If you are one of the many job seekers who feel really nervous at the very thought of interviewing for a new position, the following are some basic tips to help you through your interview woes.
Be prepared!
The interview is not the time to rack your brain for the answer to, “How long did you work for that company?” or “When exactly did you graduate?” You should know your CV like the back of your hand. Remember, you are the world’s best expert on this subject matter and for the length of the interview you are completely in control.
Put yourself in the interviewer’s shoes
It helps to remember that the interviewer is a busy person with deadlines, tasks, and things to do. Remember, getting this far is already an accomplishment and the fact that the employer has given you such a generous block of time means they are interested in your abilities.
Pretend that the interviewer is more stressed out than you are
This is a famous technique. Just imagine that the person interviewing you is more nervous and stressed than you are.
Practice, practice, practice
Knowing the job, the industry and the company come are essential for a successful interview. Research these areas extensively. Practice your answers bearing in mind at all times what the employer is looking for based on your research activities.
Don’t dwell on your mistakes
Remind yourself that everyone makes mistakes. Should you stumble with a particularly difficult question, you can quickly recover. The secret is not to make a big issue out of a bad or outright wrong answer but to quickly take stock of what went wrong, regain composure, then refocus and move on to the next question.
Smile
Aside from charming the interviewer, a polite smile will make you happier and will lift your spirits. Aim to smile as sincerely often during the interview and watch how your mood lightens up and how the interview takes on a more positive light.
Dress well
Research a company’s culture before deciding on what “well” is. Don’t go wearing a suit to a company whose corporate culture is jeans and a shirt, and don’t wear jeans to an interview at a company where everyone’s always suited up. This is really important. Feeling well dressed goes a long way to make you feel like you belong.
This article originally appeared in Bayt.com.
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