Part three of three on finding a job
Great news – you’ve been offered an interview. So, here are some tips to help you feel confident and make you shine.
1. Do a little research on your potential employer – this will show you have initiative, are enthusiastic for the job and it will help you to ask sensible questions towards the end of the interview (see point 9).
2. Remember first impressions do count so make sure you’re dressed appropriately and are well groomed. This will also help you feel more confident.
3. Check yourself over just before you arrive – once you are satisfied with your appearance you can forget about it and concentrate on other aspects of the interview.
4. Arrive slightly before your interview time so you’re not flustered. If you are going to be late make sure you ring, offer your apologies and explain why. Most people are reasonable and will forgive you if the circumstances are beyond your control.
5. Don’t be carrying lots of things with you. But do take a copy of your application form to remind yourself what you’ve already told them.
6. Be yourself and shine but don’t be over confident or boastful.
7. Strike a balance between mono-syllabic answers and rambling on.
8. Try to anticipate the questions you’ll be asked and work out some answers. If possible ask a friend to do a mock interview with you so you can practise answering questions.
9. Have the questions you’d like to ask prepared and ready.
10. When your interview is over leave promptly. Shake hands, say thank you and confirm that you are still interested in the job (if you are). Smile as you leave.
Once you’re offered the job, accept it in writing and confirm all the important points such a salary, job title, benefits, start date etc.
And, if you’re not offered the job don’t let this knock your confidence. Think carefully if you could have done anything differently and try and apply that to your next interview.
You could always try sending a letter of thanks. You never know, if their first choice doesn’t work they may get back in touch with you.
Remember, if you don’t succeed at first keep trying. History is littered with examples of people who never gave up and achieved their goal in the end.
Next week I’ll turn the tables and look at how to find a suitable employee. If you manage staff then you’ll find this and our Employing and Motivating Staff course of interest.
And finally, we have launched this year’s Student of the Year Award. We want to hear from students how their lives have changed since taking a course with us. First prize is £100!
