One of the hardest parts about getting a job is the ~dreaded~ interview process. It seems like you're doing good, maybe having a casual conversation with your new boss, and then the word interview is thrown in and BOOM. Your palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy... We've got some tips to help you get through it and ACE your interview.
1. Be on Time
This is one of those days where you don’t hit snooze. It’s the most important thing to remember for your interview, and it’s one of the easiest to achieve. Make sure you leave the house with enough time to get to your interview with some time to spare. And no- this does not mean stop by Starbucks before. It’s good to be 15 minutes early so you have a moment to get settled. This is your first impression, so make it count!
2. Do Some Homework
Now don’t panic, you’re not going to be graded on this, but doing a bit of research about the company and job role you’ve applied for gives the interviewer confidence in you. It’s good to show that you know your stuff, and it’s also helpful for you to know what to expect of the position before you interview. Pro Tip: Ask the interviewer questions at the end! It's important to know all the ins and outs of a position before taking it. Consider asking things like, "Why is this position vacant?" or "How many hours a week would I be expected to be physically present?"
3. Dress Appropriately
Most workplaces will have a uniform that they require workers to wear. Have a look at what this is and it’ll give you an idea of how to dress for the interview. As a general rule, dress comfortably, yet respectfully, but still showcase YOU. A lot of your personality comes through the clothes you wear, so don’t hide yourself away under something out of your comfort zone. Think about it this way...if your vibe is vibrant hair colors and heavy chains on black clothes, you're probably not going to be well perceived by a company that wears strictly conservative clothes.
4. “Through this I learned…and this will help me to...”
This is a really useful phrase to use in an interview. Employers want to see that you have gained skills in your previous work that will help you excel in this next job. It’s always best to give a real life example of when you faced an obstacle, and how you overcame it. This will demonstrate your aptitude for the position. Maybe you had to deal with a nasty Karen at your previous job, or constantly had to ruin peoples' days by telling them the ice cream machine was broken. Either way, all challenges in the workplace can turn into major learning experiences- use them to your advantage.
5. Be You!
At the end of the day- your employers want to get to know the real you. After all, this is who they’re going to be working with everyday. No need to make things up to make yourself sound fancy. The best thing you can be is yourself! Practice the interview before hand with a friend, or just in the mirror, so that you can get rid of the nerves and focus on being real.
Whether your interview is in a few weeks time or in the next 30 minutes, we hope these tips will help you succeed! If you're looking for a new job in your local area, be sure to download the Juvo Jobs app HERE to get connected quickly with your future employer.