So you are just about to go for your first interview. Ah exciting but maybe a little nervous? Interviews can be pretty intense and your nerves might be going crazy but that is normal, most people, at any age or stage in their careers still get those butterflies in their tummy you might have now. Just try and breathe through them and know it’s very normal. The people in the interview also will understand this and you should find them pretty supportive.
So I am here to help you nail the interview! There are some really common mistakes a lot of people make in interviews {yep adults as well} and I’ll go over them with you so you will be ahead of the game.
I know when you walk in the door to your interview you may be feeling crazy nervous but again know that these feelings are normal and just try and smile through them. Now at this point you want the interviewer to know you are excited and trying your best. You want to look confident so {I’m going to sound like your mother here} make sure you stand and sit up straight, good posture makes people think you are confident (even if the butterflies in your stomach before now feel like full size bats), keep smiling and have good eye contact, speak well and clear and think about your answers and you will make a perfect first impression in your interview.
Now speaking of your answers it’s great if you can do some practice runs beforehand. Grab your mum, a girlfriend, a boyfriend, a sister or an understanding brother (if you are lucky enough to have one) and go over interview style questions with them and really practice how you will answer them. Just like in an exam and when you are a little stressed your brain can freeze up {ever had this happen?} but practice will help you glide through the nerves.
One final nag note from me: how you dress for your interview will really make an impact. Don’t wear clothes you go to the beach, or a party in {unless it’s a fancy party}, and no short skirts or crazy high pumps. A professional skirt or pants with a button collar shirt will look great and will make the excellent impression that you care and are serious about getting this job. Don’t wear too much make up and have clean and neat nails. You will be amazed at what the interviewer will look at. You may be going for a job where you will be in front of their customers so they want to make sure you know how to look presentable {I’m sure you know how to snazzy it up}.
Two other super common mistakes people make while going for interviews are sunnies and coke cans. “Huh?” Do I hear you say? Yes, so many girls walk in to an interview with sunglasses on their heads and holding a drink. Again, think how this looks and is this the impression you want to make? I know it all seems so serious and boring but it’s all about telling a story and the story you want the person interviewing you is: “This girl is ready for this job, cares about her presentation and I can trust her with my business.” Then you have the job! Double hurrah!!
Good luck with your interview, I’m sure you will be perfect. Just follow these steps and go impress the socks of the interviewers. I’m excited for you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Danielle Di-Masi is a keynote speaker and business trainer. She specialises in business etiquette and all things around behaviours and human interaction; especially in building effective business relationships through connection and rapport. She is a speaker, columnist, award-winning blogger and trainer.
Danielle has worked and presented for some of the biggest companies and events in Australia and the US, such as Deloitte, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Qantas, University of NSW, Australian Graduate School of Management, Australia School of Business, CPA, Chamber of Commerce, Business Enterprise Centres, Association of Financial Advisers, GenJuice, Golden Door Retreat and many others.
Danielle has been a featured business expert for Cosmopolitan, AFR, SMH, Body & Soul, Madison, Knowledge@AustraliaSchoolofBusiness, Yahoo Small Business, finance and lifestyle, ABC Radio, 2UE Radio, Dynamic Business and for Channel Ten and Channel Seven.
For more information please contact Danielle // info@nextbusinessleaders.com, www.nextbusinessleaders.com & www.facebook.com/nextbusinessleaders
Image Credits // 1, 2
