Interviews are nerve-wracking, but they don’t have to be. With the right preparation and mindset, you can walk into your next interview with confidence and leave a lasting impression. Here are some tips from the heart of our Interview Power® Course to help you ace your interview and land your dream role (the one where you can’t wait to open your laptop on a Monday morning).
1. Know Your Values and Skills
Understanding your core values and skills is crucial. Your values shape who you are and influence how you work and the type of connections you make. Reflect on what drives you, what makes you proud, and what kind of work environment you would thrive in. This self-awareness will help you articulate why you’re a great fit for the job and how you align with the team and the company’s culture.
Action: Make a list of your top six values and think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate these values in action.
2. Research the Company
Before the interview, research the company thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, culture and recent achievements. Knowing this information not only shows your genuine interest in the company, but also helps you tailor your answers to demonstrate how you can contribute and drive forward towards their goals and overall purpose.
Action: Write down five key points about the company, including their core values and recent projects. Think about how your skills and experiences align with these specific characteristics.
3. Prepare Using the STAR Method
The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a powerful way to structure your responses to some of the classic interview questions. By organising your answers using this format, you can clearly communicate your experiences and achievements. The more you practise with this, the more your brain will automatically organise your improvised answers into this structure too - it’s a full proof method!
Action Step: Practise answering common interview questions using the STAR method by focusing on situations where you demonstrated key skills, achieved positive outcomes or met your goals.
4. Master Non-Verbal Communication
Your body language, eye contact, facial expressions and handshake all contribute to the impression you make. Start with a firm handshake, maintain good posture, and don’t shy away from making eye contact (it conveys confidence and professionalism).
Action: Practise your entrance and introduction with a friend or in front of a mirror. Pay attention to your posture, eye contact, and the firmness of your handshake.
5. Dress for Success
Your attire should reflect your professionalism and respect for the company’s culture. Choose an outfit that makes you feel confident and is appropriate for the industry and company.
Action: Plan and try on your interview outfit ahead of time. Make sure it’s clean, fits well, and aligns with the company’s dress code to help instantly build rapport.
By following these tips from our Interview Power® Course, you’ll be well-prepared to make a strong, memorable impression and increase your chances of landing your dream job. Remember, preparation and confidence are key to a successful interview.
Good luck!
If you've found these tips helpful, you can have a browse of our Interview Power® Course here through the header above under 'Individuals'.
