Do you have a job interview looming? Are you in the process of applying for roles? If you’re eager to excel in interviews, you’ve come to the right place. When you’ve toiled over application forms and spent hours perfecting your resume, the last thing you want is to fall at the final hurdle. Here’s a guide to help you create the right impression and hopefully, land the job of your dreams.
Looking the part
First impressions count for everything when it comes to interviews, so embrace your inner fashion icon and ensure you look the part. Unless the email or letter specifies a casual dress code, go for something smart that makes you look professional, reliable, and confident. A sharp suit is always a good option. If you don’t already have an interview-ready outfit, take a look at THE ICONIC and get some styling tips from online magazines. Make sure your suit fits well, iron your shirt in advance, polish your shoes and add a tie. Avoid bright colours and garish prints if you’re going for a role at a bank, a hospital, a school or a law firm. If you’re hoping to secure a creative role, you may be able to inject a little more personality, but don’t go overboard. Keep things subtle with a patterned tie and matching pocket square. Make sure you’re comfortable in what you’re wearing. If your trousers are too tight or you can’t move your arms properly in the jacket, you’re not going to be relaxed, so consider replacing old pieces with new ones.
Staying calm
Anxiety is one of the main barriers when it comes to surviving the interview process. It’s natural to feel nervous, especially if there’s a lot on the line, but try and stay relaxed. Breathe deeply, give yourself plenty of time to get to the interview, and keep telling yourself that it’s just an hour of your life. Think positively. What’s the worst that could happen? If you’re optimistic, and you’re calm, you’ve got a much better chance of succeeding.
Preparing
Going into an interview can be daunting enough, but the scenario will be even more terrifying if you’re underprepared. If you’ve been asked to do a presentation, go through it over and over again, and practice in front of a friend or family member. Get to grips with the figures, do some research on the company, and have prompts to hand just in case you lose your train of thought. Get your outfit ready the night before, set an alarm, and have a final run through the morning before. Be punctual, be polite, and maintain eye contact when you’re speaking.
If you’re on the lookout for a new job, getting through an interview is an essential requirement. To get a job, you need to impress more than other candidates, so make sure you look and feel great, prepare thoroughly, and try and stay as calm as possible. Speak clearly, show off your personality, choose an outfit that makes you feel confident and give yourself plenty of time.
Image Credits: Pixabay
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