Now, I don’t know about you, but when I go to a job interview, I get all nervous. My palms get sweaty and sort of thoughts start racing through my head like, “what if they don’t like me?”, “what day is it?”. I also ask google on how should I present myself in an interview, and all the rules and little hacks for making the interviewer like me.
In the end, I came to the conclusion that you need to learn to do what’s best for you. Which is, ironically, how I came to be writing this. I decided to share with you my experience and some guide on how to present yourself in an interview.
1. Arrive early.
I can boldly tell you that getting to the interview early is very important. If you need the job, the last thing you will ever do is showing up late or not showing at all. Arrive early. If you have extra time before the interview starts, you can to the bathroom, time in which you can re-combed your hair, arrange your suit and make sure there was nothing in your teeth.
2. Physical approach.
On getting to where your interview will take place, respect everybody that you come across with. You are likely to be checked in by the receptionist. Approach him or her diligently. Introduce yourself with your full name, the time your interview, and the job title you are interviewing for. Thank him or her because it can’t hurt to make a good impression, can’t it?
3. Introduction.
Greet your interviewer with a big, confident smile (otherwise, those 10 minutes in the bathroom would’ve been wasted!). Sitting with your arms crossed over your chest or your legs crossed shows you’re closed and deflects interaction. So do your best to seem nice and people-y, with your feet on the ground and your elbows on the sides of your chair.
4. Project enthusiasm.
If the interviewer begins the conversation, allow them to take the lead. But also, do not be afraid to break the silence. Carefully lead the conversation by explaining more on the roles of the job title that you are applying for, while you share your experience on the field. Talk about a certain project you’d worked on your last job; talk quite passionately about the pros and cons of that project.
5. Tell me about yourself.
One of the most popular questions that interviewers ask is, “Tell me about yourself.” Obviously, he or she wants to see how you will impact the company or industry. He or she wants to know how relevant your experiences are and how you will likely to contribute positively to the company.
And also, squeeze a few personal remarks in. I would talk about my hobbies, show them I’m not a mindless robot who only cares about work.
When the ordeal is over thank the interviewer (always thank the interviewer. It’s not even a trick, it’s just a good manner).
My last tip for you, remember to read the interviewer when you go in – are they chatty or quite? Strict or more laid-back? In an interview, it’s vital that you work off the vibe that your interviewer is giving you. Because after all, you’re not being interviewed by a machine, but by a real person. Good luck!
Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash