How to nail your next job interview!

So…how do you prepare for a job interview, when you have no idea what questions will be asked? 

We get it, job interviews can be pretty nerve-racking at the best of times but how do you nail your interview?! There is a way to always be prepared and nail any job interview. Rather than focusing on the question, focus on preparing answers. Amelia, a qualified careers counsellor in Melbourne, can help support you in the process from start to finish and help you nail your interview. Work with Amelia, here.

Whether you’re interviewing face-to-face or online, you can stand out from a crowd and make an impression with these super simple tips!

Research the company

This one is a no-brainer but it’s important to know what is currently happening in the company. It shows that you have not only done your research but you have a genuine interest in the company. When you are researching, don’t just skim their website, delve a little deeper by reviewing their social media pages which will help you understand the company culture. Look for any recent honours, achievements, projects, and newsworthy occurrences, especially those that may be pertinent to the position for which you are applying.

In order to demonstrate that you have done your homework, look for opportunities to mention what you discovered from your research during the interview. According to studies, hiring managers are more likely to select applicants familiar with the business. Amelia, a qualified careers coach in Melbourne,  can help refine your research skills, contact Amelia Here.

Create a strong first impression

In interviews, all the little things count! First impressions count, and non-verbal cues matter even more than verbal ones. By simply smiling confidently, giving a firm handshake and maintaining eye contact, can make a huge difference and also show that you want to be there and you want the job!

In terms of what to wear, think about matching what you wear to the company. Use their website and social media content to gain an insight into the culture. And if in doubt always dress on the formal side. 

Prepare some small talk!

Yes, Small talk! Small talk is a great opportunity to build some rapport with your future employer. Therefore, it's a good idea to anticipate some potential interview questions as part of your preparation in order to keep the conversation moving. To be able to ask and respond to questions that are credible, it's important to choose subjects that both of you are interested in. 

Prepare an elevator pitch

By preparing an elevator pitch, when the question “tell me about yourself” comes around you will have a beautifully succinct and convincing answer. Treat your pitch like a story filled with what inspired you to get into this line of work and your previous experience. Also, aim to emphasise the relevant skills you have and how they align with the company and the job role. Amelia, a Melbourne careers coach, can help you create the perfect elevator pitch. Contact Amelia Here.

Top tip: Identify some of your strengths and weaknesses (just in case they ask!). Knowing what you’re good at and enjoy doing in the workplace is a great way to sell yourself authentically (without embellishing). Also, think about something small that you aren’t fantastic at, and explain how you are improving in this area. For example, you might tell them you’re not very good at spelling, but that you always check your work carefully for errors. Contact Amelia, a careers counsellor in Melbourne to explore your top strengths.

Follow-up!

Within 24 hours of your interview, it's important to send a follow-up email expressing your appreciation for their time and consideration. Immediately after your interview, write down one or two things that you and the hiring manager focused on during the interview and what makes you most excited to work there. This will help you to write a more impactful email later. A follow-up email not only is polite and advantageous but shows your enthusiasm for the job. Qualified careers counsellor, Amelia, based in Melbourne and Mornington Peninsula will help you create a sound follow-up email to catch your employer’s attention. Contact Amelia Here.

Lastly, be yourself. 

No matter how much you desire the job, if you don't fit in, you won't get it. Never strive to fit the mould of what you "believe" the work requires. Give off the positive energy you need to ace your job interview by letting your true self come through. The interviewer can tell immediately away if you aren't authentically you.

Interviewing is both a science and an art – you must convey the right image, impression, motivations, skills and experience, ensuring multiple people agree you are the right person for the role and for the organisation. Hopefully, the tips above help ease the stress of interviews and give you the confidence to nail your interview. If you are looking for further guidance, Amelia, a Melbourne-qualified careers coach, is here to help! Contact Amelia here.

Amelia McDermott is a Career Coach and Coaching Psychologist, based on the Mornington Peninsula in Melbourne. With nearly 20 years of training and experience working as a psychologist, Amelia has a strong understanding of how to uncover what makes people tick, and how to help people find an authentic career that aligns with their unique talents and values. If you’re looking for Career Advice or Career Counselling, look no further than Uplift Coaching and enjoy a consultation with Amelia to see if a Career Coach is right for you. Book a consultation here.