Up Your Interviewing Skills

After applying for a new job and getting to the next phase, thoughts of the actual interview must be flying through your head! “How should I answer the interview questions? What should I wear? Who will interview me?”

It’s totally normal to have those thoughts and anxious jitters right before you meet the person that could possibly be offering you your next job. Don’t stress too much: the CGS Team has figured out some key items to help you nail the interview and land the job you applied for!

Research the Company

It’s always good to stay ahead of the game and research the company you are interviewing with to learn about their values, services, and everyday operations.

Most employers usually ask if you know anything about the company during the first few minutes of an interview, so coming prepared with knowledge of the company is key.

Other common interview questions regarding the specific company include: What skills or qualifications do you have that fit with what we offer? Why do you want to work for our company?

Being prepared will make your interview less stressful and feel more natural. Researching the company you’re interviewing for can make it easier to get a leg up in a competitive job market. Supervisors tend to lean to candidates who are proactive in seeking knowledge about their organization.

Role Play

Role playing a job interview with a friend or family member will help you practice being comfortable while answering certain key questions. Practice does make perfect and will help you talk to hiring managers clearly without fumbling over your words.

Another great practice when mock interviewing is to advise your friend or family member to come up with questions on the spot. This will give you a better understanding of how quickly and efficiently you can answer questions that you aren’t sure are coming.

Always keep your strengths and experiences in mind while answering questions, and ask for feedback from your mock interviewer. You can also record or videotape your mock interview to see how well you answer questions, as well as analyze your areas for improvement.

Stay Calm

Nerves can get the best of us. As long as we keep them under control we can succeed. When interviewing, remain calm and focus on your breathing. The minute we get nervous, we start talking faster than usual, which can make our words jumbled.

When you’re calm, you’re able to think clearly and answer questions more appropriately. Before you go into the interview, picture how you want it go. Imagine in your mind that you are calm, polite and professional.

Picture yourself giving the best answers to any question that is thrown your way. Visualizing a great interview can help prep your mind for success! When your name is called, take a deep breath and stay positive.

Give Examples

During your interview, keep your achievements in mind. Employers want to know why you are a good fit for the position. Providing examples of your experience as it relates to the job or company you are applying for will help you stand out from other applicants.

Think of the skills you’ve acquired in school, work, and life, and how they can be beneficial to the company and the position you’re applying for. Employers want to know that they can trust you and that your work ethic is dependable.

Providing specific examples shows how you have helped other companies in the past, and why you would be an asset to the new company.

Related: What to Do Before the Interview.

Ladies, it is always important to maintain a positive attitude and answer questions confidently. Interviews are nothing more than an employer trying to get to know you and to see if you are a good fit for the position and the company.

Do you have any interviewing experiences that you would like to share? We would love to hear about any interview tips that you may have. Comment below!

-The CGS Team