Top tips for smashing that job interview

Congratulations! You have been offered an interview for your dream job, but where to go from there?

First of all, you should take a moment to congratulate yourself, getting offered an interview these days is often a feat in itself. Now, it is time to prepare.

Preparation

Go through the confirmation email with a fine tooth comb and make sure to check whether the interview will be on the phone, online, or (even scarier) in person. Once clarified, make sure to promptly respond to the email confirming your availability. If offered various time slots make sure to go for the first slot, I have found it works better as it gives you less time to worry during the day and shows that you are keen!

The next part is to check transport options/technology (helps avoid being late or getting lost/ or having to fix a video issue during a video call) in advance of the interview and choose an appropriate outfit. Sadly cat tights and miniskirts are not yet classed as formal attire but a good pair of smart black trousers and a cute blouse tend to work for interviews.

Research

This for me is one of the most important interview tips and it has held me in good stead thus far. Research the company and job as inevitably you will be asked about the company and being able to prove you have put in the time to learn about the company will make you more memorable. Now if you are like me and seriously struggle to retain information (thanks Dyscalculia), fill a few notebook pages with facts/figures and bring them along to aid your memory.

One thing though, do not just robotically recite facts when asked, make sure you actually sound engaged with the conversation, and if your brain goes blank, take a deep breath and check your notebook. Also, the interviewers are bound to ask you for examples of job skills "Tell me about a time you handled a difficult situation with a customer and the outcome", make a note of any experiences you can talk about with confidence, and think about how they can relate to the job you are interviewing for.

Interview Time

The day has appeared, make sure to pack your notebook (do not forget to add some questions for the end of the interview), double check your video technology/transport route again and arrive/login in plenty of time (fifteen minutes beforehand works for me).
Remember that an interview works both ways, this is also an opportunity for you to see if this is the company and job for you.
Last of all, just do your best and answer questions honestly and keep your back straight but your body language open and welcoming.

Final words

Let's be honest, interviews are not enjoyable, Katharine Hepburn once said "Death will be a great relief. No more interviews" but although difficult, they can work out for the best.

Even if the interview doesn't go to plan (I once took over thirty minutes to work out two simple maths questions and almost cried at the expression on their faces), you should still be proud of yourself for getting to interview in the first place.