It’s safe to say that it’s very rare to find an individual who actually enjoys an interview.
Even if you are confident and thrive in that sort of environment, taking part in an interview would never be at the top of your must-do-today list.
The key is to accept your nerves and reservations and turn them to your advantage by disguising them with confidence and well-practiced answers.
1. Dress the Part
While it’s, of course, important to look professional for any interview, it’s also important to take into account the specific dress code of the job you’re applying for.
Some job advertisements may even state that they prefer casual attire and don’t expect you to be fully suited and booted.
You can still make an effort to look professional but it could be toned down, such as a smart shirt rather than a shirt and suit jacket.
Be sure to understand the tone of the job and establishment you are applying for to best tailor your outfit.
2. Remember That You’re All Human
Interviews can be anxiety-ridden experiences, so it’s important to remind yourself that the other person (or people) sat at the desk with you is just another human, after all.
Try to be your natural self and have a more natural conversation, as you don’t want to risk sounding robotic while you say what you have rehearsed.
Remember basic human gestures like smiling and laughing – it sounds obvious, but polite gestures can easily be missed when you’re so focused on remembering everything you have to say, and when you’re riddled with nerves.
3. Relax Your Mind
This may seem like an impossible one, but there is a possibility of too much preparation.
You don’t want to overload your mind and keep coming back to your notes; there should be a natural stop where you allow your mind to wander a little to help you to feel relaxed.
This could be in the car when you park up before the interview, at home before you leave the house, or in bed the night before.
Try to think of anything other than the interview and allow yourself a frivolous distraction, like checking out Maple Casino or watching your favorite TV show.
4. You Can Never Be Too Prepared
It’s better to have everything you could possibly need with you rather than draw a blank when asked for something.
Always be sure to take a copy of your resumé with you, and any relevant certificates or proof of background that may be needed.
It may not be asked for by the interviewer, but it’s better to have it on hand just in case.
5. Turn Negatives into Positives
There are always going to be tricky questions during an interview, especially regarding old employment, such as “Why did you leave your old job?”.
Be sure to try and paint any negative experiences in a positive light.
An example of this could be, “My old job was very tough, but it allowed me to improve my problem-solving skills and want to move on to a better position.”
You don’t want to come across as complaining about everything in an interview, even if your complaints are valid!