Interviewing for a new job is often incredibly stressful for hopeful job applicants. This can be confusing to try to figure out exactly how to act and present yourself. When meeting with someone in person, it’s important that you both look and feel confident and communicate your qualifications effectively. Which is often easier said than done. If you’re nervous or don’t know where to start getting ready for a big interview, remember that there are a lot of things that are under your control, and preparing adequately will go a long way toward keeping you calm and relaxed during the interview itself. Read on and we’ll go over five tips for nailing your next in-person job interview.
1. Dress well and present yourself appropriately.
According to a Monster.co.uk survey, 60% of hiring managers surveyed said that what an interviewee wears affects their perception of that person’s employability. The first impression you make is of paramount importance. So don’t neglect something as controllable as your wardrobe when it can give you a significant edge in the hiring process. Presenting yourself appropriately also includes being showered, smelling fresh, and looking neat and well-groomed.
If you’re struggling to find something that fits and looks professional, you may have to look for something designed to fit your frame. You may need to look for petite pant suits, outfits that are cut for larger sizes, or height-adjusted clothing, but it’s worth investing in something that’s right for you. You will find a variety of slimming pant suits or skirt suit pieces at retailers like White House Black Market which specialize in professional wear. The way your clothes fit matters just as much as the style of the clothes themselves. So send the right message by looking both stylish and put together.
2. Stay on the message and speak concisely.
You should know in advance what you want to say about yourself and what key points you want to make to the interviewer. You want them to remember specific things about you. Being focused and concise will help the interviewer understand what you’re trying to say and recall it later. Try to come up with some important details about yourself and your work ethic that reflect well on you and try to work them in subtly a few times over the course of your conversation.
3. Be relaxed and prepared.
The way you feel is just as important as how you look. No one performs their best when they’re crippled by nerves and anxiety and can’t focus on the task at hand. If you struggle with nerves, preparing as much as you can in advance is a great idea. You also want to ensure that you’re getting a good night’s rest, taking care of yourself, and making healthy choices, especially right before a big interview.
Adding something new to your routine right before an interview may not be a good idea. But if you find yourself anxious or struggling with sleep or stress, adding a CBN product to your regimen might be very helpful. You might be wondering, what is CBN? CBN, or cannabinol, is a minor cannabinoid that users say provides significant health and wellness benefits. Medical trials are still ongoing, but journals like The British Journal of Pharmacology have already recognized its potential for therapeutic use. CBN poses no psychoactive effects, and it can help with a myriad of things like general pain relief, insomnia, and inflammation. When you feel your best, you present your best self to others. Whatever strategy you use, finding a way to feel relaxed, healthy, and confident before the interview is key.
4. Ask the right questions.
A good interview should feel like a conversation and that means you have a responsibility to participate too. What questions you have about your role and the company you’re interviewing with say a lot to the interviewer about your perspective and priorities. Therefore, to provide you with a more accurate idea of what working there would actually be like. Show that you want to learn more, care about the company, and are eager to understand what your primary goals should be and hire managers will notice.
5. Follow up with your interviewer.
Make sure you get a business card or have contact information for your interviewer so you can follow up later. Thank the interviewer for their time, mention one or two specific points from the conversation, and reiterate your desire to move forward. That small step could be the difference between you getting your dream job and the company deciding to go with someone else who puts in the extra effort.
While it’s undeniable that job searches and interviews are both challenging and stressful. There’s no reason you can’t put yourself in the best position to succeed before you even walk in the door. Don’t forget, if they’re bringing you in for an in-person interview, there’s something about you that they find appealing. Take time to identify your strengths practice articulating them and do what you can to present the best. The most polished version of yourself is when you meet with the interviewer. If you do this, you can sleep soundly knowing you did everything you could to give yourself the best possible chance at whatever job you’re applying for.