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Ernest · 2023-12-18T06:19:15Z

There’s no denying that job interviews can be stressful, but they really don’t have to be. They are an important part of career progression and something that we should really embrace, but this is much easier said than done.Follow these 15 top tips for 2024 and make the best of your next job interview. Before the Interview1. Do your researchIn the days leading up to your interview you’ll need to familiarise yourself with the company and the role. It’s also good to do some research into your interviewer, or interviewers, if you know who they are.This information will inform the flow of conversation and, while your interviewer won’t expect you to know all of the company’s ins and outs, they will undoubtedly expect a basic understanding of the company and role that you applied for.2. Know your experienceYou’ll also want to familiarise yourself with your CV and any work examples that you want to share. You should be comfortable answering questions about your background, education, previous roles, skills, interests and anything else you’ve included in your CV.This is one of the few topics that you know for a fact will be discussed in the interview and you should be well-prepared to answer the questions that your interviewer will have.Prepare answers for the typical interview questions, as well as questions that are likely to come up based on the role. Try to have a few examples ready for each of the key skills and responsibilities detailed in the job description.3. Dress appropriatelyIn the past, it’s been standard practice to dress professionally for an interview, regardless of how formal or informal the role is.Today, things can be slightly more ambiguous, as it’s more common for offices to have a casual dress code. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you should dress casually for your interview, but it might suggest that “smart-casual” would be acceptable.A good rule is to always dress professionally unless explicitly told otherwise by your interviewer. If you’re not sure, always overdress rather than underdress. Your interviewer won’t mind if you wear office shoes when you could’ve worn trainers, but they will mind if you wear trainers when you should’ve worn office shoes.4. Be punctualYour interviewer will be looking for someone punctual to fill their role and the interview is your first opportunity to show that you are that person. If you are late to an interview (even with a reasonable excuse) it’s a pretty good sign that you’d probably be late for work.According to StandOut CV, 84% of interviewers regard lateness as the worst possible interview offence. So you cannot afford to be late!Truth be told, you can’t really afford to be on time either, as this gives the impression that you might have been late had any unforeseen circumstances arisen, so it’s important to be early.Being 10-15 minutes early shows effective timekeeping and organisation, both desirable qualities in a potential employee. It also helps to create a relaxed atmosphere before your interview even begins.5. Remember where you are going and whyThere’s an old anecdote about an interviewer crossing paths with an obnoxious stranger on the morning of an interview, only to later find that same stranger sitting in their waiting room.Assume that your entire journey will be filled with people connected to the business and, put simply, be nice to them. This could be as simple as smiling, driving considerately, or stopping to hold the lift for someone.This is particularly true once you arrive at the office as, according to the Recruiter Nation report, 62% of recruiters would dismiss a candidate for being rude to support staff like the office receptionist. So your interactions with people before your interview could be the difference between getting the job or not.Generally just being nice, polite and professional should do the trick here.During the Interview6. Be aware of your body languageYour body language willhave a significant impact on how you come across in your interview, so it’s important that you’re aware of it from the moment you arrive.Here are some body language basics.Sit upright and don’t lean on the wall, table or back of your chair.Maintain an open stance, with your arms uncrossed. Maintain eye contact for a few seconds at a time, particularly when answering questions. Smile.Try not to fidget.7. Pay attentionIt can be off-putting to feel like you’re struggling to maintain someone’s attention and making your interviewer feel this way will make a really bad impression.Checking your phone, looking around the room, or reading while your interviewer is talking are all signs that you’re not fully present in the conversation and will likely irritate your interviewer, even if they don’t say so.Pay attention to what your interviewer is saying. You’ll gain a better understanding of the things they tell you and be better placed to answer their questions effectively.8. Slow downIt’s common for people to speak quickly when they are nervous as a sub...

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Top Job Interview Tips for 2024

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Ernest

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Dec 30, 2023 4:01 pm

(@ernest)

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Very useful

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Ernest

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Jan 01, 2024 7:56 am

(@ernest)

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We are here

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