There are so many people in need of a job, and so many people going for interviews, but only a few get hired at the end of the day. It’s not necessarily because your CV isn’t good enough, it is sometimes because you forgot to get a few details right.
In order to land a job, you need to ‘kill’ an interview, and to do that, understanding the following is important.
DRESS FOR THE OCCASION
This usually comes last in most cases, but it should come first because it is very important; it’s the first thing the interviewer notices about you and it sells you instantly – the first impression you create matters. You’re addressed the way you look. Your appearance says so much about you. It sells you either in good or bad light. Therefore, it is important to look as good as you can when going for an interview appointment.
Depending on the kind of role, you can either look official or smart, but very clean and well-put together regardless.
BE AS CALM AS POSSIBLE
Nerves and tension usually fly around on interview day, but you must try to get them together.
When you lack calmness, it’s unlikely you’ll answer questions confidently and clearly. Take a deep breath before you step in the room and right before you answer each interview question. A bad delivery will sell you short.
BE POLITE
Some people step in a place for the first time, and they want to act like they’re very confident and all-knowing. There’s a difference between confidence and being cocky. No employer will give you a job if you have pride written all over you.
When you walk in the room, stand until you’re asked to sit. And when you sit, don’t slouch. If they throw jokes you don’t like, take it with a smile. You want to seem easy-going, not difficult.
DO NOT LIE
If you don’t have a PhD, don’t lie about it. If you lack experience, don’t lie about it. The people interviewing you aren’t dumb; chances are they’ll look you up to ascertain the veracity of your claims. Keep things as honest as possible. If you’re recalled for the job, fine, if not, move on.