An interview can be a very daunting task for even the most experienced individuals. This article aims to give you a few tips on how you can impress and prepare successfully to have a great interview no matter the role. These factors can be applied to an interview for a first, part time role all the way through to the next step in your career path. Interviews are all about presenting your skills and self in a positive manner and showing how they can benefit the company with you in the role.

Appearance

It is essential in any interview, whether it be for a part time role or a specific professional role, to represent yourself in a good light. By maintaining a well kept professional appearance at an interview, gives a good first impression to the interviewer that you are organised and take care in your appearance. This helps to impress the interviewer before a word has been uttered in the interview. As the saying goes “first impressions matter”.

Practice Questions (Research)

Research the most common asked questions at an interview, prepare your answers before and practice them to make sure you give the best possible answer. It is essential that the answers you give to these questions are backed up by your C.V. and your prior experience at other companies/other roles. If you do not have any prior experience use hobbies or life experiences to back up your answers. When answering these ‘common’ questions you must alter your answer to the specific question, as the interviewer may word the question differently. Doing this will go a long way in an interview.

Research the Role & Company

If you want to make a lasting impression at the interview, researching the company and showing knowledge about the services/products can help to make a lasting impact. Even if the interviewer does not ask a direct question about the company, it is essential to share your knowledge. Find a way to include this knowledge in other questions you may be asked during the interview. In doing so, this will portray you have took time to prepare for the interview and learn about the company and the role.

Be Early (Not On Time)

NEVER turn up to an interview on time, this can allow for disruptions to cause you to be late. There is no worse impression than a bad first impression which you will give if you are late. Always aim to be 10 minutes early for an interview, 5 minutes at the very minimum. Having these extra minutes before an interview, allows you to have time to find the place, visit the bathroom, compose yourself and check your appearance. Arriving early also gives an impression of eagerness and good time-keeping.

Ask Questions

At the end of every interview, you will always be asked if you have any questions. One of the most common mistakes people make at an interviewing is saying no to this question. This results in missing a vital opportunity to impress the interviewer. Beforehand, always have a couple of questions prepared for the interview about aspects of the role that is vacant or about the company itself. Not only does this show interest on your behalf, it also gives you the chance to find out if the role and company are the right fit for you.

Hopefully this article has gave you a few extra tips for your next interview whether it be in the near future or a few years down the line.

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