It's okay to feel nervous before and during an interview, that's a good thing! It is important to control your nerves and to use this energy during the interview process and turn it into something that makes you unstoppable.
We cannot guarantee that you will get the job you are interviewing for. However, if you follow the tips below and develop your potential, it is much more likely that you will get the job.
Let us divide the interview process into three phases:
Phase before the interview
During the interview
After the interview
Preliminary interview (advance planning)
The best way to increase your chances of getting a job is to prepare for the interview. It sounds simple, but you will be surprised how many candidates stop preparing after submitting their application and do no further prep when they are offered an interview.
It is very clear when people have not prepared for the interview as they often respond to simple, predictable questions like "Why do you want to work here?" Questions like these are meant to be kicked out of the park. Make sure you do your research on the company / organization by checking their social media feeds, performance reviews, and research to discuss during the interview.
Use a new type of development portfolio
Researching the organization also gives you an opportunity to get a feel for the organization's culture and interests and to see if you would suit them. You should try to work somewhere because you want to. When your values and beliefs align with the team you are applying for, you can reach your potential and advance your career.
Don't forget to research the interviewers too, as this will make them feel more familiar that day and can calm your nerves. It will also help set your expectations and pre-visualize the interview.
"If your values and beliefs align with the team you are applying for, you are more likely to achieve your full potential."
Before the interview, take some time to read the job description and person specification and write how to add examples to each point. This will help clear up any questions and do significant revisions and readings prior to the interview.
One of the best ways to spend your prep time before an interview is to create preplanned answers or sentences to help structure your answers and navigate difficult situations. Regardless of the industry, there are common topics and questions in all interviews.
Frequent interview questions are:
"Why did you apply for this position?"
"Tell us about your career so far"
"Speak through an article you recently read that changed your practice"
"Which courses have you participated in lately?"
"Why do you think you will be a good fit for the team?"
Remember that your answers should be precise and tailored to the job description. You should aim to create a narrative that allows the employer to imagine that you are doing the job without including it in a meandering story of your life.
Quick tips to prepare for the interview
Do some research on the organization and have a few facts on hand
Make sure you want to work on it – your values and beliefs should be aligned
Think about possible questions and prepare some answers. When you can remember important aspects
Know the job description inside out
During the interview (take your time and stay calm)
When you have completed the preparation you should be confident that you will cover most of the way there. The next step is to use your preparation wisely and stay calm and gather thoughts. This is clearly easier said than done!
The most important thing to remember in the interview is that values and beliefs shine even though you remain true to your authentic self. – don't pretend to be someone you are not. Keep your answers structured and precise.
If you feel nervous about answering a question or if you are going the wrong way rely on the preplanned answers and sentences to get you back on track. This is something that politicians, presenters, and people on live television often use when interviewing as it gives you time to think and an opportunity to calm down.
"The most important thing to remember is that values and beliefs shine, even though you remain true to your authentic self."
When answering a question, make sure that you refer to appropriate examples, but do not exaggerate or lie . It's usually very obvious when someone has overstated the facts and the lie clears up with a simple follow-up question and this pretty much ends your chances of getting the job.
If an answer doesn't go well, don't give up! Regain your composure, acknowledge that the previous answer was not your strongest, and note that this is an area for improvement. Employers often do not look for the finished article, but for someone who knows their limits and can learn from mistakes.
Quick tips for during the interview
Stay true to your authentic self – don't pretend to be someone else!
Rely on your semi-script to prepare answers to key questions
Use examples and evidence to support your answers
It's okay to repeat a question or take notes
If things don't go well, ask after a second, win back your composition, and confirm that you have room for improvement
After the interview (Always ask for feedback!)
At the end of the interview you have the opportunity to ask the interviewers a few questions. Asking a few quality questions will give you an opportunity to stand out from the rest of the candidates. Candidates often dry up here, so try to have some prepared questions here.
Good questions make you seem interested and engaged, but don't forget, this is your chance to see if you are a good fit with the organization and the team. If you have trouble with your questions, focus on everyday questions about the role, as well as the opportunities to grow and progress within the company. This is a great time to ask about the overall culture that underpins the team's performance.
"You can improve your interview skills, which is why feedback is important regardless of success or failure."
To be interviewed is a complex skill – it is a combination of communication skills, pressure management skills and organizational skills. This means you can improve your interviewing skills, which is why, regardless of success or failure, feedback is an integral part of the interview process.
As a final thought, an interview is a chance to put yourself in the shop window – you get a time in captivity with people who can make things happen. Remember that there are other options that the employer may find more suitable for you. This becomes clear in your interview.
Quick Tips for After The Interview
Always ask for feedback regardless of the outcome
Interviewing is a complex skill and you can always improve
Ask a few questions that demonstrate insight and commitment to the organization or team
