Interview tips

We know how daunting going for an interview can be. For a lot of us, landing that dream job sometimes seems impossible, which can make us even more nervous when the time comes to go for an interview. We’ve put together our top tips on how you can survive the interview process and come out feeling like a winner!

Dress appropriately

This one is a no-brainer; how you dress for your interview will play a huge part in the employer’s first impressions of you. Sometimes you’ll be informed beforehand on how formal the interview will be, which will give you an indication of what to wear. Your outfit should also reflect the sector of work you are interviewing for. Creative companies want to see creativity reflected in your personality, so a pop of colour in a scarf or a blazer will suggest a fun, outgoing person. If the job is going to require you dress formally every day, then your interview outfit should echo this, but there’s no need to ditch style, check out some of our affordable shirt dresses for a fashion statement.

The most important thing is to feel comfortable in whatever you wear. You don’t want to be pulling up tights, or stumbling in heels.

Do your research

Think of your interview like a test in school. Before your test, (ideally) you would swot up on the subject beforehand so it was fresh in your mind. An interview works in a similar way. You should research the company and understand the role inside-out beforehand. They will most likely ask you what you know about them, so knowing parts of their history and some case studies will show them how much you want to work for them. Utilise LinkedIn and the company’s website and social media. Also, re-read the job description and make sure you know what the role will entail and how your experience can relate to each task.

Be on time

Being late is one of the worst first impressions you can give. Obviously, if something catastrophic happens that you couldn’t have prevented, stay calm, apologise and contact them as soon as you know that you’re going to be late. Try and prevent this from happening as much as possible by planning your journey in advance. Go to bed early the night before so that you’re refreshed and have everything ready to go in the morning. If possible, complete a ‘dry run’ so that you know exactly where it is, how long it takes to get there and to know what the parking situation is like. This will also give you a feel for what the daily commute would be like if you do get the job.

Keep your head up

Keep your head up. Make eye contact. Keep your back straight. Feign confidence even if you were throwing up 30 minutes ago! If you look and feel confident in yourself, then they will feel confident in you too. Good posture is the key.

Answer truthfully

This one also stands for writing and submitting your CV in the first place. There is no point in getting tangled up in a web of lies. Yes, everyone elaborates to an extent, but don’t say you’ve done something when you haven’t because it will only come back to bite you. Give honest answers, and you’ll feel less nervous and more confident.

Believe in yourself

Breathe. AND relax. Take it easy. Believe in yourself and your own ability. If you want this job, prove to them that you’re dedicated and hard-working. Make them understand how committed you are, and how there’s no one else they should even consider for the job. Believe it, and they will too.

ALWAYS ask a question

So many people make this huge faux pas at the end of the interview. Guaranteed you will be asked if you have any questions, and make sure you do! Questions show your interest. Obviously, don’t ask about money, or holidays etc. Have a list of questions about the company, or the role, so that if you’re question gets answered earlier in the interview, you have a few backups ready to fire away. It’s ok to take a notebook if you feel like you’ll forget what to ask. There’s nothing wrong with showing that you’re prepared, in fact, it will do you massive favours.