So you've spent hours submitting the perfect application. You wait, and then wait some more. Finally you get confirmation that you've passed the first stage and now they want to call you for an interview. This is it, make or break time. How you conduct yourself at interview will be the defining factor between getting the job and getting rejected. So, how do you impress an employer at interview?
Obviously they liked your resume and what they saw on your application, so you've already made progress. Now you need to add meat to the bone and convince them that you're the best placed person for the job. There a number of factors to consider in order to make the best impression. Some are more important than others and some may even sound silly, however they will all make a difference on the day so pay attention:
1. Get a decent night's sleep - It may sound like common sense but if you don't get decent sleep the night before, you will look awful on the day. There's also the risk of you yawning through the interview which will not go down well and lack of sleep may also affect your concentration, focus and memory. So sleep well and wake up fresh!
2. Have a decent breakfast - Again, obvious but often overlooked. Despite the risk of a growling belly, eating nothing before your interview will cause you to think of your hunger rather than the answers to the interview questions. Your energy levels will also be low enough already so you need to have a good breakfast before leave for interview.
3. Dress the part - First impressions count. And they last a long time. Apart from what you say, what you wear is the next most important aspect of your interview. If you're going for a corporate/office role, business dress is standard. If you can, try and get a look at what other people at the company are wearing. Look sharp.
4. Arrive early - It's quite annoying for an employer to have to wait for you. You applied for the job, therefore the onus is on you to be there on time. Try to get there around 15 minutes before your time slot. Allow extra journey time during the rush hour. Plan your journey ahead and anticipate problems so you can try to avoid them.
5. Research the company - Essential. Do your homework. Find out as much about the company as possible. Use the internet, have a look at their website, read newspapers and magazines. Look at their history, their areas of business, their share price, their philosophy and their strategy. Read up on the market sector they operate in and be aware of any recent news which affects them. At some stage you will probably be asked what you know about the company or why you want to work there. This is your chance to show them how knowledgeable you are.
6. Show positive body language - In the interview, greet the employer and smile. You will probably be offered a handshake. Make it firm but don't crush their hand! Don't sit down unless you're offered a seat. Sit straight with hands on your knees. Maintain eye contact as much as possible without staring monotonously at the interviewer. Relax, be confident and don't try to fake it. When speaking, do NOT fill any silent gaps with errrmmm...
7. Sell yourself - Not literally. Try to say only positive things about the company and yourself. If you have to say something negative, mention it very briefly and turn it into something positive as soon as possible. Read the job specification and find out what kind of person they're looking for. Try and match what you say to their list of requirements in order to portray yourself as the perfect match.
8. Leave a good impression - You will no doubt be given the chance to ask any questions at the end. Prepare some good ones. Ask about what kind of training you'll get if you're successful, or what kind of career progression you can expect. This will reiterate your enthusiasm and ambition. On leaving, thank the interviewer for their time, give a firm handshake and ask when you should expect to hear from them. If you don't hear anything after the date given, send a follow-up email or give them a call.
Employers usually get hundreds of applications for just a few positions therefore you need to be different in order to stand out from the crowd. Therefore the more research you do and the more knowledgeable you are, the better the impression you will give on the day. Good luck!