Preparing for a job interview can be a daunting experience, especially in a highly competitive job market.

So, how do you stand out from the competition? To help we’ve compiled a list of our top tips:

1. Do your homework

This is a critical part of interview preparation. When you are invited for an interview, make sure you research the company and show that you have done your due diligence. Employers may not be willing to offer a role to somebody who has failed to demonstrate a genuine interest in the organisation and role in question. It is always good practice to research what a company does, what their values are, and what differentiates them from their competitors. Be ready to talk about what that means to you and how it aligns with what you are looking for.

2. Read the job description carefully

Ensure you are prepared to answer questions about how your experience relates to the job description. The hiring manager will use your answers to determine your suitability for the role.

Draw upon examples from your experience that demonstrate that you have a particular skill or core competency the company is looking for. For instance, if the role you are applying for requires someone who can manage multiple projects at once, the hiring manager might ask you to share an occasion where you used that skill in your professional experience.

3. Dress appropriately

The way you present yourself in a job interview will influence the interviewer’s impression of you and the overall success of the interview. Choosing the right attire is an important step, as each organisation will have different expectations for what their employees should wear. A finance company may have more professional requirements for employee attire compared to a tech company; therefore, it is imperative that you consider how you’ll dress and ensure it’s appropriate for the company you are meeting with.

Good presentation is as important for a video interview as it is for face to face. 

4. Make a good first impression

Making a good first impression can determine the degree to which you are successful in your interview. The way you introduce yourself, shake the interviewer’s hand or interact in the initial conversation, all play an important role in the outcome of your interview. So, arrive on time, remember good posture, a friendly greeting, and most importantly, to smile!

5. Prepare some personal facts about yourself

As much as the interview is to assess your professional skills and abilities, employers also want to learn more about you as a person. Sometimes this question can throw you off in an interview. Think about your interests and hobbies, volunteering projects, or anything else that you feel comfortable talking about that will help the interviewer to develop a more in-depth understanding of you and what makes you tick.

6. Prepare insightful questions to demonstrate your interest

Preparing insightful questions to ask employers in an interview will help you to come across as interested, enthusiastic and engaged. Asking strategic questions shows that you have conducted in-depth research into the company and that you have a strong interest in the role in question. For example, you may wish to ask about the key challenges of the role, career progression opportunities offered by the company, or the company culture.

7. Be yourself

As cliché as this sounds, it’s probably one of the best pieces of advice you could receive. Pretending to be someone you are not or providing misleading or dishonest information about your background or experience won’t lead to a successful outcome. Employers want to hire someone who is honest and transparent, and if you simply focus on being yourself, it will pay off.

Job interviews don’t have to be an intimidating experience, the key to reducing job interview stress is thorough preparation and practice. 

If you need more help and advice, or are looking for a new role at the moment - make sure you register your CV with our friendly and helpful consultants: click here .

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