How do I prepare for an interview?

The process of applying for jobs, especially the interview part, can be extremely nerve-wracking, especially if it’s your first one.

It’s important to prepare yourself mentally and physically for an interview. The person conducting the interview will expect you to be a little nervous, but it’s important you’re able to get your point across as calmly and professionally as possible. There are many types of interview, so make sure you prepare properly and plan your travel if it’s in person.

The best way to keep calm in an interview is by being safe in the knowledge that you’ve done your homework. Make sure that you’ve looked into both the company and the role. Think about your own skills and how they relate to the job description, and then you’ll be able to emphasise these in your answers to prove how suitable you are for the position.

Try and get a good night’s sleep the night before your interview so that you feel refreshed and ready for action. It’s also essential you look smart, so prepare your outfit the night before. First impressions can go a long way, so yawning through your interview in an un-ironed shirt won’t go down too well.

During the interview, make sure you sell yourself; let them know about your talents and what you can bring to their organisation – it might not feel like the natural thing to do, but it lets the employer see your confidence.

What employers are looking for is someone who they can connect with, so try to look relaxed and keep eye contact with the interviewer. Your body language can give a lot away, so avoid playing with your hair, or biting your nails as you could be giving them the impressions that you’re not confident in the answers you are giving, or even that you may be lying! Get more advice for how to sit in an interview and interview body language tips here.

Practising interview techniques with friends, family or tutors can also be very helpful, especially if you have never been in this situation before. This can help you feel more prepared for the type of questions that might come up.

It’s wise to think of some questions to ask the employer too; this shows initiative, assertiveness and a willingness to learn more about the company. Avoid questions about salary and hours – instead you could focus on the potential for career progression and try to get a sense of the company’s working environment. Remember, the interview is a two-way process – it’s as much an opportunity to find out it it’s the right job for you as vice versa.

Although it can be nerve-wracking the interviewer is looking for the best person for the job, so they won’t be trying to trip you up.