I had an interview this week so I thought it would make the perfect topic for a blog post.
Perhaps you've had a string of interviews or you’re going for your first one. The aim of this article is to refresh you on what to expect from your next job interview.
Here are some hints and tricks and remember you've been chosen for the interview for a reason!
1. RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH
Use your detective (stalking) skills (we all know you have them) and look up the company.
Search them on LinkedIn, search for their Facebook page, look though their website. It’s a process you should do while applying for a job as well, but also one you should do again a few days before an interview. Refresh your mind and look for things such as:
- Who their clients are, campaigns they've run, the events they've hosted and the happenings at the company dependent on the department you've applied for
- Know about how many staff they have and where their offices are
- Study the job description and find key words recruiters might ask you about
2. Be Prepared
If you’re applying for more than one job at a time (think graduate positions) you’ll be inundated with job applications, descriptions, companies and roles. You need to FOCUS on the job you have an interview for, re-read the job description carefully and begin to think about what it really is you want from the interview, A JOB!! A few days prior start to visualise your interview, think of how confident you will be and how much you want the position. Positive energy does wonders!
3. Practice
You could ask a friend to interview you. Write out a few questions you might be asked and try to come up with ways to talk about your experiences. Most interviewers will ask several questions which require you to give examples, such as:
Q: What experience do you have that makes you right for this role?
Q: Give us an example of a team you've worked with?
Q: What are your weaknesses?
Q: It says on your resume that you have experience in X. Can you explain what you did?
Q: Do you think university has prepared you for this role?
Sales questions might include:
Q: Sell me this pen/tomato/lunch box. It could be anything: [read: The Wolf of Wall St] the basic rule of sales is that the person NEEDS the item but doesn't know it, yet. Know your limitations and be honest, be enthusiastic to learn more in the role.
4. Dress for the Job
Remember in step one the stalking skills we mentioned? Well if you find photos of people at the company you’ll see what they wear to work. Now, the tricky thing about creative jobs is that on some days when you’re on set you might need to be wearing boots and jeans and a work shirt while other days you’re meeting investors, bankers and lawyers, which means it is perfectly acceptable to have two wardrobes. Yay! This might not apply to everyone, but, you will need to wear something you feel comfortable in that is also appropriate for the job. Remember, it’s not really stalking, it’s research.
5. Body Language
This is a big one. Don’t click your pen or crack your knuckles, also watch the way you sit in your seat, arms crossed means you’re uncomfortable and not interested in what the interviewer has to say, it could also mean you’re cold, so bring extra clothing.
Have a firm handshake and a smile. If you’re from the country, a big difference in your body language will be the proximity at which you feel comfortable around other people. For instance, you might need 2-3 meters between you and someone you talk to, however people who have lived in the city usually stand or sit much closer to one another. There isn't a problem with either, but knowing about body language will help you recognise these traits in people and help you to understand them better.
These are just a few simple tips, if you’re looking at researching further I must recommend Body Language by Allan Pease, a must read for if you're looking to understand employers, employees, clients and improving your general communication skills.
6. Be Early
First impressions matter! There is nothing worse than arriving late, feeling stressed or being unable to find where the interview is taking place. Most jobs will say that arriving 15 minutes early is on time. So arriving 25 -30 mins early to an interview is great! It gives you time to collect your thoughts, visualise yourself nailing the interview and to do some deep breathing.
7. Wash Your Hands
Now that you’re early to your interview you have the time to find the bathrooms and wash your hands. This can seem strange but it's very important. If you’re nervous you might notice your hands are cool and clammy, which can feel sticky when you shake hands. Remember first impressions count. Warm, washed hands are the best way to ensure you give a nice, clean and memorable handshake.
8. Have some questions ready to ask your interviewer:
Q: What does a typical day look like?
Q: How long could my shifts be? (Reiterate that you’re perfectly aware that in your industry, (photography, events, exhibitions etc) the days can often be long and you’re okay with that)
Q: How many hours would a typical employee receive? (Especially if it’s a seasonal job or project based where some weeks could be different to others)
Q: Can you tell me about the team I will be working with? (This question opens up the idea that you will get the job)
Q: What is the next step in the application process? (This is the perfect way to finish up and you will get a clear answer whether to expect a phone call, email and by what date)
9. Interview Don’ts
Please, I don’t like ending on a bad note but this is here as a comical side note. These things really do happen in interview scenarios. Don’t worry, if you're 100% you you’re already half way to nailing your job interview!
DON’T
Chew Gum, or spit gum or squish it under your interviewer’s desk
Bring a pet along, you’re not on your way to the vet or a walk in the park; take the interview seriously (unless of course the selection criteria states ‘must have cute dog’).
You’re bestie, parents or fiancé unless of course they are also applying, which makes them a competitor. Enjoy a laugh and a coffee afterwards
Speak badly of an old boss or an employer. This is the single, worst thing you could EVER do. It shows that you cannot be trusted and it won’t result in a job offer!
Bring up a confidential agreement, document or project from a previous employer that isn't public domain. Again, as above, you won’t be hired
Lie
Act desperate. We all NEED jobs, but people who aren't desperate and don’t portray ‘need’ usually get the job
Smell like smoke or body odour
Have your phone on.
Enjoy, I would love to hear about your interview tips and tricks, dos and don’ts and your SUCCESS stories.
