Job interviews – let’s face it, most of us loathe them. However, to secure the job and move up the career ladder, it’s just something we have to endure. Regardless of what position you’re after, it’s vital you make a great first impression at the interview. You want employers to greet you with a smile and full of enthusiasm, rather than see a look of fear spread across their face!
Whether your interview is in the coming days, or you’ve got a little more time to prepare, getting organised and knowing what to expect will help you feel more at ease once the big day arrives. Here are some useful tips on how to fully prepare and look the part for your upcoming job interview.
Research the Industry and Company
First things first, when you’ve got a date for your job interview it’s time to start researching the business and industry. You need to leave no stone unturned. Make sure to thoroughly read through the job description so you can get a better idea of what the typical day-to-day duties of the job are. That way, when the interviewer asks you about the role, you can confidently talk in detail about what you think you’ll be doing.
When you do your research, this is sure to impress employers. You will come across as keen and willing to put the work in. Just try not to overload yourself with too much information. If you do, your mind may go blank at the interview which can end in disaster!
Practice a Mock Job Interview
Before you go for the real thing, it’s always a good idea to run a mock job interview first. Whether it’s your first job interview in a long time or you’re a seasoned pro, calling up a loved one to assist you with this will help prepare you for what’s to come.
Make sure to note down any questions you think the interviewer may ask. This will mean you won’t be caught off guard when it’s time for the actual interview. You may want to do a few practice runs so you can get an idea of what the real deal will entail. Just make sure not to laugh or muck around!
Get the Grooming Kit Out
First impressions mean everything in job interviews. You’ll not only want to feel the part but look the part too. For this to happen, it’s time to get the grooming kit out. We don’t mean just have a quick shave and shower. Instead, take your time on your grooming so your beard is trim and you look neat and fresh.
By being hygienic and looking put together, you can quickly gain respect from the employer and attain a dignified look. Your grooming habits will tell the interviewer a great deal about how you carry yourself, who you are as a person, and whether you’re the right fit for the job. Be careful when you’re grooming as the last thing you want to deal with is a cut!
Pick Your Outfit
Next, it’s time to pick an outfit for your job interview. Understandably, you’re not going to throw on a pair of jogging bottoms and trainers for the meeting. Instead, you need to find something that looks presentable and gives off a professional image.
You can’t go too wrong with a nice, tidy suit. Check out fashion blogs like Men’s Flair for inspiration. They have guides on men’s style and how to dress classic and cool for job interviews. You can look at their grooming and hair guides too that will help you get your look together and stand out from other candidates. Make sure to put on a pair of clean, shiny boots too. It’s wise to give them a polish beforehand!
Wear Some Accessories
Once you’ve got your outfit sorted out for your job interview, it’s time to turn your focus toward accessories. There are lots of little details that can make a real impact and help you portray a professional demeanour. Some popular accessories can include cufflinks and a nice watch.
If you’ve been asked to bring anything along to the job interview, make sure not to house any documents in a carrier bag! Trust us, this isn’t a good look. It’s best to bring a smart-looking briefcase with you. Stick to neutral colours instead of something too striking. After all, you don’t want it to stick out like a sore thumb.
Ask Questions
While a large part of any job interview will be the interviewer asking you questions, have you thought about asking any yourself? Most of the time interviews end with any concerns or questions you may have. Don’t sit in silence! You need to think of something to stop any tumbleweed!
There are lots of questions you can ask. These include where the role could take you in 5 years time, if there’s the option to do hybrid working, or just enquire more about what the position entails. Before heading into the room, it’s a good idea to have your questions written down on a piece of paper that you can quickly look at. That way, the questions will stay fresh in your mind, and you’ll know exactly what to ask.
Keep Stress Levels at Bay
If you have an important job interview looming, we understand that nerves may get the better of you. However, too much stress and anxiety aren’t going to do your health any favours. You don’t want to get worked up about the interview and fall poorly on the day! Keeping stress levels at bay is a must. This will help you think more clearly and somewhat get excited about the interview, rather than fear it.
As your job interview gets closer, try and do things to take your mind off it too. This may involve catching up with friends, taking up a hobby, or just having some time for yourself. Understandably, the job interview may mean a great deal to you, especially if it’s a higher salary or a more prestige role. But, your health and wellbeing should always come first, no matter what!
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
It’s the night before your job interview. How are you feeling? If the answer is terrified, you’re not alone! It’s normal to feel anxious and nervous about what awaits. But, it’s so important to get a good night’s sleep before the big day. You don’t want to be tossing and turning all night and find you can barely keep your eyes open in the morning. Don’t rely on a coffee to get you through either. If you don’t get a good night’s rest, your brainpower isn’t going to be at its best. Sadly, this can have a negative impact on the interview and could be the difference between you getting the job and continuing your job hunt.
Getting a good night’s sleep is easier said than done. Even if you go to bed early, you may be wondering whether you’ve ironed your suit, or if you’ve got enough time to get to the interview in the morning. To try and relax and go off into the land of nod, there are some things that can help. These include practicing meditation, eliminating any distractions from your room, and having clean, fresh bedding to sink into. You may benefit from running a hot, relaxing bath a couple of hours before bed too. Just find anything that promotes peace and tranquility!
Make Time for Breakfast
Your alarm bell sounds which means one thing and one thing only – it’s time for your job interview! You’re sure to go through a range of emotions in this moment. One moment you may be full of excitement and adrenaline, the next you’re a bag of nerves. However you’re feeling, make sure that you allocate time for breakfast. You don’t want to turn up to the interview and find the interviewer is focusing more on the sound of your stomach rumbling, rather than your talents!
There are lots of healthy breakfasts you can have to kick start your day, boost your memory and get you ready and prepared for the interview. These include avocado on toast, porridge, or cereal. Even if your stomach feels like it’s in knots, we cannot stress the importance of having breakfast. There are several benefits breakfast has on your body too. This includes helping you control your weight, reducing the risk of illness, and ensuring you make better food choices. Once you’ve given your body fuel, you’ll be full of energy and enthusiasm for your job interview.
While we appreciate going for a job interview can be a daunting experience, provided you take our suggestions above into account, they should help in lowering stress and ensuring you look and feel your best. Regardless of what position you’re being interviewed for, with a bit of planning and preparation, you are sure to knock the employer off their feet (not literally!) and increase your chances of getting the job. The last thing we will say is good luck!