There are countless self-help articles, books and blogs about how to succeed in interview. But how can you really prepare? The interview coaching experts at City CV are well-placed to provide an all-you-need-to-know guide to help you:
Dealing with interview nerves
It’s completely normal to feel anxious about an interview. It could be the stepping stone to a promotion, the way in to the new career you’ve been dreaming of or even your first ever interview situation. Most people will experience a degree of anxiety before any important event: athletes before a race go through the same pre-race routines and checks for a reason – preparation. If you don’t prepare, you will struggle to overcome your nerves and therefore perform at your best.
- Try visualising the interview situation, how you see yourself behaving.
- Think about some potentially tricky questions you could be asked (they may be about your weakest points or least favourite areas of the role) and practice your answers until you know you could answer positively and with conviction.
- Make a note of your particular successes and how you achieved them – reviewing these will instil you with confidence.
- Breathing techniques – if you find your heart racing or become panicked at the thought of the interview, try some breathing techniques to slow everything down and allow you to regain control.
Do your homework
You have to know – and be ready to share your reasons – why you want that role in that particular company. Research the company; look at their results, recent news, their status in the industry. And have facts ready to share in the interview with your spin and passion woven in to the answers. If you don’t believe in your answers, your interviewers won’t either.
Cover the basics
Whilst thinking about the actual interview, don’t overlook the basics:
- Make sure you know exactly where you are going and plan your journey.
- Ensure your outfit or suit is fit for purpose – clean, tidy and appropriate.
- Re-familiarise yourself with your CV and have all bases covered to discuss any aspect the interviewer might pick up on. Take a copy or two with you as well.
- Dehydration can wreak havoc on any intense situation – take some water to sip before your interview to keep your mind alert and stop your mouth drying and your stomach rumbling.
An excellent way to help you get ready for any interview or presentation is to utilise the skills of a professional interview coaching service. City CV can provide interview coaching to suit any level from recent graduate to CEO. Our extensive hands-on and proven experience can help you with all aspects of interview preparation as well as offering an industry-leading CV writing service, LinkedIn profile writing and all other elements of your job search portfolio. Call us today for more information on +44 20 7100 6656 or email enquiries@citycv.com.