After sending out numerous applications and anxiously lying in wait, you’ve finally landed an interview. You’re now a step closer towards your dream job. You’ve only got one shot to impress the interviewer. How do you overcome interview jitters?
Make a Good First Impression
Let’s start with the basics. You are not only expected to speak about how good fit for the job, but you also have to convince them you have a strong work ethic.
Get to the interview 15 minutes before your appointment. Being late is never acceptable. Greet the interviewer with confidence, and ask for their name. A firm handshake is also a great indication of your conviction. It’s also important to dress according to the kind of company you’re applying for. For example, smart-casual usually works for most BPOs and start-ups, while a suit is reserved for rigid corporate settings.
Do Your Homework
It’s important to look into the company you’re applying for right before the interview. A company’s website and social media platforms are full of information you can use during the interview. Start by reviewing the description of the job your applying for, and proceed to the company’s vision and mission.
This will give you an insight into the work culture and how you should act during the interview. By aligning your answers with the company’s mission and vision, you’ll be able to prove that you’re just who they’re looking for.
Showcase Your Strengths & Weaknesses
It’s a common interview question: “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” The first part of this question is pretty easy to answer. Simply think of the strong traits you can use in the job.
Now for the weaknesses. This is a tough one. Many people think exposing their weaknesses during an interview will cause them to fail. Of course, this is not the case. This is a good opportunity for some introspection – what do you need to improve on? Acknowledging your limitations as a worker is an admirable trait because this means you are willing to learn and grow.
Make Conversation
Just because you’re the applicant doesn’t mean you should be the only one answering questions. To show that you’re inquisitive and curious, don’t be afraid to ask the interviewer some questions as well. There are key information you can only find out during the interview, which you can use to answer other questions the interview will ask you. Keep in mind that these questions need to be thought out and relevant to the position you’re applying for.
Interviews can be very nerve-wracking. You are in a room with a person you don’t know, applying for a position that can jumpstart your career. There’s no such thing as overpreparing for an interview. Until you’re confident that you can ace it, there’s no harm in practicing.
