Interviewing for a job can be nerve-wracking. You may feel uncomfortable “selling” yourself or fielding unexpected questions. Or the prospect of having to meet and impress new people may be enough to trigger anxiety. However, interviewing is a skill you can learn. With the right tips and techniques, you can become a master at sharing your value with potential employers, presenting yourself effectively at interviews, and getting the job you want.

Preparation
Research on the following:
  • Company – use tools such as their website, LinkedIn page and recent articles
  • Brands – if they own brands, watch any TV adverts on YouTube they may have and use this as a discussion point during the interview
  • Category – look at gaining market information on their category regarding growth/decline and who their competitors are in that space by visiting in-store
  • Job description – review this and learn the key requirements so you can tailor your answers around your own skills and experience that matches this
  • Interviewers – ask your recruiter if they have met the people you are meeting and also review their LinkedIn profiles to gain an idea of their background

The Interview
  • Ensure you are dressed to make a good first impression as no matter how confident you may be or even if you may already know the interviewers, it’s still a first interview
  • Make eye contact and talk with a smile and engage them in to what your business case for the job is
  • Make sure that any questions or examples you may have, are ready to be used before the interview begins
  • Keep your answers to the point with clarity and don’t be afraid to ask them to repeat a question, it could be the difference in you getting the job or not by answering a question you don’t know
  • It’s nice to leave an interview with peace of mind so don’t be afraid to ask them if they have any reservations about you fitting in to the team or your ability to actually do the job. If they have, this could lead to a new area of discussion where you can counter any reservations with detail that hasn’t yet be shared or highlighted

Video Interviewing (via Skype/Zoom etc...)
  • Do a practice run on your tech equipment
  • Avoid a "Can you hear me now?" situation
  • Prepare your surroundings & environment
  • Dress the part as per a usual interview (check company’s attire, it may be casual)
  • Close all other programs on your computer.
  • Look at the camera, not the screen
  • Use notes but don't rely too much on these and keep eye contact
  • Be mindful of your body language
  • Make sure the interviewer is engaged throughout the conversation
  • Ensure you get across your enthusiasm for the opportunity & company

“Remember to sell yourself, nobody else can do this in the interview for you!”
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