions to ask at the end of the interview. This will show your interest in the role and organisation, and will give you the opportunity to get a little insight into organisational culture.
After an interview, reflect on how you felt it went. This will be an opportunity to think about questions asked and how you could potentially respond to some of these in the future.
Confidence comes when you’re prepared and with practice. By thinking about and following these pointers, it will (hopefully) increase your confidence and give you a good chance of interview success.