Your dream job has an opening, they're taking applications, and you couldn't think of a better role for yourself - it's like this job was made for you!
It's incredibly exciting when we find that perfect role, and nerve racking when we realise how much we really want it! Now it becomes very important for us to make a great impression and ace that job interview. Below I've outlined some valuable job interview tips on how to go above and beyond the competition, so that you have the best chance of landing that dream role.
The preparation phase is everything!
Before the interview happens is actually where you'll be putting the most time and effort in. The interview itself generally won't be very long. Sometimes it flies by so fast and we walk away wondering what we even said! To avoid any on-the-spot muddling of your answers or confusion of what you really wanted to say, prepare yourself.
Research
Get to know the company well. If it's a dream role, you may already have an idea of this particular business, though still do some thorough searching to see what recent news there is about the company, and anything else you can familiarize yourself with before you walk in. The same goes for the industry you'll be working in, know the recent events and any special news that could be helpful to bring up in the interview.
Get Clear Inside Yourself
Be prepared to tell the interview why you want the job. Go into what is interesting about it, what it would offer you in our career development or journey, and what abilities that this job needs that you feel you have.
Also become clear on your own 'selling points'- all of the experience, skills and talents you have that would offer this role value. Try to differentiate yourself from people who are being interviewed by writing down what makes you 'different'. Having examples is also an added bonus 'I am great at 'X', as an example, in my last role I created 'Y').
Plan for Reservations
No, not celebratory dinner reservations after you've landed the job - but that's something to look forward to! Rather, this is about anticipating any concerns the interviewer may bring up about your experience, abilities or situation regarding the role. In your prep time, consider why they may not choose you. From here, think up ways that you can counter or acknowledge the concerns in case they do come up. For example 'I know I don't have much experience in 'this' area, though I feel confident in my ability to learn hands-on.'
Start Off Strong
To be sure that you make a great first impression, prepare yourself so that you walk in with confident and clear energy. How to do this will mean different things for different people - some people interact more confidently after a coffee, some will have more energy after a morning workout, some like to visualise or meditate before meetings and interviews.
The point here is to be conscious of how you walk into the space, and the energy your are creating. It's more than just walking into a room, or just any average meeting.
After The Interview
A bonus tip for after your interview, in that waiting stage of finding out whether you got the job, is to write a thank you email after the interview. This is a really valuable action to take to stay on the interviewers radar and to express your gratitude and interest one final time.
This guest post was authored by Natalie Fisher
Ms. Career Girl was started in 2008 to help ambitious young professional women figure out who they are, what they want and how to get it.