We all hate going to job interviews. It makes you nervous, question your abilities - am I really that good as I told them in my letter? - and makes you feel uncomfortable as the people you will be talking to have the power to decide on your future. Nevertheless, we all have them sometimes. And if we want our dream job to become reality, we'd better rock that interview. With these five tips you are more than ready to show them what you got. But if you think I have missed an something, make sure to share your tips and tricks in the comment section. Us girls should help each other right? Ok, here we go!
CLEAN AND ACCURATE RÉSUMÉ | Before the actual job interview, you have to make sure that you are invited for an interview. So the best thing you can do is invest some time in putting together the perfect résumé. Make sure it is accurate and has a clean design. Nothing too crazy, except if you are applying for something like a graphic design job, and easy to read. Keep it brief and concise. You will want your future boss to see that you are qualified for the job, your sweet talk will follow in the interview. ;-)
You might also want to make an effort in writing a well written motivation letter. This is an addition to your résumé, so you can elaborate a bit more on your experience and why you are fit for the job. Still keep it brief and concise though. You will not want to write a letter that is longer than one A4 paper. And maybe most importantly: no spelling errors!
DRESS THE PART | Once you are invited for the actual job interview, make sure you look professional and authentic. Most of the time there is no need for an uptight pinstripe suit - although it can be really cool when worn the right way - but you have to make sure that your outfit fits the company's environment as well as your personality. If you are a bit unsure about what to wear, plan an evening with your friends. They can tell you what you should and should not wear.
MAKE AN IMPRESSION | I always hear that the first impression is the most important element of the job interview. Be on time, introduce yourself properly -practice your introduction at home! - and stay calm and interested in the company and interviewers.
What also adds to a good first impression, get to know the company you are applying at beforehand. Read as much as you can about their main tasks, clients, recent projects, etc. Make sure you can answer the question: What do you think it is the company provides in?
BE AWARE OF THE STAR METHODOLOGY | Lots of recruiters make use of standard procedures in job interviews and most of them use the STAR methodology. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result and helps the recruiters to focus on certain capabilities that the job requires. If you are aware of this technique, it can actually help you to prepare for your interview. Ask yourself if you can think of a recent challenge and situation - relevant to the job description - in which you found yourself. (Situation) Then explain what you had to achieve. What were your goals? (Task) The interviewer will be really curious to know how you solved the situation, what you did and why you choose to act like you did. Also try to think of some alternative actions that you could have applied. (Action) And last but not least, what was the result of your actions? Did they contribute to acquire the initial goals? And did you learn something from that experience? (Result) If you prepare your interview using the STAR method, you will definitely make a confident impression.
Tip: Do not make up a story that is too perfect. Because we all know, nobody is perfect right?
DO NOT WAIT FOR THE PERFECT MOMENT, MAKE THE MOMENT PERFECT | This might be the biggest lesson I have ever learned. Nobody will discover your talents if you do not reach out. If you want something, you have to work hard and make sure that you get it. That is why waiting for the perfect moment to apply for a job does not work. Count your blessings and make sure you make the most out of the chances you get. Do not be afraid. Life is too short to not do what you love.
These are the tips I have acquired over the years and I hope they will help you in the future. I am really curious about your experiences with job interviews though. What works and what does not? Please share your tips and tricks in the comment section.
Happy Wednesday!
Ph. credits: Design Next
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