Be Prepared!

Getting interviews is hard, it's a tight market out there and employers can be really picky about the people that they hire. So, if you're fortunate enough to line up an interview with a great company, you need to be able to knock them dead in the interview to be considered for the role! Here are some things to consider before your interview, nothing groundbreaking but simple it best.

Dress to Impress, whatever that may mean.

Basically, dress to the role. You don't want to be wearing something that distracts from what you're saying, but more demands that your interviewers pay attention to the wonderful words you're creating with your brain and verbalising to the broader audience through the use of your mouth. This might mean different things depending on the role or company for which you are interviewing, but as a general rule, they want to know you can dress professionally.

Do

• Find out the culture of the office and match that to your attire
• Ask your recruiter for advice on the general attire of the client on a day to day basis
• Wear matching socks

Dont

• Tail suits
• Willy Wonker hats
• Ironic T-shirts

Don't come empty handed

I dont mean bring them a gift or anything, just take everything you need so that you are prepared for whatever they might ask. Don't assume they will have your CV printed out, bring them a copy.

Do

• Print multiple CV's
• Take your business cards
• Have a pen and notepad
• Copy of your drivers licence

Dont's

• Bribe your panel
• Bring a celebratory bottle of champaigne to pop upon successful completion of the interview, might seem cocky

Get there early

Self explanatory, but just to be clear

Do

• Arrive 10 minutes early

Dont

• Sleep out front of the building the night before and wait for them to open in the morning

Be enthusiastic

Most likely, your interviewer is passionate about the company they work for, and they want someone who can match their level of enthusiasm for the work being offered. If you're already at the stage of interviewing with a company, chances are the experience on your CV make you suitable for the job, they are now seeing if you have what it takes to fit in with the team and engage with the work

Do

• Firm handshake
• Hold eye contact
• Be confident, you're in the room for a reason

Dont

• Over do it
• Jump up and down on the chairs Tom Cruise style

Be specific in your examples

The interviewer is going to want you to demonstrate specific times you have done specific things. I wrote an article on a good technique to use

Do

• Read this article https://www.garudax.id/pulse/your-mate-carl-toby-smithies/

Don't

• Not read this article https://www.garudax.id/pulse/your-mate-carl-toby-smithies/

Ask questions, but make them good

Asking questions is a great way to demonstrate that you are committed to the process and want to know more about the role. Write down some questions to ask based on the company and the role before the interview so that you're not thrown when they inevitably ask you for said questions.

Do

• Why is the position open?
• What do you enjoy about working here?
• How is performance measured in this role?

Don't

• What is the meaning of life? (its 42, you should already know that)

As I said, this is all very basic stuff, but these are things that I always get feedback on from my clients, so follow these steps and find yourself with a bountiful supply of job offers in a short period of time!