Your top 10 tips on how to SHINE in an interview_

Attending an interview can be intimidating but we’ve put together our top 10 tips to help keep you calm under pressure.

1. Be on time

There is no excuse for arriving late to an interview. Short of a disaster, strive to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled interview.

2. Make a good first impression

Dress professionally, but it’s not just how you dress but your body language too. Research by psychologists has shown that people decide what they think of you within four minutes of a first meeting.

3. Be yourself

Who you are is just as important for cultural fit as what you can do. Be confident, but make sure that confidence doesn’t come off as arrogance.

4. Research is key

Show that you’re prepared and that you have an interest in their business. That means knowing the company’s mission, their recent achievements and who is interviewing you.

5. Know your CV

This includes knowing what you’re looking for in the role and salary. Make sure you’ve reviewed your CV from start to finish and can speak intelligently about all the facts you have listed on it.

6. Have some questions ready

Questions, for example asking them about their goals, shows you are as interested in them as they are in you.

7. Be positive

Believe in yourself and your skills. Use positive phrases in your conversation as well as a direct eye gaze with your interviewer. Whatever you do, don’t bad mouth your old job or boss!

8. Be prepared

Have a few sips of water before you go in, make sure you’ve used the bathroom, have a pen and paper or digital note taking device ready.

9. Focus

Keep eye contact with your interviewer and take pauses when talking. Don’t rush it! Let your personality show, a bit of small talk can be a good thing too.

10. Just breathe

Interviews can be nerve wracking, so try to stay calm! If you’re unsure about a question or need some more information then it’s fine to ask for clarification.

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