10 tips that can help you succeed in your next job interview

Job Interview

Whether you are applying for an office job or a retail job, it is always important to always make a good first impression in your job interview.

Job interviews give you the chance to demonstrate how you are the perfect fit for a job role and how you can be a valuable asset to the company. Preparing in advance can go a long way to help you succeed in a job interview and receive a job offer. If you have a job interview coming up soon, or you would like to know more about how to impress potential employers in the future, here are ten useful tips that can help you stand out.

Tailor your CV to the job role

One of the most important items that you need to take to your interview is your resume. Even if your employer already has a copy of it from your application, you can always take a spare one for them just in case they don’t have it on hand. It also shows great initiative if your CV is tailored to the job position you are interviewing for. If the job description requires certain skills and experience, update your CV to make sure that you cover what is asked of you. Tailoring your CV will highlight to your potential employer that you have taken the time and effort to create a relevant resume and not just a generic one.

Make sure you turn up on time

Even if you definitely know your way to the interview location, it is best to research your route beforehand. Transport delays, traffic, or roadworks, are just some unexpected factors that could make you late for your interview. To show your potential employers that you are reliable, it is important to turn up on time for your appointment slot. It doesn’t create a good first impression if you turn up late.

Research the company

If you’re looking for advice on how to stand out as an interviewee, then one of the main tips is researching the company who you have an interview with. If you are to be on a specific team or if you are asked about why you applied for a job at that company, it is useful to have done your research so that you are prepared. Draw on your research findings in your interview, and demonstrate how you are best suited to the company and job position.

Dress right for the interview

Although it might seem like an obvious factor, it is always important to dress appropriately for your interview. To help you make a great first impression, wearing a smart shirt or smart suit can help you dress to impress. Even though some businesses have a smart-casual dress code, it will not look good if you turn up to your interview wearing jeans or trainers.

Think about what questions you can ask

In many interviews, employers ask if the interviewee has any questions themselves. By having something to ask the employer, it shows that you are enthusiastic and interested in the role and it can be a great opportunity for you to learn more about the organisation. If you would like to ask the employer something, then there are many great questions that you can ask at an interview.

Only take important items to your interview

One of the worst impressions you can make in an interview is turning up to greet your potential employer with your morning coffee in hand. Taking a coffee, a drink, or even food with you into an interview is a no go. Instead, take items that you definitely might need instead. Taking a copy of your resume, your ID, or a portfolio of your work, is much more important.

Make sure your phone is switched off

Although you might need your phone with you to check that you are on time for your interview slot, make sure that you turn it off before heading into your interview. The last thing you want to happen in your interview if for your phone to ring. Letting your phone interrupt the interview doesn’t make a good first impression and will come across as rude. Make sure that it is properly switched off throughout the duration of your interview.

Be confident and positive

One of the key factors that can help you succeed in a job interview is being confident and positive. Making sure you are well-prepared in advance, with your CV and researched interview questions, can help you be more motivated and confident about your upcoming interview. Being too quiet or not making an effort in the interview does not look good and won’t demonstrate to your employers that you are enthusiastic about the job. Dressing to impress and maintaining good eye contact are just some other factors that can help you to make an instant good impression in an interview.

Always have good manners and positive body language

Another important factor that you always need to consider in interviews is how you present yourself. Displaying good manners and positive body language ensures that you create a great first impression in your interview. It’s always better to be remembered in your interview for being friendly and kind rather than rude. A strong handshake and a friendly smile will go a long way when you are being interviewed by a potential employer.

Always tell the truth

Lastly, one thing that you should always do in an interview is tell the truth. Although this might seem like common sense, sometimes people lie about experience and skills in order to get a job offer. However, this can be a problem later down the line if you are hired. If you don’t have the required work experience, demonstrate how your other experiences are relevant. If you don’t have a required qualification, demonstrate your other achievements and that you are willing to learn. It is always best to tell the truth in an interview so that your employers can get a sense of the real you.

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