We know that searching for a job can be a difficult and overwhelming process at times. Although you may reach the interview stage, you need to ensure that you stand out from other candidates in the same situation. We want to provide you with some job interview tips, so that you can be successful in your career. Here are five tips on how to be a standout candidate:
Tip 1-Do your research before the interview:
Ensuring that you know information about the company you are applying for is very important. Your interviewer could ask you questions on what you know about their company. This is a good way of them finding out if you have completed your own research before arriving for the interview.
To save you from being embarrassed in this situation, conduct research on what the company actually does, the company’s history and who their main competitors are. There are a variety of other things that you could be researching before entering your interview. Try not to neglect anything you think might be important for you to be aware of.
Tip 2- Have a list of your strengths and weaknesses ready:
There’s no doubt that when attending an interview, you want to sell your best attributes and the positive characteristics you could bring to the company. Showcasing your strengths is important and needs to be discussed during an interview process. However, there is a potential that your interviewer will ask you what you believe your weaknesses are.
At first you may feel reluctant to answer this question in case you create a bad impression of yourself. Take ownership of what these weaknesses are and what you need to work on. This shows your interviewer that you are self aware and are willing to better yourself.
Tip 3- Ask your interviewer bold questions:
Although you are being asked questions about your personal experiences, there could potentially be a moment when your interviewer asks if you have any questions for them. Use this opportunity to ask a well thought out question and help yourself stand out from other candidates. This will show that you are confident enough to know the questions to ask your interviewer, as well as showing an extra level of interest.
These questions could include, but are not limited to:
‘Can you tell me more about the day-to-day responsibilities of the role?’
‘Are there opportunities for training and progression within the role/company?’
‘Where do you think the company is headed in the next five years?’
Tip 4- Add value and experiences to your examples:
When answering the questions that your interviewer will ask you, try and respond by providing specific examples of when you actually showcased the skills you have mentioned.
For example, instead of just claiming that you ‘work well in a team’, provide real life examples of when you achieved this in a previous working/personal situation. Adding value to your examples shows that you are capable of using these skills in a real life situation.
Tip 5- Be yourself:
Whilst it’s always important to remain professional when at a job interview, it’s arguably as important to be yourself. The interviewer will have already seen your CV or cover letter and will know what qualifications you have to offer. Although this is important to bring to the job role, they also need to feel as though you are likeable and will fit in well with the existing team.
Make sure to show your interviewer your personality, whilst ensuring that you remain personable at all times.
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