alittlebitsocial2 If you want to secure your dream job, you’ll need to impress recruiters and perform well in interviews. Whether you’re interviewing online or face-to-face, it’s vital to create a good impression and showcase your talents. When your future career depends on the opinion of one interview panel, you’ll want to ensure you’re fully prepped and ready to impress.
Most people go for numerous job interviews throughout their life, but the process doesn’t seem to get any easier. If nerves or prior rejections are holding you back, it’s time to take action. Take a look at these top tips, and learn how to impress any interview panel:
1. Submit a Great CV
If you’ve been asked to interview for a particular role, you’ve probably already gone through the process of submitting a written application. When we talk about the importance of submitting a great CV, people often want to know, ‘why is a CV important’? However, submitting your CV is simply the first step in the interview process.
Providing it’s good enough, you’ll be invited for an interview. During this time, the interview panel will likely base their questions on the content of your CV. If you’ve exaggerated your experience or made errors on your CV, they’re going to come to light in your interview.
By honing your CV and tailoring it to the job or career path you’re applying for, you have a far better chance of impressing an interview panel. Remember – recruiters can ask about anything you’ve put on your CV, so be sure you can back up every point with examples and additional information!
2. Be Friendly to Reception Staff
You might feel nervous or apprehensive on the day of your interview, but that’s no excuse for rudeness. Being friendly towards receptionists and support staff creates a good impression and can have more impact on your success than you might think. Recruiters will often ask reception staff what they thought about a candidate before hiring them, so your future job could rest on what the reception makes of you.
If you want to impress potential new employers, act as if the interview starts when you walk into the building. By treating people respectfully and being friendly towards every staff member, you can highlight your personality and personability.
3. Make Eye Contact During Interview
When you’re feeling anxious, it’s easy to avoid making eye contact. However, this can leave you looking rude or may imply that you lack self-confidence. When a panel member asks you a question, look them directly in the eye and listen carefully to what they say. When you begin giving your answer, maintain eye contact but be sure to include other panel members in your answer.
4. Don’t Get Distracted
Interviewers will use various techniques to see how candidates react under pressure, so try not to be phased by anything that happens during the interview. If another staff member enters the room or an interviewer excuse themselves, for example, don’t let this knock your confidence.
Similarly, if one member of the panel appears to be giving you a hard time or comes across as somewhat hostile, don’t let it throw you off course. This could merely be an exercise to see how well you respond, so take your time, remain friendly and professional and give your best answers to their questions.
5. Prepare Questions for Each Interviewer
Before your interview is concluded, you will probably be asked if you have any questions. If so, it’s a good idea to have a few interesting, relevant and insightful questions up your sleeve. If possible, prepare at least one question for each member of the interview panel. You may not get the opportunity to ask everyone a question, but you’ll be able to hold your own if the conversation becomes less formal.
When to Start Preparing for a Job Interview
To increase your chances of receiving a job offer, begin preparing for your interview before you even apply for the role. Everything you submit to your potential employer – from your CV to your references – determines whether you’ll get an interview and, if so, what you’ll be asked.
By treating this as part of the interview stage, you can ensure that you begin preparing as early as possible. In doing so, you’ll have the time you need to learn more about the company and the people who are likely to be interviewing you. Similarly, you’ll be able to hone your interpersonal skills, enhance your confidence and access all the information you’ll need to impress your interview panel on the day.
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