Walking into an interview, it’s much more than just your employer assessing you for a job. It’s an opportunity, maybe even the one you’ve been looking for all this time. You are getting a chance to pitch yourself to your potential boss and exhibit all your strengths that will help you contribute to the organisation. This is why it is stressed on that you complete the interview by leaving a lasting impression. The question is, how can you present yourself in the best way possible, especially during a stressful interview? Here are some tips that could get you the job you’ve always wanted:
Be confident From the moment you enter the interview room, confidence should be oozing out. Even if you’re just pretending, it still helps. Greet your employer, speak clearly and introduce yourself. Any employer will appreciate a confident person, and even if some nervousness slips through the cracks, your interviewer will appreciate the effort.
Be proactive Before you even step into the interview room, it is your duty to do some research about the company and job designation that you have applied for. This will allow your potential employer to see that you have taken the initiative to know exactly what you are getting into. This also increases the chances of you successfully fulfilling the interview, because when it comes to negotiations or when you are asked questions about the vacant position, you will have more clear and precise answers.
Keep track of words When speaking about your plus points, strengths and past experiences, make sure that you only speak of those aspects that you are sure of and will be able to explain in more detail if you're asked to elaborate. You do not want to be caught up with a question that you are unable to answer.
Maintain eye contact Sometimes your body language speaks more than your actual dialogue, which is why it’s important to project positivity. A small instance of projecting a positive outlook is by maintaining eye contact with the interviewer or anyone you are speaking to. This not only creates a great impression on the employer, but also shows that you possess great communication/people skills, as long as you don’t overdo it.
Honesty is the best policy Whether the interview is a failure or success, honesty is always the best route to choose. Honesty, although not as often as it should be, is appreciated by an honest employer. It also shows that you yourself, as a candidate, have nothing to hide. Transparency has become a welcomed attribute in a responsible corporation.
Understand what the company wants from you One of the most important things to know about the job you apply to is the understanding of what the company truly wants and needs from you. Once you understand what your employer wants, you have greater chances to successfully deliver the performance required.
Be open to criticism Being criticised is not always a bad thing; it leaves you more room to learn. If by any chance your interviewer critiques you or tells you anything that he feels you can improve, take it with positivity. This will not only allow your potential employer to see that you are open to dialogue, but you are also exhibiting the fact that you are always open to learn more and improve.
Be you The most stereotypical piece of advice that has been handed around hundreds and thousands of times is to be yourself. However, it is crucial to understand why this advice has gained popularity - because it’s important! Be yourself, let your employer understand that you are not just the university you went to, or your past experience; you are a whole person with much more to offer. So let it be known, and be the real person you are.
Implement and learn When all is said and done, advice can only get you so far. Sometimes it’s completely up to you to make a difference and maneuver through difficult and uncertain situations during an interview. Not all circumstances are the same, for each situation calls for different actions, and it is on you to decide what the best course of action in that situation is and improvise. If the interview does not go well, learn from it, try to understand what went wrong but do not overthink it. You will definitely get another opportunity eventually to prove yourself once again, and that's when you will be able to rectify your past mistakes and present yourself the way you wanted to. A bad interview is never the problem; the problem is not learning from it.
Find more career advice on the everjobs job journal: https://www.everjobs.com.bd/en/job-journal/