As you already know, I’ve attended tons of job interviews and changed many jobs until now! I haven’t nailed them all, but the truth is that practice makes perfect indeed!
The more job interviews I attend, the more prepared I am, but honestly I am always a little stressed. In my opinion, a tiny bit of stress is helpful when it comes to job interviews. It encourages you to be better prepared, to predict possible questions, to choose your outfit more carefully and to be the best version of yourself.
Honestly, I do envy those that don’t get stressed at all in job interviews, but I think that these people tend to appear a bit cocky and arrogant and many times end up losing the game. (Or at least that’s what I say to feel better!)
Long story short; in my opinion, the key to a great job interview is preparation and the right amount of confidence. Being the expert of job interviews, I made a list on how to help you nail that job interview, and finally get the job!
- Do your research: There is nothing worse that asking an interviewee “What do you know about our company so far?” and their answer to be, “Well, you have offices in Cyprus and you’re looking for employees”. I mean, really?! When you are called in for a job interview, you have to do your research about the company, their goals, their services, their employees – you have to research EVERYTHING! The more you know about the company and what it stands for, the better chance you have of selling yourself in the interview. Plus, this will help you compose questions about the job! Finally, for your own sake I would suggest you find out about the company’s culture to gain insight into your potential happiness on the job. Your happiness is vital, and if the environment is toxic for you, then this isn’t the job for you!
- Look good: First impressions are important, so choose your outfit and makeup wisely. Even though I’m a huge fan of red lipstick, I wouldn’t recommend it for a job interview. Choose light makeup, in a nude palette and a well brushed and tidy hairstyle. Depending on the industry and position, get out your best interview clothes and check them over for spots and wrinkles. I mean, even if the company is super casual, you don’t want to look like you slept in your outfit! Don’t be too loud with your choices; choose something simple and chic and don’t leave this task last minute because you’ll probably get too stressed about it!
- Be on time: This is the most difficult part but OMG it’s so important! Never arrive late to an interview. I mean, I know it seems impossible, but you have to enter the building 10 to 15 minutes before the interview! Also, allow extra time to arrive early in the neighborhood, allowing for factors like getting lost (story of my life!).
- Ask questions: The questions you ask indicate your interest in the company or job. Ask about your potential team, the way the employees work and how they are being evaluated. Be polite at all times, but don’t miss the opportunity to find out valuable information, just because you didn’t ask that question! Trust me, you’ll regret it later!
- Be the best version of yourself: This is your chance to market yourself. Keep in mind that you’re the perfect fit for the job because you are really awesome! Believe that you can do it, and you’re halfway there!
Job interviews are a pain in the neck, I know! There’s no other way of getting that job, though, is there?
I hope I helped.
xoxo,
Andrea
