Are you looking for a new job but dreading the thought of having to go through interviews?
You're not alone. Many people find the interview process to be daunting, but it doesn't have to be that way. There are a few simple steps you can take to improve your interview skills, so you stand out against other applicants and leave a great impression with the hiring panel.
Why is it important to do well in a job interview?
Your job interview is the most important part of the hiring process. It’s your chance to show the employer that you have the skills, experience and personality that they are looking for in an employee.
If you can ace the interview, then you're one step closer to getting hired.
How to avoid common mistakes applicants make in job interviews
You might feel anxious going into an interview because you don't want to make a bad impression or say the wrong thing. Or you may find it difficult to sell yourself and talk about your accomplishments.
One of the biggest mistakes people make in their interview is not taking the time to prepare appropriately. Being under-prepared can leave people overwhelmed by the pressure of the interview because they are stuck thinking on their feet. This can lead to forgetting simple details, stumbling or coming across as awkward, failing to establish rapport with the interviewers, and generally leaving an unfavourable impression.
Whatever your reasons for finding interviews daunting, there are ways to overcome your fears and give yourself the best chance of impressing the hiring panel.
There are 5 simple ways to prepare for an interview so you can give a rockstar performance.
- Do your research
The first step is to research the company you're interviewing with. Find out as much as you can about their business, their values, and their culture. This will not only help you prepare for questions, but it will also give you a better understanding of whether the company is a good fit for you.
- Create a set of FAQs
Once you've done your research, it's time to start preparing for questions. Think about what you might be asked and have your answers ready. Practice makes perfect, so the more you practice, the more confident you'll feel on the day of the interview.
Remember, interviews are a two-way street, so this is your time to find out more about who you would be working for and if the role and company are going to be a good fit for you.
Prepare a few questions to ask at the end of the interview, and make sure they are thoughtful and relevant.
- Dress to impress
First impressions are important, so make sure you dress appropriately for the interview. Choose an outfit that is appropriate for the role you would be working in. Make sure you look professional and but also comfortable so you can feel relaxed and confident.
If you are visiting a work site that requires you to wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) make sure you bring some with you or check with the interviewer beforehand if PPE will be provided to you upon arrival.
- Be positive
It's normal to feel nervous before an interview but try to focus on the positive aspects of the situation. Think about all the reasons why you're a great fit for the job and the reasons why you want it. This will help to boost your confidence and keep you calm.
- Be honest
It’s important to sell yourself and your skills, but it’s never ok to lie in an interview. If you find out during the interview that your skills or qualifications are not quite the standard they are looking for, be upfront and let them know. The last thing you want to do is get hired for a job that you can’t do, or that you don’t have the legal qualifications to perform. Eventually, you’ll get caught out, and you may find yourself in hot water when you do.
How to get qualified if you have experience
If you have the experience to do the job, but not the qualifications, you can formalise your skills through RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning). The benefit of RPL is that you can get qualified faster, and you can study any time or anywhere. You can start the RPL process while you are looking for a job and let the hiring panel know you’re on your way to getting qualified.
